How it works
Understand Your Private Student Loan Options, Then Decide What Comes Next
Private student loan debt can be difficult to navigate, especially when you're dealing with high monthly payments, multiple accounts, financial hardship, variable interest rates, or collection communications. We help you make this process easier to understand: start with a conversation, learn what options may be available, and decide whether a particular service is right for you.
Get My Free ConsultationA simple process without the guesswork
You don't need to know which solution you need before contacting us. We'll start with your circumstances and help you understand the potential next step.
Talk with a private student loan advisor
Tell us what's happening with your private student loans. During your initial consultation, you can discuss your current loan balances, monthly payment obligations, the lenders or servicers involved, changes in your financial circumstances, collection communications, concerns about account information, co-borrower removal, variable interest rates, and your goals and priorities.
No obligation to move forwardReview your potential options
There isn't one answer for every private student loan borrower. After learning more about your situation, you may be able to explore services offered through independent network providers, including:
- Debt validation review
- Loan modification strategies
- Consolidation or refinancing
Understand the details before you decide
If a service appears appropriate, you'll have an opportunity to understand the process before deciding whether to proceed, including what it's designed to do, who provides it, what may be required from you, how long it may take, what fees may apply, and what outcomes cannot be guaranteed.
You make the decision about whether to move forwardMove forward with your selected service
If you decide that an available service is appropriate, the applicable independent network provider can explain the next steps. You may need to provide documents, account information, financial information, or other materials the provider needs to evaluate or administer the service.
The process is personal because your situation is personalWork toward your financial goals
Once you've selected a service, you'll work through the applicable process with the provider responsible for it. Depending on your circumstances, that may mean more manageable payments, resolved account concerns, or a clearer repayment path.
Results are not guaranteed and timing varies by borrowerHow the validation process generally works
If a debt collector is attempting to collect a qualifying consumer debt, federal law may provide certain validation rights. A review can help you understand the information associated with a collection account and identify questions that may require further attention.
- Review the validation information. When you receive a collection communication, review the creditor, amount claimed, account information, dates, and instructions concerning your rights. Keep a copy of the communication.
- Determine whether you have a question or dispute. Under the FDCPA, a consumer generally has 30 days after receiving the required validation information to dispute the debt or request certain information about the original creditor. A dispute can concern all or part of the debt.
- Submit a qualifying dispute when appropriate. When a consumer makes a qualifying written dispute within the applicable period, the debt collector generally must cease collection of the disputed portion until it provides the required verification. Retain copies of what you send and when you sent it.
- Review the collector's response. The response can help you better understand the creditor, the claimed balance, account identification, payment history, credits or adjustments, and the basis for the amount claimed.
Debt validation is not automatic debt forgiveness. Requesting validation does not by itself mean a debt is invalid, and it does not guarantee that a debt will be reduced, canceled, settled, discharged, or eliminated.
The FDCPA generally applies to qualifying collection activity by covered debt collectors. Whether it applies to a particular situation depends on the facts, the parties involved, the nature of the debt, and applicable federal and state law.
Request a Debt Validation ReviewModification, consolidation, and refinancing
Two more paths borrowers sometimes explore, depending on the lender, terms, and financial circumstances involved.
Private student loan modification
A payment that was manageable in the past may become difficult after a change in income, employment, household expenses, or other circumstances. Depending on the lender and available programs, some borrowers may be able to explore modification strategies. Potential terms and eligibility vary, and a review may consider:
- Current financial circumstances and loan terms
- Payment history and current account status
- Income, expenses, and available lender programs
Consolidation and refinancing
Consolidation or refinancing may look attractive when you're managing multiple payments, but changing your loan structure has both benefits and drawbacks. Before moving forward, consider:
- Current versus proposed interest rate, fixed or variable
- Remaining repayment period and monthly payment
- Total repayment cost and credit requirements
- Co-borrower removal and any changes to borrower protections
A lower monthly payment does not necessarily mean a lower total cost.
Information first. Decision second.
We believe consumers make better financial decisions when they understand what they're considering, which is why every review focuses on the same five things.
Clarity
We explain the process in straightforward language.
Personalization
We consider your circumstances rather than assuming every borrower needs the same solution.
Transparency
We want you to understand potential costs, requirements, limitations, and outcomes before committing to a service.
Choice
You decide whether you want to move forward.
Support
We help make the process easier to navigate, from your initial inquiry through the service you select.
How long does the process take?
There isn't a universal timeline for private student loan assistance. Timing may depend on:
- Your loan type and account status
- Required documentation
- The service selected
- The lender or collector involved
- Your responsiveness
- Applicable state and federal requirements
- The complexity of your circumstances
Some reviews may be relatively straightforward, while others can require additional documentation or time. We'll explain the applicable process before you move forward.
Important information
Private Student Loan Assist is a private student loan payment relief consulting organization. We are not a law firm, lender, creditor, debt settlement company, or debt consolidation company. We do not provide legal, tax, or financial advice, assume consumer debt, or make payments to creditors on behalf of consumers.
Services described on this page may be provided by independent third-party network providers. The applicable provider, rather than Private Student Loan Assist, may be responsible for performing a particular service. Provider eligibility, fees, agreements, licensing, and service availability may vary.
Debt validation services are subject to applicable federal and state law and the specific circumstances of the account. The FDCPA does not automatically apply to every private student loan, lender, creditor, servicer, or collection communication. Debt validation is an information and dispute process; it does not guarantee that a debt is invalid or that a debt will be reduced, settled, canceled, discharged, or eliminated.
If you need legal advice or believe your rights have been violated, consult a qualified attorney. Results vary based on individual circumstances. Services may not be available in every state or for every borrower.
Private student loan questions don't have to stay unanswered
Understand your situation. Explore your options. Make an informed decision.