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Home Plan for College Benefits of College What is Online College Like?
  • Contents
  • How do I Attend Classes Online?
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What is Online College Like?

By Hannah H.
Updated on October 2, 2023
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With the advent of COVID-19, online learning has become increasingly popular among students. This trend has led to more individuals considering continuing their education through online platforms. Whether you have recently graduated high school or are juggling the responsibilities of a busy family and work life, pursuing an online degree can provide you with new knowledge and potential career opportunities. Online courses generally have a workload comparable to traditional face-to-face classes, with similar assignments, deadlines, and study time. You may be required to attend virtual lectures or have the flexibility to view them at your convenience. Additionally, online discussions boards are often used as substitutes for in-person conversations. Read further to explore the various options available in an online college environment.

Learn more >>> How to get a Degree Through Distance Learning

How do I Attend Classes Online?

Synchronous Courses

In a synchronous course, classes are structured after a similar format as a traditional classroom with set beginning and ending dates, class times, and submission deadlines. Class members log on to class at a particular time to listen to lectures, discuss class concepts with the instructor and classmates, or complete projects in groups. With a more formal structure, you will need to carve out specific times in your schedule to ensure you can meet the requirements.

Asynchronous Courses

With specific deadlines and due dates to structure the course, asynchronous classes are more flexible for busy schedules. These courses are completed independently, possibly requiring you to check in with a professor or TA from time to time. With this type of flexibility, self-discipline and internal motivation are needed to complete the workload, but this format works well if you need to arrange your schooling around other obligations. 

Hybrid Courses

These blended courses have both in-person and online components. If you are participating in a hybrid class, you may have some scheduled in-person meet-ups during the semester. This will be in conjunction with your regular online interactions and assignments.

No matter what course format you choose, know that each type has advantages depending on your needs. Consider your strengths and find which class format suits you best!

What is an Online Course Like?

Technology Proficiencies

If you are looking to take an online course, you should have a basic proficiency in the following:

  • Basic computer skills
  • Sending/receiving email (including attachments)
  • Understanding how to use a web browser
  • Be able to conduct searches using a search engine
  • Know how to download and install software
  • Be familiar with browser plug-ins such as PDF readers, video, audio
  • Understand how to use word processing and presentation software
  • Be experienced with the following formats: .pdf, .rtf,. doc or .docx, and .txt
  • Be able to use document scanners or scanning apps to be able to convert handwritten works to a PDF
  • Be willing to self-direct and learn new technologies to complete what is asked of you

Understanding how to access and navigate the various technology dashboards you’ll be involved with may require a bit of a learning curve, but with some perseverance and willingness to ask questions and seek out answers, you should be able to manage whatever you find along your path!

Best Private Student Loans for Graduate School

College Ave Student Loans

Recommendation
Best for Private Loans
Repayment Terms

5, 8, 10 or 15 years2

Interest Rates

Variable rates as low as: 5.29% APR1

Fixed rates as low as: 5.05% APR1

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College Ave Student Loans
  • Competitive fixed and variable APRs starting at 5.05%1
  • Multiple repayment options including: full principal and interest, interest-only, deferred, and flat payment
  • Flexible payment terms ranging from 5, 8, 10, and 15 years2
  • Coverage up to 100% of your school-certified cost of attendance ($1,000 minimum)3
  • No origination, application and processing fees, no fees for early repayment
  • Apply online in 3 minutes and get an instant credit decision
  • Applying with a cosigner can increase your chances of getting approved and could result in a lower interest rate

College Ave Student Loans products are made available through Firstrust Bank, member FDIC, First Citizens Community Bank, member FDIC, or M.Y. Safra Bank, FSB, member FDIC.. All loans are subject to individual approval and adherence to underwriting guidelines. Program restrictions, other terms, and conditions apply.

1Rates shown are for the College Ave Undergraduate Loan product and include autopay discount. The 0.25% auto-pay interest rate reduction applies as long as a valid bank account is designated for required monthly payments. If a payment is returned, you will lose this benefit. Variable rates may increase after consummation.

