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STUDENT LOANS
Compare terms and rates of student loan lenders to find the right loan for you.
Are you worried about how you’re going to pay for college? Private student loans might be the solution you’re looking for. While federal loans are typically the go-to option for most students, they may not always cover the full cost of tuition and expenses. Private loans are offered by banks, credit unions, and other lenders, and can be a great resource for students who need extra financial assistance.
Explore our top picks for private student loans below:
EXPLORE TOP STUDENT LOAN LENDERS
Institution
Amount
Fixed APR
Variable APR
Loan Term
Credit Score
Learn More
Loan Amount
Fixed APR
Variable APR
Loan Term
$1,000 – 100% of school-certified cost of attendance
Must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, or have DACA status (valid SSN may be required)
For cosigned credit-based loans, the cosigner must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident
For credit-based loans, the applicant or cosigner must meet the minimum credit score requirement
International students cannot be U.S. citizens, permanent residents or have DACA status; must have eligible resident status and have a creditworthy cosigner who lives in the U.S. and is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
Cosigners for international students must meet the $24,000 minimum gross income requirement for the current and previous year and be able to submit satisfactory proof-of-income
For non-cosigned credit-based loans, the student must have at least 2 years of credit history and meet credit and minimum income requirements
For non-cosigned outcome-based loans, the student must be a full-time junior or senior with a 2.9+ GPA and no cosigner; must maintain a 2.9+ GPA and meet the school’s satisfactory academic performance
If applying with a cosigner, the cosigner needs to have good to excellent credit
Must be enrolled in a qualifying degree-granting institution
Must be a student attending school full-time, half-time, or less than half-time, or taking prerequisite classes
Must be a student attending school full-time, half-time, or less than half-time, or taking prerequisite classes, summer classes or continuing education classes at a participating school
Students who still need funds after maximizing savings, grants, scholarships, and federal student loans
Must be enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student
Must be pursuing a bachelor’s degree at a Title-IV eligible four-year institution
Must live in one of the following states: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin
If applying with a cosigner, the cosigner must have a 650 FICO score or higher
Must NOT live in Nevada (Earnest does not lend in this state)
Must be at least 18 years old (or have cosigner with “age of majority” per their state)
Must be a U.S. citizen or possess a 10-year, non-conditional permanent resident card and SSN (or have a cosigner with this; international students must have a SSN)
Undergraduates must be enrolled at least as half-time student (no enrollment requirements for graduate students)
Must be pursuing a bachelor’s or graduate degree at a Title IV-qualified, non-profit, 4-year institution
No past-due balances up to 1 year prior
Have at least 3 years of credit history (or have a cosigner with this)
Minimum income of $35,000 per year (or have cosigner with this)
Must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, or have DACA status (valid SSN may be required)
For cosigned credit-based loans, the cosigner must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident
For credit-based loans, the applicant or cosigner must meet the minimum credit score requirement
International students cannot be U.S. citizens, permanent residents or have DACA status; must have eligible resident status and have a creditworthy cosigner who lives in the U.S. and is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
Cosigners for international students must meet the $24,000 minimum gross income requirement for the current and previous year and be able to submit satisfactory proof-of-income
For non-cosigned credit-based loans, the student must have at least 2 years of credit history and meet credit and minimum income requirements
For non-cosigned outcome-based loans, the student must be a full-time junior or senior with a 2.9+ GPA and no cosigner; must maintain a 2.9+ GPA and meet the school’s satisfactory academic performance
If applying with a cosigner, the cosigner needs to have good to excellent credit
Must be enrolled in a qualifying degree-granting institution
Must be a student attending school full-time, half-time, or less than half-time, or taking prerequisite classes
Must be a student attending school full-time, half-time, or less than half-time, or taking prerequisite classes, summer classes or continuing education classes at a participating school
Students who still need funds after maximizing savings, grants, scholarships, and federal student loans
Must be enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student
Must be pursuing a bachelor’s degree at a Title-IV eligible four-year institution
Must live in one of the following states: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin
If applying with a cosigner, the cosigner must have a 650 FICO score or higher
Must NOT live in Nevada (Earnest does not lend in this state)
Must be at least 18 years old (or have cosigner with “age of majority” per their state)
Must be a U.S. citizen or possess a 10-year, non-conditional permanent resident card and SSN (or have a cosigner with this; international students must have a SSN)
Undergraduates must be enrolled at least as half-time student (no enrollment requirements for graduate students)
Must be pursuing a bachelor’s or graduate degree at a Title IV-qualified, non-profit, 4-year institution
No past-due balances up to 1 year prior
Have at least 3 years of credit history (or have a cosigner with this)
Minimum income of $35,000 per year (or have cosigner with this)
With College Ave, you can easily check if you prequalify for a loan without any impact on your credit score. In just 3 minutes, you can complete your online application and receive an instant decision. It’s quick and hassle-free!
