A key factor in paying off your student loan payments is knowing where to find your student loan information. Depending on the type of student loan you have, there are two ways of finding the information you need.
Where to Find Your Student Loan Information
Federal Student Loans
The definitive source for information on your federal student loans is the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) is the U.S. Department of Education’s database for all federal student aid information. NSLDS receives data from schools, the federal loan programs, and other U.S. Department of Education programs. They also provide a centralized, integrated view of your federal student loans and grants so you can access and inquire about them.
NSLDS system only shows your federal student loans, not your private student loans.
Private Student Loans
To find information on your private student loans, you’ll need to contact each of your private student loan servicers to determine your total loan balance or check your credit report.
If you do not know about private student loans you might have, request a free credit report at annualcreditreport.com. Private student lenders may report your loans to credit reporting agencies even while you’re still in school or in deferment.
How to Access the National Student Loan Data System
You can find information about your federal student loans, including your balance, and interest rates through the National Student Loan Data System.
At NSLDS, you can view:
- Your loan servicer(s) and their contact information
- Your current loan status (in repayment, in default, etc.)
- Your student loan amounts and balances
- Your interest rates
To access your federal student loan information on NSLDS:
- Go to NSLDS.ed.gov
- Select “Financial Aid Review”
- Read and accept the Privacy Statement and agree to terms of use
- Enter your FSA ID and password*. Click “Login to NSLDS”
- Accept the “Disclaimer” that you’re entering a US Government website
- If and when prompted, enter your personal information including name, Social Security number, your date of birth.
- Click “Submit”
*Your FSA ID and password are the same when you sign in to FAFSA. No FSA ID? Create one.