2This informational repayment example uses typical loan terms for a freshman borrower who selects the Deferred Repayment Option with a 10-year repayment term, has a $10,000 loan that is disbursed in one disbursement and a 8.35% fixed Annual Percentage Rate (“APR”): 120 monthly payments of $179.18 while in the repayment period, for a total amount of payments of $21,501.54. Loans will never have a full principal and interest monthly payment of less than $50. Your actual rates and repayment terms may vary.

3As certified by your school and less any other financial aid you might receive. Minimum $1,000.

Information advertised valid as of 10/04/2023. Variable interest rates may increase after consummation. Approved interest rate will depend on the creditworthiness of the applicant(s), lowest advertised rates only available to the most creditworthy applicants and require selection of full principal and interest payments with the shortest available loan term.

Cosigner Recommended

Sallie Mae Private Student Loans

Recommendation
Best for Private Loans
Repayment Terms

10-15 Years6

(undergraduate)

Interest Rates

Variable Rates: 6.37% APR - 16.70% APR1

Fixed Rates: 4.50% APR - 15.49% APR1

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Sallie Mae Private Student Loans
  • Variable Rates: 6.37% APR - 16.70% APR. Fixed Rates: 4.50% APR - 15.49% APR. Lowest rates shown include 0.25% interest rate discount with auto debit payments.1
  • Apply online in minutes and receive an instant credit result2
  • Multiple repayment options from in-school payments to deferred.1 No origination fee or prepayment penalty3
  • Last year, students were 3x more likely to be approved with a cosigner4 and it may help you get a better rate.
  • Borrow up to 100% of school-certified expenses, whether you're online or on campus5

Borrow Responsibly

We encourage students and families to start with savings, grants, scholarships, and federal student loans to pay for college. Students and families should evaluate all anticipated monthly loan payments, and how much the student expects to earn in the future, before considering a private student loan.

Loans for Undergraduate & Career Training Students are not intended for graduate students and are subject to credit approval, identity verification, signed loan documents, and school certification. Student must attend a participating school. Student or cosigner must meet the age of majority in their state of residence. Students who are not U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents must reside in the U.S., attend school in the U.S., apply with a creditworthy cosigner (who must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident), and provide an unexpired government-issued photo ID. Requested loan amount must be at least $1,000.

1Advertised 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.

2In 2022, instant credit decisions were provided to 97.8% of applicants.  Other applications typically received credit decisions in 3 to 5 business days.

3Although we do not charge a penalty or fee if you prepay your loan, any prepayment will be applied as outlined in your promissory note-first to Unpaid Fees and costs, then to Unpaid Interest, and then to Current Principal.

4Based on the percentage of borrowers who were approved for an undergraduate loan with a cosigner compared to the percentage of borrowers who were approved for an undergraduate loan without a cosigner from October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022. 

5 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 may be subjected 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. 

6 Examples of typical costs for a $10,000 Smart Option 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 may receive a loan term that is less than 10 years. 

Information advertised valid as of 08/25/2023.

SALLIE MAE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS, SERVICES, AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. CHECK SALLIEMAE.COM FOR THE MOST UP-TO-DATE PRODUCT INFORMATION.

Smart Option Student Loans® are made by Sallie Mae Bank. Sallie Mae, the Sallie Mae logo, and other Sallie Mae names and logos are service marks or registered service marks of Sallie Mae Bank. All other names and logos used are the trademarks or service marks of their respective owners.

Edvisors is not the creditor for these loans and is compensated by Sallie Mae for the referral of Sallie Mae loan customers.

© 2023 Sallie Mae Bank. All rights reserved. SLM Corporation and its subsidiaries, including Sallie Mae Bank are not sponsored by or agencies of the United States of America.