With a cosigner, 95% of undergraduate borrowers are approved for additional loans to cover their degree, providing you with the financial support you need to pursue your education.
When it comes to repayment, College Ave offers flexibility. You can choose the standard deferred repayment plan, which includes the standard 6-month grace period for undergraduates, with graduate students receiving a 9-month grace period. College Ave also offers three repayment options that allow you to start paying off your loan balance while you’re still in school, empowering students to reduce the overall cost of your student loans.
Full Principal & Interest Payment – Start repaying your principal and interest right away to save the most.
Interest Only Payment – Pay the interest charges each month as you go during school.
Flat Payment – Make $25 payments each month during school to reduce your accrued interest.
If you’re looking for financial assistance for graduate school, College Ave offers graduate student loans for various programs, including MBA, medical school, dental school, law school, and graduate health professions.
Get Started: College Ave
PROS
Check to see if you qualify for a loan without a hard credit check
Apply for a loan in 3 minutes and get an instant decision
Get a 0.25 percentage point interest rate discount with autopay
Graduate students get a 9-month grace period
Student borrowers (U.S. citizens only) can request to release a cosigner
CONS
Borrowers can only apply to release cosigner after half of their scheduled repayment period has elapsed and other requirement
Ascent
Ascent offers a variety of loan options for full-time and half-time undergraduate U.S. and international students, allowing them the opportunity to apply for loans on their own, with a cosigner, or based on academic merits once they’ve advanced past their first two years of college.
Explore Ascent’s undergraduate loan options that include credit-based loans with a cosigner for added support, credit-based loans without a cosigner for greater independence, and outcomes-based loans without a cosigner that reward your potential. Plus, enjoy a generous grace period of up to nine months after graduation before your repayment journey begins – longer than what most lenders offer, giving you ample time to find your footing in the professional world.
Ascent goes the extra mile by offering exclusive perks. Outcomes-based loans without cosigners qualify for a 1% interest rate discount with auto debit payments, while credit-based loans get the standard 0.25% interest rate discount. U.S. borrowers applying with a cosigner have the option to apply to release their cosigners after 12 months of consecutive on-time principal and interest payments or an equivalent prepayment amount, as well as meeting other criteria. And last, but certainly not least, borrowers who have graduated can also apply for a 1% cash back reward on their principal balance (terms apply).
If you’re considering pursuing education beyond an undergraduate degree, Ascent also offers loans for MBAs, medical school, dental school, law school, PHDs and masters programs, and other health professionals (i.e., nursing, pharmacy, and allied health school costs).
Get Started: Ascent
PROS
Offers a grace period of up to 9 months after graduation
Offers a 1% (4x higher than most lenders) and a 0.25% auto debit rate discount (dependent on loan type)
Apply to get a 1% cash back reward on their principal loan amount upon graduating
No application, origination, or disbursement fees and no prepayment penalty
CONS
Students enrolled less than half-time are not eligible for loans
International students are not eligible for cosigner release
International students are not eligible for non-cosigned loans
Sallie Mae
Sallie Mae caters to every type of student. Whether you’re an undergraduate, graduate, or career training student, attending classes on a full-time, half-time, or less-than-half-time basis, they have loan options for you. Even international students who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents are eligible to apply. And there are no application, origination, or prepayment fees!
