What is the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS)?

The student loan system is run by the U.S. Department of Education and is a free website. The National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) is the place you go when you are trying to get information about your Federal Student Loans.

To access the website:

• Go to NSLDS.ed.gov.
• Enter your FSA log in and password credentials.
• If you do not have, or cannot remember your credentials, follow the instructions on the site.

Remember the website is free so do not be afraid to set up an account if you need to.

Once you log in, all of your Federal loan information is available except your payment history. You will see every loan you have applied for including:

• The date it was disbursed
• Deferment or forbearance information if applicable
• Status of repayment
• Default dates, if applicable

The National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) also contains information on the company who acted as your lender and who is your current servicer and guarantee agency. It provides you with a complete picture of your student loan status.

If you have a loan that is not showing on your National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) website, it is most likely not a Federal Student Loan. Unfortunately, no centralized system reflects all of your student loans federal, state or private in one place.

The best place to go for other loan information would be your credit report. You can get a free copy of your credit report from the three major credit reporting agencies by going to www.AnnualCreditReport.com. The law indicates you have the right to receive your credit report one time per year from each company but use that request wisely.

Most of the time you will find your National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) report is accurate, but not always. Be sure to read the information carefully and confirm it has everything on it. You are still responsible for the loan even if it is not reflected here. If you have older Federal Student Loans, the chance of an error increases. If you think your report has errors, try the Department of Education’s Ombudsman. If that is too confusing or you are getting nowhere, you will need a Student Loan Lawyer to help clarify and determine your best course of action.