Sallie Mae Private Student Loans

Recommendation
Best for Private Loans
Repayment Terms

5 , 7 , 10 and 15 years

Interest Rates

Variable: 4.98% APR - 12.79%APR1

Fixed: 4.48% APR – 12.29% APR1

Apply Now More Info
Sallie Mae Private Student Loans
  • Prequalification: Prequalify to estimate your rate without affecting your credit score
  • Online Application Process: Submit online application in minutes
  • Flexible Repayment Options: ELFI offers immediate, interest only, partial payment, and fully deferred repayment options
  • No Fees: No application fees, origination fees, or prepayment penalties
  • Low Rates: Fixed rates from 4.48% to 12.29% and variable rates from 4.98% - 12.79% 
  • Award winning Customer Service: Individually paired Student Loan Advisor to guide you through the application process

*Education Loan Finance is a nationwide student loan provider offered by Tennessee based SouthEast Bank. ELFI is designed to assist students financially with receiving their education. Subject to credit approval. See Terms & Conditions. Interest rates current as of 04-01-2023. Variable interest rates may increase after closing but will never exceed 18.00%. Interest rates may also differ from the rates shown above. The term of your loan, financial history, and other factors, including your cosigner’s (if any) financial history can affect the interest rate. For example, a 10-year loan with a fixed rate of 7% would have 120 payments of $11.61 per $1,000 borrowed. Rates are subject to change.

 

Ascent offers loans that power bright futures

Recommendation
Best for Private Loans
Repayment Terms

5, 7, 10, 12 and 15 years

Interest Rates

Variable rates as low as: 6.15% APR1

Fixed rates as low as: 4.83% APR1

Apply Now More Info
Ascent offers loans that power bright futures
  • AFFORDABLE variable rates starting at 6.15% APR with Automatic Debit Discount*
  • 1% CASH BACK Graduation Reward*
  • NON-COSIGNED option may be available for undergraduate juniors and seniors.
  • PAY AFTER LEAVING SCHOOL – Customize your loan with flexible repayment options – start payments after graduation.
  • FORGET FEES – No application, origination or disbursement fees. No prepayment penalty if you choose to pay your loan off early.
  • COVER UP TO 100% of your tuition and eligible living expenses.

* 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 11/01/2023 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: www.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.  

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.

Income Based Repayment

Edly

Recommendation
Best for Private Funding
Repayment Terms

5-12 years

Interest Rates

Variable: 0.00% APR - 23.00% APR1

Apply Now More Info
Edly
  • MUST BE a US citizen or permanent resident
  • MUST attend an Edly-supported school
  • Cosigner and Non-Cosigner student loan products available
  • Income-based repayment with built-in protections, like hardship forbearance if you lose your job

Edly IBR Student Loans are unsecured personal student loans issued by FinWise Bank, a Utah chartered bank, Member FDIC. All loans are subject to eligibility criteria and review of creditworthiness and history. Terms and conditions apply.

Loans from $5,000 - $15,000 per academic year, with a $25,000 aggregate maximum with repayment terms of 84 months.

1. Loan Example (IBR No Cosigner Student Loan):

$10,000 Loan with Salary of $65,000. Loan is funded in September, borrower graduates in May.

  • Loan Amount: $10,000
  • Gross income payment percentage: 7%
  • Number of Payments at an Initial APR: 12
  • Initial Payment Amount: $200
  • Number of Payments at gross income payment percentage: 53
  • IBR Payment Amount: $379.17
  • Final Payment to reach Payment Cap: $3.99
  • Total Number of Payments: 66
  • Total Payment Amount: $22,500
  • Effective APR: 22.5%

2. Additional Loan Example (IBR No Cosigner Student Loan):

$10,000 Loan with Salary at Minimum Income Threshold, $30,000. Loan is funded in September, graduates in May.

  • Loan Amount: $10,000
  • Gross income payment percentage: 7%
  • Number of Payments at an Initial APR: 12
  • Initial Payment Amount: $200
  • Number of Payments at gross income payment percentage: 72
  • IBR Payment Amount: $175
  • Total Number of Payments: 84
  • Total Payment Amount: $15,000
  • Effective APR: 9.7%

3. Additional Loan Example (IBR Cosigner Student Loan): $10,000 Loan with early payoff. Loan is funded in September, graduates in May.

