Private vs. Federal Student Loans
The rules, consequences, and solutions are completely different. PSLA Center helps with private loans only. Not sure which you have? Call us — we can tell you.
Have Private Loans? Get Help
NOT A LENDER — Private Student Loans Only — Min. $15,000 in debt
Or call us directly: (858) 799-0381
How to Tell If Your Loans Are Private or Federal
Log into studentaid.gov with your FSA ID. If your loans appear there, they are federal. If your servicer is Navient, AES, Sallie Mae, MOHELA, Firstmark, Wells Fargo, or a collection agency and your loans do NOT appear on studentaid.gov — they are likely private. Not sure? Call us at (858) 799-0381 and we can tell you.
Full Comparison: Private vs. Federal Student Loans
| Feature | Private Student Loans | Federal Student Loans |
|---|---|---|
| Who is the lender? | Banks, credit unions (Navient/Sallie Mae, MOHELA, Firstmark, Discover, KeyBank, College Ave) | U.S. Government — serviced by Fedloan, Nelnet, Aidvantage, Great Lakes |
| Wage garnishment without lawsuit? | ✗ No — must sue and win judgment first | ✓ Yes — can garnish wages, tax refunds, Social Security |
| Loan forgiveness programs? | ✗ None | ✓ Yes — PSLF, income-driven, Teacher Loan Forgiveness |
| Income-based repayment? | ✗ Not guaranteed | ✓ Yes |
| Statute of limitations? | ✓ Yes — varies by state (3–10 years). Stays on credit 7 years from last payment | ✗ None — never expire |
| Default rehabilitation? | ✗ No — pay in full, call PSLA Center, or do nothing and PRAY | ✓ Yes — built-in rehabilitation program |
| Bankruptcy discharge? | Extremely difficult for both — must prove "undue hardship." Learn the truth about bankruptcy and private student loans → | |
| PSLA Center can help? | ✓ Yes — this is all we do | ✗ No — contact Dept. of Education |
If You Have Federal Loans
PSLA Center does not help with federal student loans. Contact the Department of Education at studentaid.gov or call 1-800-4-FED-AID.
If You Have Private Loans
If your private student loans are in default, collections, or you are behind on payments, PSLA Center has a 99% success rate helping borrowers get relief. We have been doing this for over 12 years — longer than any other organization in this field. Call (858) 799-0381 for a free consultation.
Have Private Student Loans? We Can Help.
Free consultation. No obligation. 99% success rate.
📞 Call (858) 799-0381