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I am a student loan borrower
I work with borrowers (HR, advisor, lawyer, housing, etc)

NSLDS: The Data That Powers Your SDS Results

Behind every accurate SDS recommendation is one critical data source: your NSLDS file.


Most borrowers log into their loan servicer’s website and assume they’re seeing the full picture. But that portal only shows a snapshot of your loans today. It does not show your complete federal loan history.

Your NSLDS file—available at StudentAid.gov—is the federal government’s official system of record for your student loans. It includes your full loan history across servicers, repayment plans, deferments, forbearances, consolidations, and time spent in different programs.


That history matters.


SDS doesn’t just look at your current balance and payment. It analyzes your entire loan story. The months you’ve already paid. The programs you’ve entered and exited. The time you may have earned toward forgiveness. The consolidation events that could unlock or limit options.

Without your NSLDS file, that deeper analysis simply isn’t possible.


Why This Is So Important

Many repayment benefits, including lower payment programs and forgiveness pathways, depend on historical data. If that data isn’t included in your review, you could miss opportunities to:

  • Reduce your monthly payment

  • Qualify for forgiveness sooner

  • Correct errors in your loan history

  • Identify overlooked federal benefits


SDS is designed to help you make confident, long-term decisions about your student loans. Your NSLDS file is the foundation that makes those decisions accurate.


“I Don’t Know How to Get My NSLDS File…”


You’re not alone. Most borrowers have never downloaded it but the good news is that it’s actually simple.

We created a short, step-by-step video that walks you through exactly how to log into StudentAid.gov and download your file in just a few minutes.


Your free SDS analysis + your NSLDS file is the only way to uncover every federal benefit and payment reduction opportunity you may qualify for.


Take a few minutes. Watch the video. Get your file.

Make sure you’re not leaving savings or forgiveness on the table.



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