  • Loan Amount: $10,000
  • Gross income payment percentage: 7%
  • Number of Initial Payments: 9
  • Initial Payment Amount: $50
  • Number of Payments at gross income payment percentage: N/A
  • IBR Payment Amount: N/A
  • Total Number of Payments: Early Payoff
  • Total Payment Amount: $12,516
  • Effective APR: 23%

4. Additional Loan Example (IBR Cosigner Student Loan): $10,000 Loan with Salary of $65,000. Loan is funded in September, graduates in May.

  • Loan Amount: $10,000
  • Gross income payment percentage: 7%
  • Number of Initial Payments: 9
  • Initial Payment Amount: $50
  • Number of Payments at gross income payment percentage: 47
  • IBR Payment Amount: $379.17
  • Final Payment Amount: $375.73
  • Total Number of Payments: 57
  • Total Payment Amount: $18,647
  • Effective APR: 23.0%

About these examples:

These are examples. Your specific terms will be provided if you are approved. In examples 1 and 2, a student defers while in school and post-graduation grace period for 11 months and then makes the minimum payment for 12 months followed by the income based payments beginning 24 months after taking the loan. In example 3, a student or co-signer defers for two months, then makes the minimum monthly payment for 9 months while the student is in school and then pays off the loan in month 12. In example 4, a student or co-signer defers for two months and then makes the minimum monthly payments for 9 months while in school followed by income based payments beginning 12 months after taking the loan. For co-sign loans, the student or co-signer must make small payments while the student is in school. The initial payment schedule is set upon receiving final terms and upon confirmation by your school of the loan amount. You may repay this loan at any time by paying an effective APR of 23%. Please refer to your loan agreement or call us for your payoff amount. In examples 1 and 2, the maximum amount you will pay is $22,500 (not including Late Fees and Returned Check Fees, if any). In examples 3 and 4, the maximum amount you will pay is $25,000 (not including Late Fees and Returned Check Fees, if any). The maximum number of regularly scheduled payments you will make is 84. You will not pay more than 23% APR. No payment is required if the student’s gross earned income is below $30,000 annually or if the student loses his or her job and cannot find employment. This does not apply for co-sign loans. Interest will accrue at the Growth Rate of 22.75% on the unpaid loan balance during the life of the loan including during any deferral periods. The Growth Rate is an annualized interest rate which uses daily compounding and assumes actual number of days in each month and the actual number of days in each year (“Growth Rate”). The effective APR differs from the Growth Rate and considers fees and reflects the cost of your loan as a yearly rate. For more information about the effective APR, see reference notes. See your loan agreement for additional information regarding your prepayment options, including how to prepay at the Pre-Payment Cap.

Edly Student IBR Loans are unsecured personal student loans issued by FinWise Bank, a Utah state-chartered bank, Member FDIC. All loans are subject to eligibility criteria and review of creditworthiness and history. Terms and conditions apply.

State Specific Restrictions:

Not available in Iowa, Colorado, Maine, Vermont, West Virginia

Product disclosure: Loan Application and Solicitation Disclosure

Sallie Mae Private Student Loans

Recommendation
Best for Private Loans
Repayment Terms

Up to four repayment types (including no payments while in school) and multiple repayment terms help you find the loan that fits your budget

Interest Rates

Variable rates as low as: 5.99% APR (with autopay)*

Fixed rates as low as: 4.44% APR (with autopay)*

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Sallie Mae Private Student Loans
  • Variable Rates: Starting variable rates range from 5.99% APR to 14.83% APR (with autopay)*, and will never exceed 13.95% (sometimes lower in certain states as required by law)
  • Fixed Rates: Fixed rates range from 4.44% APR to 14.83% APR (with autopay)*
  • Easy online application!
  • No origination fees, late fees, and no insufficient fund fees. Period
  • Up to four repayment types (including no payments while in school) and multiple repayment terms help you find the loan that fits your budget
  • 0.25% discount when you set up autopay*