Students have the flexibility to apply with or without a cosigner. And if you do start with a cosigner, you can apply to release them from your loan after graduation, as long as you’ve made 12 on-time payments and meet specific credit requirements.
Sallie Mae also offers multiple prepayment plans, including:
Deferred repayment – You won’t make scheduled loan payments while you’re in school or during your separation or grace period.
Interest repayment – Pay a fixed amount each month while you’re in school and during your separation or grace period.
Fixed repayment – Only pay the interest every month while you’re in school and during your separation or grace period.
Loan options for various kinds of students and attendance schedules
No origination or prepayment fees
0.25% interest reduction with autopay
Apply to release a cosigner after a year of payments (terms apply)
CONS
Strict requirements for cosigner release
A hard credit check is used to asses eligibility
Funding U
Unlike most lenders, Funding U offers no-cosigner student loans for undergraduates, basing eligibility off things like a student’s academic success, course load, likelihood to graduate on time, and projected future earnings, rather than credit history. This makes Funding U a great option for students with little or no credit history or no cosigner available.
You can do pre-approval check in minutes and if you’re eligible, you will be assigned a loan officer who can help answer any questions or concerns that may arise about your loan offer, repayment options and academic plans during the application process.
Funding U’s no-cosigner loans all have fixed interest rates, and it doesn’t charge an application, origination, cancellation or prepayment fee.
Get Started: Funding U
PROS
Eligibility is not based on credit history
Apply without a cosigner
Interest reduction of 0.50% with autopay
No fees
CONS
No option to apply with a cosigner if desired
Loans are not available for summer classes
Must be a citizen, permanent resident, DACA recipient
Must be a full-time undergraduate student
Only lends to student at non-for-profit schools
Earnest
Earnest offers a convenient two-minute eligibility check that potential borrowers can use to see if they are qualified to apply. This only requires a soft credit pull, so it won’t impact credit scores.
Students can apply with or without a cosigner, but Earnest encourages having a cosigner because it can boost an applicant’s chance of approval by up to five times, as well as help secure a lower interest rate.
Borrowers have the freedom to choose from four payment options and can select loan terms that best fit their needs. And if a financial emergency were to ever come up, borrowers have the option to skip one payment a year without penalty.
Earnest also offers a grace period of nine months, which is 50% longer than the standard. However, this extended grace period is not available to borrowers who choose the Earnest Principal and Interest Repayment plan. Borrowers will also get a 0.25% interest reduction with autoPay.
But that’s not all! Earnest also offers a Rate Match Guarantee; if you get approved for a student loan elsewhere at a better rate, Earnest will match it and give you a $100 Amazon gift card!
Get Started: Earnest
PROS
Offers a nine-month grace period (50% longer than the standard)
Borrowers get one payment skip per year
0.25% interest reduction with autopay
$100 Rate Match Guarantee (terms apply)
Doesn’t charge any fees
CONS
Nine-month grace period is dependent on the repayment plan selection
Strict eligibility requirements
Loans are not available to residents of Nevada
Credible
As a leading research tool, Credible connects students with a network of lenders to access a range of loan offers tailored to their budget, unique needs and credit profile. Although Credible is not a lender itself, it acts as a great resource, guiding students towards the best loan options available.
To get started, complete Credible’s quick three-minute questionnaire. This simple step provides you with a personalized list of prequalified loan offers. Take your time to compare rates and terms so you can make an informed decision that aligns with your financial goals. Rest assured, none of Credible’s partnering lenders impose origination fees or prepayment penalties.
Confident in its ability to help students find the best loan option for their needs, Credible offers a best-rate guarantee; if you get approved for a loan elsewhere at a lower rate after using Credible, they’ll give you a $200 gift card.
Credible is 100% free and using it to compare student loan rates won’t impact your credit score.
Get Started: Credible
PROS
$200 Best Rate Guarantee (terms apply)
Check rates in as little as 3 minutes
Prequalify for loans without impacting your credit score
CONS
Only works with a small network of student loan lenders
Account creation is needed to compare loan offers
Repayment policies vary by lender
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do student loans work?
When a student enrolls at a college or university, there are various costs that come with attending that need to be covered, including, but not limited to tuition, books and supplies, room and board, food, etc. If they do not have the means to cover all the expenses associated with attending, they can apply for a student loan.
