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Home Student Loans Federal Student Loans Direct Unsubsidized Loans
  • Contents
  • What is a Direct Unsubsidized Loan?
  • Key Benefits:
  • How to Apply for a Direct Unsubsidized Loan
  • Direct Unsubsidized Loan Eligibility
  • Direct Unsubsidized Loan Interest Rates
  • Direct Unsubsidized Loan Fees
  • Direct Loan Limits: How Much You Can Borrow
  • I am a dependent undergraduate student. How can I get my loan limits increased?
  • How Loan Funds are Distributed
  • In-School Deferment and Grace Period
  • Repayment
  • Further Reading
  • Recommendations
  • Learn More About Federal Student Loans

Direct Unsubsidized Loans

Photo of Elaine Rubin
By Elaine Rubin
Updated on October 1, 2022
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Summary: Direct Unsubsidized Loans (sometimes called Unsubsidized Stafford Loans) are federal student loans borrowed through the Direct Loans program that offer undergraduate and graduate and professional students a low, fixed interest rate and flexible repayment terms. Demonstrated financial need is not required to qualify. Students are responsible for paying all of the interest that adds up, until the loan balance is paid off.

What is a Direct Unsubsidized Loan?

Direct Unsubsidized Loans (sometimes called Unsubsidized Stafford Loans) are low-cost, fixed-rate federal student loans available to both undergraduate and graduate students. Financial need is not required, so even students from wealthier families can borrow Direct Unsubsidized Loans. 

Key Benefits:

  • Fixed interest rate of 4.99% for undergraduate students for the 2022 - 2023 academic year
  • Fixed interest rate of 6.54% for graduate and professional students for the 2022 - 2023 academic year
  • No payments while enrolled in school
  • Eligibility not based on demonstrated financial need or credit
  • Multiple repayment plans (including income-based) available

How to Apply for a Direct Unsubsidized Loan

  1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®)  or Renewal FAFSA (for returning students) at StudentAid.gov.
  2. Receive your financial aid award letter by mail or email from your school's financial aid office. This letter will summarize your available financial aid, including Direct Subsidized Loans (if eligible) and Direct Unsubsidized Loans.
  3. Contact your financial aid office to accept the financial aid, including student loans.
  4. Sign any associated paperwork, such as the Master Promissory Note (MPN).

Direct Unsubsidized Loan Eligibility

Most students who qualify for federal aid are eligible to take out a Direct Unsubsidized Loan.

Your family’s financial circumstances do not matter. Even wealthy families can qualify.

Required:
  • U.S. citizen, national, or eligible non-citizen
  • Have received a high school diploma or the equivalent (e.g., GED)
  • Enrolled at least half-time in an eligible degree or certificate program
  • Not in default on any existing federal student loans
  • Meet general eligibility requirements for federal student aid
Not Required:
  • Credit check
  • Cosigner
  • Separate loan application

Direct Unsubsidized Loan Interest Rates

The interest rates on Direct Unsubsidized Loans are fixed and do not change over the life of the loan.

Every year on July 1, interest rates reset for new loans first disbursed on or after July 1.

Private Student Loan Rates

Variable rates starting at:

4.49% APR

Fixed rates starting at:

4.49% APR

Lowest APRs shown for Private Student Loans are available for the most creditworthy applicants for undergraduate loans, and include a 0.25% interest rate reduction while enrolled in automatic payments. Interest rates as of September 15, 2022.

Federal Student Loan Rates

For loans first disbursed July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023

4.99%

Undergraduate

6.54%

Graduate

7.54%

PLUS Loans

The interest on a Direct Unsubsidized Loan starts to add up (accrue) from the date the loan is first disbursed. If you don’t pay the interest as it accrues, it will be capitalized (added to the loan balance) when you enter repayment, increasing the size of the loan.