*UNDERGRADUATE LOANS: Fixed rates from 4.44% to 13.80% annual percentage rate ("APR") (with autopay), variable rates from 5.99% to 14.30% APR (with autopay). GRADUATE LOANS: Fixed rates from 4.99% to 13.60% APR (with autopay), variable rates from 5.99% to 14.10% APR (with autopay). PARENT LOANS: Fixed rates from 6.50% to 14.83% APR (with autopay), variable rates from 6.32% to 14.83% APR (with autopay). For the SoFi variable-rate product, the variable interest rate for a given month is derived by adding a margin to the 30-day average SOFR index, published two business days preceding such calendar month, rounded up to the nearest one hundredth of one percent (0.01% or 0.0001). APRs for variable-rate loans may increase after origination if the SOFR index increases. Interest rates for variable rate loans are capped at 13.95%, unless required to be lower to comply with applicable law. Lowest rates are reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. If approved for a loan, the interest rate offered will depend on your creditworthiness, the repayment option you select, the term and amount of the loan and other factors, and will be within the ranges of rates listed above. The SoFi 0.25% autopay interest rate reduction requires you to agree to make monthly principal and interest payments by an automatic monthly deduction from a savings or checking account. The benefit will discontinue and be lost for periods in which you do not pay by automatic deduction from a savings or checking account. Information current as of 11/15/2023.

Terms and Conditions Apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. To qualify, a borrower must be a U.S. citizen or other eligible status and meet SoFi's underwriting requirements. Not all borrowers receive the lowest rate. To qualify for the lowest rate, you must have a responsible financial history and meet other conditions. If approved, your actual rate will be within the range of rates listed above and will depend on a variety of factors, including term of loan, evaluation of your creditworthiness, years of professional experience, income, and a variety of other factors. Rates and Terms are subject to change at anytime without notice and are subject to state restrictions. SoFi refinance loans are private loans and do not have the same repayment options that the federal loan program offers, or may become available, such as Income Based Repayment or Income Contingent Repayment or PAYE. Licensed by the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation under the California Financing Law License No. 6054612. SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Lending Corp., NMLS # 1121636. (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org)

Earnest Private Student Loan

Recommendation
Best for Private Loans
Repayment Terms

5, 7, 10,15 or 20 years

Interest Rates

Graduate Rates

Fixed: 4.42% - 14.30% APR1

Variable: 5.89% - 15.97% APR1 

Undergraduate Rates

Fixed: 4.42% - 15.90% APR1

Variable: 5.62% - 16.20% APR1 

Apply Now More Info
Earnest Private Student Loan
  • Check your eligibility in just 2 minutes
  • Flexible repayment options you can choose from
  • No fees for origination, disbursement, prepayment, or late payment3
  • Skip a payment once per year (once repayment period restarted)4
  • Will cover up to 100% of the school's certified cost of attendance
  • 9-month grace period (3 months more than most lenders)2
  • Apply over the phone with the Client Happiness Team
    • Call 866-492-1222, Monday through Friday, 5 A.M. - 5 P.M. PST
    • Mention us when you call in to start your application

This information is for graduate and undergraduate students attending participating degree-granting schools. Borrowers must be U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents if the school is located outside of the United States. Non-U.S. citizen borrowers who reside in the U.S. are eligible with a creditworthy cosigner (who must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident) and are required to provide an unexpired government-issued photo ID to verify identity. Applications are subject to a requested minimum loan amount of $1,000. Current credit and other eligibility criteria apply.

Actual rate and available repayment terms will vary based on your income. Fixed rates range from 4.67% APR to 16.15% APR (excludes 0.25% Auto Pay discount). Variable rates range from 5.87% APR to 16.35% APR (excludes 0.25% Auto Pay discount). Earnest variable interest rate student loan origination 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. It is important to note that the 0.25% Auto Pay discount is not available while loan payments are deferred.

 

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. 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.

2Nine-month grace period is not available for borrowers who choose our Principal and Interest Repayment plan while in school.