There are two types of student loans — federal and private. Federal means the funding is coming from the government, whereas private means the money comes from a bank, credit union or other financial institution.
Once you finish school, you’ll be expected to start paying back your student loans, plus interest. There is typically a six-month grace period after graduation before you must start making payments.
How do private student loans and federal student loans differ?
The main difference between these two loans is that federal student loans come from the government and private loans come from private financial institutions. They can have different interest rates, as well as repayment options.
How do I find the best private student loan?
The best student loans look different for everyone, and if you want to find one that works for you, it’s vital to do your research. Compare different lenders, check their eligibility requirements, and see what loans you qualify for. Don’t forget to look up current student loan interest rates, repayment plans, and fees.
How do I apply for a private student loan?
Here’s how to apply for a private student loan:
Pick a lender and get prequalified.
Fill out an application and provide all the necessary documents.
Select an interest rate, loan amount, terms, and repayment option.
Some lenders, such asEarnest, are known for having zero fees!
Will I need a cosigner for a private student loan?
Most private lenders will require students to have a cosigner before approving them for student loans. Although, lenders such as Funding U specifically do not ask for cosigners.
What kind of student loans will be forgiven?
Only federal student loans are eligible for forgiveness. Private student loans cannot be forgiven. Find more information on federal student loan forgiveness here.
Sallie Mae Disclosures
Borrow responsibly: We encourage students and families to start with savings, grants, scholarships, and federal student loans to pay for college. Evaluate all anticipated monthly loan payments, and how much the student expects to earn in the future, before considering a private student loan.
For applications submitted directly to Sallie Mae, loan amount cannot exceed the cost of attendance less financial aid received, as certified by the school. Applications submitted to Sallie Mae through a partner website will be subject to a lower maximum loan request amount. Miscellaneous personal expenses (such as a laptop) may be included in the cost of attendance for students enrolled at least half-time.
Lowest rates shown include the auto debit discount: Additional information regarding the auto debit discount: Advertised APRs for undergraduate students assume a $10,000 loan to a student who attends school for 4 years and has no prior Sallie Mae-serviced loans. Interest rates for variable rate loans may increase or decrease over the life of the loan based on changes to the 30-day Average Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) rounded up to the nearest one-eighth of one percent. Advertised variable rates are the starting range of rates and may vary outside of that range over the life of the loan. Interest is charged starting when funds are sent to the school. With the Fixed and Deferred Repayment Options, the interest rate is higher than with the Interest Repayment Option and Unpaid Interest is added to the loan’s Current Principal at the end of the grace/separation period. To receive a 0.25 percentage point interest rate discount, the borrower or cosigner must enroll in auto debit through Sallie Mae. The discount applies only during active repayment for as long as the Current Amount Due or Designated Amount is successfully withdrawn from the authorized bank account each month. It may be suspended during forbearance or deferment. *Information advertised valid as of 11/25/2024.
Terms:
Examples of typical costs for a $10,000 Smart Option Student Loan with the most common fixed rate, fixed repayment option, 6-month separation period, and two disbursements: For a borrower with no prior loans and a 4-year in-school period, it works out to a 10.28% fixed APR, 51 payments of $25.00, 119 payments of $182.67 and one payment of $121.71, for a Total Loan Cost of $23,134.44. For a borrower with $20,000 in prior loans and a 2-year in-school period, it works out to a 10.78% fixed APR, 27 payments of $25.00, 179 payments of $132.53 and one payment of $40.35 for a total loan cost of $24,438.22. Loans that are subject to a $50 minimum principal and interest payment amount may receive a loan term that is less than 10 years. A variable APR may increase over the lief of the loan. A fixed APR will not.
Earnest Disclosures
1You can take advantage of the Auto Pay interest rate reduction by setting up and maintaining active and automatic ACH withdrawal of your loan payment from a checking or savings account. The interest rate reduction for Auto Pay will be available only while your loan is enrolled in Auto Pay. Interest rate incentives for utilizing Auto Pay may not be combined with certain private student loan repayment programs that also offer an interest rate reduction. For multi-party loans, only one party may enroll in Auto Pay. It is important to note that the 0.25% Auto Pay discount is not available while loan payments are deferred.