Direct Unsubsidized Loan Fees

The current fee (Oct. 1, 2022 - Sept. 30, 2023) on Direct Loans is 1.057%. Fees are deducted from each loan disbursement. You can ask the college financial aid office to increase the loan amount to cover the fees, up to the annual loan limit.

Sallie Mae student loans offer competitive fixed and variable rates for undergraduates, graduate students. Learn More About Sallie Mae

Direct Loan Limits: How Much You Can Borrow

The amount you can borrow from the Direct Loans program is subject to annual and aggregate loan limits:

  • Annual limits specify how much you can borrow each academic year.
  • Aggregate limits (also called cumulative limits) specify how much you can borrow through the loan program.

The following graphic outlines the various loan limits for different types of students, and annual and aggregate limits for subsidized and unsubsidized loans.

Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loan Program Annual Loan Limits

I am a dependent undergraduate student. How can I get my loan limits increased?

Dependency Override

If you have unusual family circumstances (such as a parent in prison), contact your school’s financial aid office and ask for a dependency override to get independent student limits.

Parent PLUS Loan Denial

If your parent is denied for a Parent PLUS Loan, you become eligible for the same loan limits as independent students. Contact your school’s financial aid office for details.

Loan limits are also capped at the college’s annual cost of attendance.

The cost of attendance includes:

  • Tuition and fees
  • Room and board
  • Books
  • Supplies
  • Equipment
  • Transportation
  • Miscellaneous personal expenses
Looking for loans for graduate school view loan options 

How Loan Funds are Distributed

If you are a first-time Direct Loans borrower, you will be required to attend entrance counseling before your loan funds are sent to your school (disbursed). Some schools require in-person counseling, but many offer online counseling. You will learn about the loan terms and requirements during the counseling session.

You will also be required to sign a Master Promissory Note (MPN) before the loans can be disbursed.

Instantly Compare Lenders

The Direct Loan program sends the funds to your school to be credited to your student account. In most cases, the loan will be sent (disbursed) in at least two installments.

Special reminder: There is typically a 30-day delay in disbursing student loans to first-time, first-year borrowers.

Loan funds are credited to your account in this order:

  1. Tuition and fees
  2. Room and board (if you are living in college-owned student housing)
  3. Other school charges (with your permission)

If any loan funds remain in your account, the credit balance will be refunded to you by check, cash, debit card, or electronic funds transfer (EFT) to your bank account. Remember, the refund must be used to pay for your direct and indirect education expenses, such as textbooks, supplies, and equipment.

Read our blog on financial aid disbursement for more details.

In-School Deferment and Grace Period

While you are enrolled in school at least half-time, your Direct Loans will be placed into deferment, which means you don’t have to make any payments. In addition, you don’t have to make payments during the 6-month grace period after you graduate or drop below half-time enrollment status.

The interest on your Direct Unsubsidized Loans will start to accrue (add up) as soon as all of the loan funds are sent to your school. Even though you aren’t making any payments, interest is still adding up.

Repayment

The standard repayment term on Direct Loans is 10 years. However, you can qualify for a longer repayment term if you consolidate the loans or have more than $30,000 in federal student loans.

Direct Unsubsidized Loans are eligible for all of the different repayment plans offered by the U.S. Department of Education.

Eligible repayment plans:

  • Standard Repayment
  • Extended Repayment
  • Graduated Repayment
  • Revised Pay-As-You-Earn (REPAYE) Repayment
  • Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) Repayment
  • Income-Based Repayment (IBR)
  • Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR)
  • Income-Sensitive Repayment (ISR)

Further Reading

For more information, read our complete guide to federal undergraduate student loans.

Recommendations

  1. File the FAFSA every year to maintain eligibility for student aid.
  2. Apply for grants and scholarships.
  3. Borrow Direct Subsidized Loans (if eligible) first. Then, take out Direct Unsubsidized Loans. If you have borrowed the maximum and still can’t pay all of your costs, consider other funding options.
  4. Compare the costs and benefits of Parent PLUS Loans and private student loans. If you have a creditworthy cosigner, you may get a lower interest rate with a private student loan.