3Earnest does not charge fees for origination, late payments, or prepayments. Florida Stamp Tax: For Florida
residents, Florida documentary stamp tax is required by law, calculated as $0.35 for each $100 (or portion thereof) of the principal loan amount, the amount of which is provided in the Final Disclosure. Lender will add the stamp tax to the principal loan amount. The full amount will be paid directly to the Florida Department of Revenue. Certificate of Registration No. 78-8016373916-1.

4Earnest clients may skip one payment every 12 months. Your first request to skip a payment can be made once you’ve made at least 6 months of consecutive on-time payments, and your loan is in good standing. The interest accrued during the skipped month will result in an increase in your remaining minimum payment. The final payoff date on your loan will be extended by the length of the skipped payment periods. Please be aware that a skipped payment does count toward the forbearance limits. Please note that skipping a payment is not guaranteed and is at Earnest’s discretion. Your monthly payment and total loan cost may increase as a result of postponing your payment and extending your term.

The information provided on this page is updated as of 10/30/2023. Earnest reserves the right to change, pause, or terminate product offerings at any time without notice.

Earnest loans are originated by Earnest Operations LLC. California Finance Lender License 6054788. NMLS # 1204917. Earnest Operations LLC is located at 303 2nd Street, Suite 401N, San Francisco, CA 94107. Terms and Conditions apply. Visit https://www.earnest.com/terms-of-service, e-mail us at [email protected], or call 888-601-2801 for more information.

THIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT. YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO MAKE ANY PAYMENT OR TAKE ANY OTHER ACTION IN RESPONSE TO THIS OFFER.

 

 

Income Share Agreement

Stride

Recommendation
Best for Private Funding
Repayment Terms

Payments based on a fixed percentage of future income for up to 60 months after graduation

Only pay when earning more than the $30,000 minimum income threshold.

Payments stop early if you ever hit the payment cap (2.0x your initial funding amount)

Interest Rates

Payments based on a fixed percentage of future income.

 

Lower (or no) payments when you're unemployed or underemployed.

Apply Now More Info
Stride
  • No cosigner required.
  • Income based repayment, once you're graduated and employed.
  • No payments when you're unemployed or earning below $30,000/year.
  • Shorter repayment. Only 5 years of payments.*
  • Get a quote in less than a minute. Quick and easy application process. Transparent calculator and comparison tool.
  • Must be BA, MA, or PhD student WITHIN 2 YEARS OF GRADUATION, enrolled in a program that meets our outcome-driven eligibility criteria.

* Your Maximum Payment Period is inclusive of any months where Monthly Payments are made as well as any months that are Deferred Months; this will only be extended if you receive Forbearance, which will extend your Maximum Payment Period on a one-for-one basis.

To be eligible for a Stride Income Share Agreement, students must fall into the following criteria:

  • Attending a four-year Title IV college or university.
  • Within two years of graduation.
  • Enrolled in a Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctorate program.
  • Enrolled in an academic program that meets our outcome-driven eligibility criteria. 
  • Reside or attend school in a state we serve:  Currently, we provide Income Share Agreements for all states in the U.S., except Alabama, Colorado, Iowa, South Carolina, and Washington. 
  • U.S. Citizen or permanent resident attending school in the U.S.
  • Current G.P.A. is greater than 2.9.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact us at [email protected] or call (214)775-9960.

 

 

Technology Requirements

Most schools will require that you be prepared with the following requirements as a minimum and may have other specifications as well. Your college or university may also rent out different equipment for a semester or year, so check with the tech department for rental options and costs.

A solid internet connection—your institution may have specific upload and download speeds they ask that you have

A reliable computer—though you don’t need the newest and fastest computer to attend an online college, it is a good idea to have a computer no older than five years to handle the bandwidth you’re going to be using

Necessary software—different schools or courses may prefer certain internet browsers and certain file storage products (such as Google Drive or OneDrive) to open and submit assignments

A web cam and reliable microphone or headset—many courses will have you communicating through video on a web cam  as well as audibly using a microphone with your professors and peers, and you may also be asked to record yourself for different assignments or projects and send those videos to your instructor. 

