Private Education Loan Resources
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) makes significant changes to the federal student loan programs, many of which are likely to increase reliance on private education loans. NASFAA has created the resources below to help financial aid administrators advise student and parent borrowers on the key differences between federal and private education loans, important information about private education loan terms and conditions, and information about how to choose a private education lender.
For Financial Aid Administrators
Private Loan Planning Brief
An overview of the current private education loan landscape. Helpful for seasoned financial aid professionals seeking to re-familiarize themselves with private education loans, as well as for those who are new to working with private education loans.
Financial Aid Administrator Checklist for Evaluating Private Lenders
A list of the critical questions you should be considering as you evaluate private education loan products for your students and parents.
Private Education Loans Administrator Reference & Best Practices (PDF)
A summary of the regulatory requirements related to private education loans.
Private Loan Request for Information (RFI) Template (PDF)
A template financial aid administrators can use to request information from private education lenders.
On-Demand Webinar: Navigating Preferred Lender List Regulations in a Changing Federal Student Loan Environment
This webinar reviews the statutory and regulatory requirements governing Preferred Lender Lists and discusses ways that institutions can responsibly counsel students while mitigating risk.
For Student and Parent Borrowers
Private Education Loans: Information For Students & Families
The basics of private education lending for prospective student and parent borrowers to help them understand the differences between federal and private loans.
Private Loan Checklist for Prospective Student and Parent Borrowers
A list of the critical questions borrowers should be asking private education lenders when they are researching their education financing options.
Publication Date: 4/22/2026