Compare Featured Lenders

College Ave Student Loans

Recommendation
Best for Private Loans
Interest Rates

Variable rates as low as: 4.44% APR1

Fixed rates as low as: 4.44% APR1

Repayment Terms

5, 8, 10 or 15 years2

Apply Now More Info
College Ave Student Loans
  • Competitive fixed and variable APRs starting at 4.44%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

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 03/31/2023. 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
Interest Rates

Variable Rates: 5.62% APR - 15.95% APR1

Fixed Rates: 4.50% APR - 14.83% APR1

Repayment Terms

10-15 Years6

(undergraduate)

Apply Now More Info
Sallie Mae Private Student Loans
  • Variable Rates: 5.62% APR - 15.95% APR. Fixed Rates: 4.50% APR - 14.83% 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 4x 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 2021, instant credit decisions were provided to 97% 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 a comparison of approval rates for Sallie Mae Smart Option Student Loans for Undergraduate Students who applied with a cosigner versus without a cosigner during a rolling 12-month period from October 1, 2020 through September 30, 2021. 

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 03/27/2023

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.

Ascent offers loans that power bright futures

Recommendation
Best for Private Loans
Interest Rates

Variable rates as low as: 6.01% APR1

Fixed rates as low as: 4.62% APR1

Repayment Terms

5, 7, 10, 12 and 15 years

Apply Now More Info
Ascent offers loans that power bright futures
  • AFFORDABLE variable rates starting at 6.01% 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, 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 4/01/2023 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.  

Earnest Private Student Loan

Recommendation
Best for Private Loans
Interest Rates

Graduate Rates

Fixed: 4.45% - 14.75% APR1

Variable:4.99% - 15.15 %APR1 

Undergraduate Rates

Fixed: 4.45% - 14.90%APR1

Variable: 4.99% - 15.30%APR1 

Repayment Terms

5, 7, 10,15 or 20 years

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

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 4.70% APR to 15.15% APR (excludes 0.25% Auto Pay discount). Variable rates range from 5.24% APR to 15.55% 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 03/29/2023. 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.

 

 

Sallie Mae Private Student Loans

Recommendation
Best for Private Loans
Interest Rates

Variable rates as low as: 4.99% APR (with autopay)*

Fixed rates as low as: 4.49% APR (with autopay)*

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

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Sallie Mae Private Student Loans
  • Variable Rates: Starting variable rates range from 4.99% APR - 13.13% APR (with autopay)*, and will never exceed 13.95% (sometimes lower in certain states as required by law)
  • Fixed Rates: Fixed rates range from 4.49% APR to 13.98% 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 4.49% to 13.98% annual percentage rate ("APR") (with autopay), variable rates from 4.99% to 13.13% APR (with autopay). GRADUATE LOANS: Fixed rates from 5.25% to 13.60% APR (with autopay), variable rates from 5.49% to 13.07% APR (with autopay). PARENT LOANS: Fixed rates from 6.50% to 13.98% APR (with autopay), variable rates from 6.32% to 13.13% 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 01/30/2023.

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)

PNC Student Loans

Recommendation
Best for Private Loans
Interest Rates

Variable rates as low as: 5.89% APR1

Fixed rates as low as: 4.49% APR1

Repayment Terms

5, 10, 15 years1

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PNC Student Loans
  • Variable rates as low as 5.89% APR1; Fixed rates as low as 4.49% APR1
  • Rates include 0.50% automated payment discount1, 2
  • Displayed rates are for well-qualified applicants who choose the immediate repayment option at a 5-year term1
  • 5, 10 or 15-year repayment terms available (rates may vary)1
  • No application fees or origination fees.
  • An easy student loan application with a preliminary decision in minutes.
  • Cosigner Release option available.3
  • Get the money you need for tuition, room and board, books and other expenses.
  • Applying with a creditworthy cosigner may increase chances of approval.