Typical Assignments for an Online Course

When it comes to the online classroom, there are many similarities to the traditional class. Most colleges use a Learning Management System (LMS) such as Blackboard or Canvas, to house their online classrooms. Each instructor has the ability to post and structure their class as needed within the LMS. When you first log in, you will usually be greeted by your personal dashboard with your classes listed. You can click on each virtual classroom and can access announcements, modules, assignments, and grades, along with other sections that have been enabled for your course. 

Some of the most common kinds of assignments you will find are:

Discussion Boards allow you and your peers to make comments about what you are learning as well as respond to one another

Assignments will include instructions on how to complete the assignment, any links you may need to explore, papers you should read, or video lectures you should watch, along with how much the assignment is worth and the due date

Group Projects allow you and other class members to collaborate over specifically created assignments or study groups

Tests/Quizzes give instructions on what is required, a due date and time limit (if set), and may give you the option to retake the test or quiz

Grades will show you all your assignments and the scores assigned in one place along with your overall score for the course

While virtual classrooms can initially seem daunting, they are usually very user-friendly; it just takes some time to become familiar with the interface. Ask for help from your peers as they too have learned to navigate their way through online learning. 

Traditional School vs. Online Learning

Online learning allows you the flexibility to learn from anywhere you can get an internet connection. No longer do you have to relocate if you want to study a particular topic that is only offered at a handful of schools. While you may study wherever, online learning also gives you the option to study whenever. An online education gives you the ability to receive an education while you continue in your busy daily life, no matter if it is working, or taking care of the older or younger generation in your life. 

Remember to take into consideration synchronous classes that require you to be online at a particular time of day as you plan out your schedule. Online coursework can allow you to move through the material at your own pace, which can be quicker than if you were working through a paced course. This may allow you to complete courses more quickly

What’s the Amount of Time Needed to be an Online Student?

Time management is important in balancing the time needed for your courses, time to study, work, family, and whatever other obligations you may have. When it comes to online classes, much of the learning and studying falls to you. Some online schools are based on a semester schedule which is about 15-weeks and other courses can be on an accelerated pace of 5-8 weeks. 

There is a general rule of thumb of what kind of time commitment you can expect—

For difficult subjects, plan to study 4 hours a week for every credit hour. If you are taking a 3-credit course that is difficult for you, you can expect to spend 12 hours a week on it.

For easy subjects, it’s expected you will study 2-3 hours every week for every credit hour. If you are taking a 2-credit course, you should set aside 4-6 hours a week to devote to class. 

Not only will you need the necessary time to attend each class, but you will also need time to study and complete assignments. 

 

Related Content

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May 25, 2022
Getting an online degree is possible with online admission and a variety of courses and programs to choose from—all without having to step foot on a college campus.
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April 29, 2022
Distance learning now allows students to work from wherever they have internet access. It is possible to learn just as much away from the formal classroom setting.
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Paying for college without financial aid is difficult, but it’s not impossible. Here are 5 ways to pay for college without student loans or financial aid.
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Edvisors provides expert advice on planning and paying for college. On Edvisors.com easily compare student loan lenders, learn how to apply for financial aid, and discover scholarships. Learn about federal and private student loans for students and parents, how and when to apply to college, and more!

Edvisors (“Edvisors Network, Inc.”) provides independent advertising-supported platforms for consumers to search compare and apply for private student loans. Loan offers from participating lenders that appear on our websites are not affiliated with any college and/or universities, and there are no colleges and/or universities which endorse Edvisors’ products or services. Lender search results do not constitute an official college preferred lender list. Edvisors receives compensation from lenders that appear on this site. This compensation may impact the placement of where lenders appear on this site, for example, the order in which the lenders appear when included in a list. Not all lenders participate in our sites and lenders that do participate may not offer loans to every school.

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Edvisors has endeavored to provide accurate information. However, the results provided by lenders are for illustrative purposes only and accuracy is not guaranteed, as such, Edvisors assumes no responsibility for errors or omission in the information provided.

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