National Student Loan Data System: Access Your Federal Loan Info
The National Student Loan Data System gives you complete access to all your federal student loan information in one place. You can view your loan balance, servicer contact details, and payment history by logging into studentaid.gov with your FSA ID. Private student loans won't appear in NSLDS, so you'll need to contact those lenders separately.
Get Payment Plan HelpYou have multiple federal student loans. Tracking each one feels overwhelming. The National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) solves your problem.
You can find all your federal student loan information in one place. Your loan balance, servicer contact details, and payment history are right there.
Struggling With Student Loan Payments?
You're tracking your federal loans, but managing multiple payments feels overwhelming. Cambridge Credit Counseling can help you create a payment plan that reduces your monthly burden.
Reduce Your PaymentsWhat Is the National Student Loan Data System?
The NSLDS is your central database for federal student loans and grants. The U.S. Department of Education runs it through studentaid.gov.
You can access loan details, servicer information, and grant data from the dashboard. The system pulls data from schools, guaranty agencies, and federal programs.
The NSLDS includes Title IV loans, PLUS Loans, and Direct Loan Program loans. Private student loans will not appear in the system.
How To Access Your Federal Student Loan Information
Navigate to studentaid.gov and click the login button. You’ll need your FSA ID username and password.
You use the same login credentials you created for FAFSA. Don’t have an account yet? You can create one with your Social Security number and contact information.
After logging in, accept the terms and conditions. Your dashboard will appear immediately.
You’ll see your total loan balance and a breakdown of each loan. Click on any loan to view detailed information about that specific loan.
Your servicer details are also available. You can find their phone number and mailing address on your dashboard.
How To Download Your NSLDS Report
You might need an official NSLDS report for certain situations. Bankruptcy filings or financial documentation often require this report.
Log in to your studentaid.gov account first. Hover over your name in the top right corner.
Select “My Aid” from the dropdown menu. You’ll see an aid summary page appear.
Click “Download My Aid Data” in the top right corner. A security message will pop up reminding you to use a secure connection.
Press “Continue” to download your report. The file downloads as a .txt file to your computer.
How Much Student Loan Debt Do You Have?
Americans owe $1.77 trillion in student loan debt. The average borrower owes nearly $40,000.
You need to know your exact debt amount. Managing student loans becomes easier when you understand what you owe.
Federal vs. Private Student Loans
Two main types of student loans exist: federal and private.
Federal student loans come from the U.S. government. You apply through FAFSA each year on StudentAid.gov. Direct Loans are the most common federal loan type today.
Private loans come from banks, credit unions, and online lenders. Each private loan has unique terms and conditions. Private lenders don’t follow standardized federal guidelines.
Many students start with federal aid through FAFSA. Federal loan limits sometimes fall short of total costs. Students then turn to private lenders for additional funding.
Finding your loan information differs between federal and private loans. You need different strategies for each type.
Finding Your Federal Student Loan Balance
StudentAid.gov is where you filled out your FAFSA. The National Student Loan Data System connects to that same site.
NSLDS stores everything you need about your federal loans. Your balance, payment history, and servicer information are all there.
You can also call the Federal Student Aid Information Center. Your loan servicer or school’s financial aid office can help too.
Important distinction: Loan holders own your loans. Loan servicers manage your account and billing. The U.S. Department of Education holds federal student loans but assigns servicers for daily operations.
Finding Your Private Student Loan Balance
Call your private loan servicer directly. You can also check your online account with them.
Multiple private loans mean multiple phone calls. Each lender maintains separate records for their loans.
Can’t remember your private lender? Check your credit report. You can get free weekly credit reports from AnnualCreditReport.com. Your lenders will appear there.
If you’re struggling with multiple debts and need help creating a payment plan, our partner Cambridge Credit Counseling can help you reduce your monthly payments.
Why You Need To Access the NSLDS
NSLDS simplifies your federal student loan management. Multiple loans with different servicers become manageable in one place.
You can stay on top of repayments more easily. The system helps you determine eligibility for new loans or consolidation options.
Understanding your loan details gives you control. You’ll know when disbursement happens and what options you have.
Student Loans and Bankruptcy
The Department of Justice and Department of Education updated bankruptcy guidelines in November 2022. Discharging student loans through bankruptcy became more accessible.
You might qualify if your student loan is an educational debt under the Bankruptcy Code. Repayment must cause you “undue hardship” to be eligible.
The new guidelines reduce the burden on borrowers seeking discharge. Getting rid of student loans through bankruptcy is easier now than before.