If you left college with a diploma and a pile of student loan debt, take heart. At least you have the degree. Millions of your fellow students owe huge sums for degrees they never received.

Whether or not you know the status of the loans you have, the lenders and the terms of repayment, one thing is certain: You owe the money, the debt will not go away, the lender will find you and the consequences for non-payment will be severe.

The good news is you can escape from student debt prison. But first you have to learn everything about the confusing world of student loans.