• Beyond College

Federal student loan servicers: What you need to know

Key takeaways

  • Federal student loan servicers manage your loan account day to day, including payments, account updates and repayment assistance options.
  • You generally can’t choose your servicer, but certain actions, such as consolidating loans, applying for PSLF or pursuing Disability Discharge, may cause it to change.
  • Your servicer should be your first stop for repayment questions or account issues. You can find your current servicer through StudentAid.gov.

How federal student loan servicing works

After you receive a federal student loan, the U.S. Department of Education assigns a loan servicer to manage your account. Your servicer handles day-to-day tasks like processing payments, maintaining your contact information and explaining repayment assistance options.

Student loan servicing companies

Federal Student Aid lists several federal student loan servicing companies, including:

If you're in default, your loan may no longer remain with your loan servicer. Instead, it will be sent to a collection agency that you would need to contact.

Can you change your federal student loan servicing company?

You generally cannot change your federal student loan servicing company in order to get different terms or service. However, your servicer may change if you consolidate your student debt, apply for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) or apply for Total and Permanent Disability Discharge.

Refinancing your student loan could also change your servicer because eligible existing loans may be combined into one new loan with a private lender. It's important to note that refinancing federal student loans with a private student loan will likely result in the loss of federal benefits, such as income-based repayment and loan forgiveness.†

Will I need help outside of my loan servicer?

Start with your servicer if you have repayment questions or account issues. If the issue isn't resolved, a manager or the servicer's internal ombudsman may be able to review your concern.

The Department of Education also has an ombudsman for borrowers who still need help after trying to work through their servicer.

Managing federal student loan repayment

If you're having trouble making payments and don't qualify for forgiveness or deferment, student loan refinancing with a different lender may be an option.

Refinancing may offer a lower monthly payment or interest rate, depending on eligibility and loan terms. Make sure you understand your refinancing options before you proceed.†

Frequently asked questions

How do I find my federal student loan servicer?

You'll usually find out who your servicer is when your loan is approved. You can also log in to your StudentAid.gov account and visit your My Aid page to look up your servicer at any time.

What happens if my federal student loan servicer changes?

Your servicer may change if you consolidate your loans, apply for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) or apply for Total and Permanent Disability Discharge. If your servicer changes, your new servicer should contact you with updated account information. Your loan terms generally remain the same.

What's the difference between my lender and my loan servicer?

Your lender is the entity that issued the loan. For federal student loans, that's the U.S. government. Your servicer is the company assigned to manage your account day to day, including processing payments and offering repayment assistance.

Ready to review your student loan options?

Citizens offers private student loan refinancing options that may fit your needs. If you have questions or would like more information about paying for college, check out our student loan refinance options.†