Important Disclosures

PNC Solution Loans are subject to credit approval. Certain restrictions and conditions apply. PNC reserves the right to modify or discontinue the terms of these program at any time. You are encouraged to explore all scholarship, grant and federal borrowing options before applying for a private loan.

A cosigner is typically required for undergraduate students: a creditworthy cosigner is required for 17-year old students. 

1 Annual Percentage Rates (APRs): APRs include a 0.50% interest rate discount for automated payments and may vary by repayment term and other factors (refer to additional details below). Rates are for the immediate repayment option, effective as of April 1, 2023, and are subject to change at any time.

Fixed APRs: APRs range 4.49% to 9.24% for a 5-year, 7.34% to 12.09% for a 10-year and 7.49% to 12.24% for a 15-year term. Fixed rates are based on the creditworthiness of the borrower and cosigner, if any.

Variable APRs: APRs range 5.89% to 10.64% for a 5-year, 8.74% to 13.49% for a 10-year and 8.89% to 13.64% for a 15-year term. Variable rates are based on the Prime Rate index plus a margin depending on the creditworthiness of the borrower and cosigner, if any. The Prime index, adjusted monthly, is equal to the Prime Rate as published in the “Money Rates” section of The Wall Street Journal ‘(Eastern Edition)’ on the first business day of the immediately preceding calendar month. The Prime index is currently 7.75%. If the index increases or decreases, your rate will increase or decrease accordingly. The rate will not exceed 18%.

The lowest APR is available to well-qualified applicants. Your actual APR will be based on your credit qualifications, loan program, interest rate option, repayment term, repayment option and whether you elect the automated payment feature.

Loan Payment Examples: The monthly payment per $10,000 borrowed at a fixed-rate range of 7.34% APR to 12.09% APR for 10 years means you would make 120 payments that may range from $118.22 to $144.71. The monthly payment per $10,000 borrowed at a variable-rate range of 8.74% APR to 13.49% APR for 10 years means you would make 120 payments that may range from $125.72 to $153.06 For the variable-rate loan, monthly payment may increase or decrease if the interest rate increases or decreases. Estimated loan payment examples assume 30 days to first payment and are for the immediate repayment option. Payments vary for other rates, loan amounts and repayment terms.

2 Automated Payment Discount: During repayment, an interest rate discount of 0.50% is available for automated payments. Borrower must be making scheduled payments that include both principal and interest. Interest-only payments do not qualify for the 0.50% interest rate discount. The rate discount will be applied at the time automated payment is established. If automated payment is discontinued at any time, the discount will be removed and the rate will increase by 0.50%.

3 Cosigner Release: Requires that the borrower has made at least forty-eight (48) consecutive timely payments of principal and interest with no periods of interruption within that 48-month timeframe. To qualify, the borrower must submit a request, meet the consecutive timely payment requirements, provide proof of income and pass a credit check.

4 Repayment Options: Three repayment options are available - Immediate repayment of principal & interest, interest-only payments while in school and full deferment of principal & interest until six months after graduating or ceasing to be enrolled at least half-time in school. Interest will continue to accrue during periods of deferment. You will receive quarterly interest statements during this deferment period. Paying the interest as it accrues each quarter will save you money over the repayment term of the loan because any accrued interest that you do not pay will be added to the principal balance at the end of the deferment period.

Loan Types: PNC offers Student Loans for Undergraduates, Graduates, Health Professions, Residency and Bar Study.

PNC Solution Loan is a registered mark of the PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.

Income Share Agreement

Stride

Recommendation
Best for Private Funding
Interest Rates

Payments based on a fixed percentage of future income.

 

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

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)

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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.

 

Learn More About Federal Student Loans

Undergraduate Student Loans

Subsidized Student Loans 

Comparing Subsidized and Unsubsidized Student Loans

Eligibility Requirements

Interest Rates

Loan Limits

Health Professions Student Loans

 

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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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