The Federal Student Aid (FSA) portal, run by the Department of Education, provides a clearinghouse for federal student aid. It offers all sorts of resources, directions, and tips about student loans, plus solid information about finding a career, facts for new financial aid borrowers, and some good loan-counseling information. The site also describes how to reapply for student financial aid and how to maintain your financial aid eligibility from year to year.

Ever wonder what happens to your loan if you leave school early, either because you decide college isn't for you or your college closes abruptly? You can find out at the FSA portal. The site's NSLDS Financial Aid Review service provides access to information on your particular loan or grant requests, your outstanding balances, loan status, and disbursements.