2Actual rate and available repayment terms will vary based on your financial profile. Fixed rates range from X.XX% APR to X.XX% APR (excludes 0.25% Auto Pay discount). Variable rates range from X.XX% APR to X.XX% APR (excludes 0.25% Auto Pay discount). Earnest variable interest rate student loans are based on a publicly available index, the 30-day Average Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The variable rate is based on the rate published on the 25th day, or the next business day, of the preceding calendar month, rounded to the nearest hundredth of a percent. The rate will not increase more than once per month. Although the rate will vary after you are approved, it will never exceed 36% (the maximum allowable for this loan). Please note, Earnest Private Student Loans are not available in Nevada. Our lowest rates are only available for our most credit qualified borrowers and contain our .25% auto pay discount from a checking or savings account.
3Earnest’s Loan Cost Examples: These examples provide estimates based on principal and Interest payments beginning immediately upon loan disbursement. Variable APR: A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $118.28) and a 11.69% APR would result in a total estimated payment amount of $21,290.40. For a variable loan, after your starting rate is set, your rate will then vary with the market. Fixed APR: A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $126.82) and a 13.03% APR would result in a total estimated payment amount of $22,827.79.
These examples provide estimates based on interest only payments while in school. Variable APR: A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $118.28) and a 11.69% APR would result in a total estimated payment amount of $26,173.03. For a variable loan, after your starting rate is set, your rate will then vary with the market. Fixed APR: A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $126.82) and a 13.03% APR would result in a total estimated payment amount of $28,186.67. Your actual repayment terms may vary. Other repayment options are available.
These examples provide estimates based on fixed $25 payments while in school. Variable APR: A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $162.65) and a 11.69% APR would result in a total estimated payment amount of $30,584.74. For a variable loan, after your starting rate is set, your rate will then vary with the market. Fixed APR: A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $181.27) and a 13.03% APR would result in a total estimated payment amount of $33,915.55. Your actual repayment terms may vary. Other repayment options are available.
These examples provide estimates based on deferred payments. Variable APR: A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $174.79) and a 11.69% APR would result in a total estimated payment amount of $31,462.16. For a variable loan, after your starting rate is set, your rate will then vary with the market. Fixed APR: A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $193.75) and a 13.03% APR would result in a total estimated payment amount of $34,874.28. Your actual repayment terms may vary. Other repayment options are available. It is important to note that the 0.25% Auto Pay discount is not available while loan payments are deferred.
Credible Disclosures
We accept advertising compensation from companies that appear on this site, which impacts the location and order in which brands (and/or their products) are presented, and also impacts the score that is assigned to it. Company lists on this page DO NOT imply endorsement. We do not feature all providers on the market.
Ascent Disclosures
Ascent’s undergraduate and graduate student loans are funded by Bank of Lake Mills or DR Bank, each Member FDIC. Loan products may not be available in certain jurisdictions. Certain restrictions, limitations; and terms and conditions may apply. For Ascent Terms and Conditions please visit: www.AscentFunding.com/Ts&Cs. Rates are effective as of 7/1/2023 and reflect an automatic payment discount of either 0.25% (for credit-based loans) OR 1.00% (for undergraduate outcomes-based loans). Automatic Payment Discount is available if the borrower is enrolled in automatic payments from their personal checking account and the amount is successfully withdrawn from the authorized bank account each month. For Ascent rates and repayment examples please visit: AscentFunding.com/Rates. 1% Cash Back Graduation Reward subject to terms and conditions. Cosigned Credit-Based Loan student must meet certain minimum credit criteria. The minimum score required is subject to change and may depend on the credit score of your cosigner. Lowest APRs require interest-only payments, the shortest loan term, and a cosigner, and are only available to our most creditworthy applicants and cosigners with the highest average credit scores.
Min Loan Disclosure:
*The minimum amount is $2,001 except for the state of Massachusetts. Minimum loan amount for borrowers with a Massachusetts permanent address is $6,001.
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