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Planning for college finances can be tricky enough, even without all the letter-scrambling acronyms thrown into the mix. Between the jargon and complicated questions, we understand why financial aid can be so difficult. As a result, we’ve compiled a list of common student loan acronyms to help break things down a bit, and make the whole process easier. Check out our other post about college finance and application acronyms as well!
While applying for student loans should be a last resort method of payment—behind scholarships, financial aid packages (from the schools or the government), and federal work study opportunities—we realize it’s an option many people must take. Generally, many people take out loans even with financial aid. With all these decisions, it’s also important to learn as much as you can in order to make the most informed choices and avoid mistakes that will hurt you down the road.
So read on to learn a little bit more about the world of student loans!
AGD
Anticipated Graduation Date. Graduation begins the grace period on repaying student loans.
AWG
Administrative Wage Garnishment. When a person defaults on their loan, part of their wages are withheld.
CDR
Cohort Default Rate. A percentage of federal loan borrowers who enter repayment and then default on their loans after a certain period of time.
DAA
Default Aversion Assistance. Encouragement for borrowers to repay delinquent student loans. A lender can send in a DAA request when a borrower is 60-100 days delinquent.
DL
Direct Loan Program. A US Department of Education program that offers four types of loans: subsidized Direct Loans, unsubsidized Direct Loans, Direct PLUS Loans, and Direct Consolidation Loans.
FFY
Federal Fiscal Year. October 1st—September 30th.
FFELP / FFEL Program
Federal Family Education Loan Program. Federal program in which lenders offer four types of loans: subsidized Federal Stafford Loans, unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans, Federal Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS), and Federal Consolidation Loans.
FISAP
Fiscal Operations Report and Application to Participate in the Federal Perkins Loan.
FSA ID
A replacement for the Federal PIN.
GSL Program
Guaranteed Student Loan program. Recently changed names to the Federal Stafford Loan.
HPSL
Health Professions Student Loan program.
IBR
Income-based Repayment. A federal loan repayment program that caps required monthly payment based on income.
NSL
Federal Nursing Student Loans
NSLC
National Student Loan Clearinghouse.
OSLC
Online Student Loan Counseling.
School NOG
School Notice of Loan Guarantee
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Hopefully, this guide helped you understand financial aid better. We know how tricky financial aid can be, and also how frustrating applying for it is. If you’re interested in learning more about the financial aid process, check out our other articles. From explaining the difference between federal and private student loans, to a question-by-question guide of the FAFSA, we have you covered.
If college financing is also of concern to you, College Raptor can be an incredibly handy tool! With our free match tool, you can discover personalized college cost estimates and also see what sort of financial aid you might receive from colleges around the country.
| Lender | Rates (APR) | Eligibility | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
5.50%-16.12%* Variable
3.99%-15.61%* Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CITIZENS |
 |
5.54% - 15.70% Variable
3.99% - 15.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT SALLIE MAE |
 |
4.63% - 17.99% Variable
3.49% - 17.99% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CREDIBLE |
 |
6.00% - 13.75% Variable
3.99% - 13.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT LENDKEY |
 |
5.66% - 14.72% Variable
3.69% - 14.56% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ASCENT |
|
|
3.70% - 8.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ISL |
 |
5.62% - 16.85% Variable
3.69% - 16.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT EARNEST |
 |
5.00% - 14.22% Variable
3.69% - 14.22% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ELFI |
