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Student loan

UK //ˈstjuːdnt ləʊn//US //ˈstudənt loʊn//

Definition

Borrowed money for education that must be repaid with interest.

In simple words: Money a student borrows to pay for education, which they need to pay back later.

Examples

  • Many graduates struggle to repay their student loan after finishing university.
  • Applying for a student loan can be a complex process.
  • She is worried about her student loan debt accumulating interest.
  • The government offers various options to manage your student loan repayments.
  • Not all students qualify for a federal student loan; some may need private loans.

Usage notes

Commonly used in discussions about education financing. More formal in financial contexts, but understood in casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

student loan + object

Memory hint

Imagine a student carrying a heavy loan while trying to learn.

Collocations

  • pay off a student loan
  • apply for a student loan
  • student loan interest rates
  • default on a student loan
  • student loan repayment

Synonyms

  • educational loan
  • college loan
  • financial aid
  • school loan
  • student debt

Common mistakes

  • Confusing student loans with grants, which do not need to be paid back.
  • Using 'student loan' for non-educational debts; it specifically refers to educational borrowing.
  • Thinking all student loans are the same; there are federal and private loans with different terms.