Cookie Policy
Last updated: June 4, 2025
1. What Are Cookies
Cookies are small pieces of data stored on your device (computer or mobile device) when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently, provide basic functionality such as remembering your preferences, and to provide site owners with information about how their site is being used.
Cookies set by the website owner (in this case, Student Loan Compare) are called "first-party cookies." Cookies set by parties other than the website owner are called "third-party cookies." Third-party cookies enable third-party features or functionality to be provided on or through the website (e.g., advertising, interactive content, and analytics).
2. Types of Cookies We Use
Essential Cookies
Essential cookies are necessary for the website to function properly and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually only set in response to actions made by you that amount to a request for services, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in, or filling in forms. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable information.
Performance and Analytics Cookies
These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous.
Functionality Cookies
These cookies enable the website to provide enhanced functionality and personalization. They may be set by us or by third-party providers whose services we have added to our pages. If you do not allow these cookies, some or all of these services may not function properly.
Targeting and Advertising Cookies
These cookies may be set through our site by our advertising partners. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant advertisements on other sites. They do not store directly personal information but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device.
3. Specific Cookies We Use
Google Analytics
We use Google Analytics to help us understand how visitors engage with our website. Google Analytics uses cookies to track visitor interactions. These cookies collect information about how visitors use our site, including where they came from, what they did on the site, and whether they completed any specific actions.
Facebook Pixel
We use Facebook Pixel to measure the effectiveness of our advertising and understand the actions people take on our website. This helps us ensure that our Facebook ads are shown to the right people and measure the results of our advertising campaigns.
Hotjar
Hotjar uses cookies and other technologies to collect data on our users' behavior and their devices. This includes a device's IP address (processed during your session and stored in a de-identified form), device screen size, device type, browser information, geographic location (country only), and the preferred language used to display our website.
4. Managing Cookies
You can control and/or delete cookies as you wish. You can delete all cookies that are already on your computer and you can set most browsers to prevent them from being placed. If you do this, however, you may have to manually adjust some preferences every time you visit a site, and some services and functionalities may not work as intended.
Browser Settings
Most web browsers allow some control of most cookies through the browser settings. To find out more about cookies, including how to see what cookies have been set, visit aboutcookies.org or allaboutcookies.org.
To find information relating to other browsers, visit the browser developer's website.
Opt-Out of Specific Services
In addition to browser settings, you can also opt-out of some third-party cookies directly:
- Google Analytics: Download and install the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on
- Facebook: You can manage your ad preferences in your Facebook account settings
- Hotjar: Disable Hotjar tracking
5. Cookie Consent
When you first visit our website, we will show you a cookie banner that allows you to accept or decline non-essential cookies. You can change your preferences at any time by clicking on the "Cookie Preferences" link in the footer of our website.
By continuing to use our website after accepting cookies, you consent to our use of cookies as described in this Cookie Policy.
6. Similar Technologies We Use
In addition to cookies, we may use other similar technologies to enhance your browsing experience:
Web Beacons
Web beacons (also known as clear gifs, pixel tags, and single-pixel gifs) are tiny electronic files contained on pages of websites that permit us to count users who have visited those pages and for other related website statistics.
Local Storage
Local storage enables websites to store data on a user's device. It is similar to cookies but can store more data and persists even after you close your browser.
7. Updates to This Cookie Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes to the cookies we use or for other operational, legal, or regulatory reasons. Please revisit this Cookie Policy regularly to stay informed about our use of cookies and related technologies.
The date at the top of this Cookie Policy indicates when it was last updated.
8. Contact Us
If you have any questions about our use of cookies or this Cookie Policy, please contact us at:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 1-800-STUDENT
Mail: 123 Financial Way, Student City, SC 12345