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After Navigation
Home Student Loans Graduate Student Loans Bar Loans
  • Contents
  • Bar Exam and Bar Prep Loans
  • Our Best Picks for Bar Loans
  • What is a Bar Loan?
  • What Expenses can a Bar Loan be Used For?
  • How Much Can I Borrow?
  • How to Compare Bar Loans
  • How to get a Bar Exam Loan
  • Bar Loan FAQs
  • What to Read Next

Bar Exam and Bar Prep Loans

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By Edvisors Network
Updated on October 17, 2022
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Bar Exam and Bar Prep Loans

Preparing for the bar is a full-time job. The balancing act of working to support yourself or your family while committing the time needed to prepare for the bar can be incredibly stressful. Enter the bar loan; a loan specifically geared to assist graduating law students in their efforts to help pay for bar exam related expenses.

Our Best Picks for Bar Loans

Cosigner Recommended

Sallie Mae Private Student Loans

Recommendation
Best for Private Loans
Interest Rates

Variable Rates: 5.49% APR - 15.83% 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: 5.49% APR - 15.83% 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 02/27/2023

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: 5.86% 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 5.86% 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 3/01/2023 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.  

College Ave Student Loans

Recommendation
Best for Private Loans
Interest Rates

Variable rates as low as: 4.74% APR1

Fixed rates as low as: 4.74% APR1

Repayment Terms

5, 8, 10 or 15 years2

Apply Now More Info
College Ave Student Loans
  • Competitive fixed and variable APRs starting at 4.74%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. 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 03/01/2023. 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.

Earnest Private Student Loan

Recommendation
Best for Private Loans
Interest Rates

Graduate Rates

Fixed: 4.45% - 14.15% APR1

Variable:4.99% - 12.29%APR1 

Undergraduate Rates

Fixed: 4.45% - 14.60%APR1

Variable: 4.99% - 14.40%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 14.85% APR (excludes 0.25% Auto Pay discount). Variable rates range from 5.24% APR to 14.65% 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 03/08/2023. 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

Apply Now More Info
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)

What is a Bar Loan?

A bar loan is a loan designed to help potential lawyers cover the bar exam cost as well as exam prep and living expenses associated with preparing for and taking the bar.

Bar loans are typically only available to students who are in their last year of study, or will be sitting for the bar within 12 months of graduation from an ABA accredited law school. Many lenders require that you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, or that you are applying with a creditworthy cosigner who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

There are no universal one-size-fits-all bar loans. Each lender has its own set of criteria, so you should always read the fine print.

What Expenses can a Bar Loan be Used For?

Bar loans can be used for a variety of expenses related to taking the bar. These include:

  • Bar exam prep courses
  • Living expenses
  • The cost of taking the bar exam

How Much Can I Borrow?

The amount you are eligible to borrow will depend on your credit history and your chosen lender, for example, the Sallie Mae Bar Study Loan allows you to borrow as little as $1,000 or as much as $15,000. Aggregate loan limits apply. It’s important to shop around to find the best deal for you, and one that meets your specific needs.

How to Compare Bar Loans

You would compare a bar loan in the same fashion you would any other loan. Here are some of the features you will want to compare when shopping around.

Interest Rate

Similar to other private loans, the interest rate on a bar loan may be fixed or variable. Note that your creditworthiness will play a large role in the rate you receive (i.e., the rates that are advertised may not be the rates you qualify for). You may qualify for a better rate if you apply with a creditworthy cosigner.

Loan Minimums and Maximums

Choose a lender that offers the loan minimum or maximum that works best for your situation. We advise only borrowing what you need to in order to reduce your debt.

Auto Debit

Many lenders offer interest rate discounts for borrowers who enroll in automatic payments. These discounts are typically 0.25%. Consider choosing a lender that offers this benefit to save money over the life of your loan.

Repayment Terms

The repayment term for your loan will be decided between you and the lender. Different lenders offer different repayment terms making this another important item to compare when shopping for a bar loan. Repayment terms may be anywhere from 1 to 20 years. The sooner you repay your loan, the less it will cost you overall.

Tip: Pay attention to your repayment start dates. The repayment dates on your federal student loans, private student loans, and bar exam loan may be staggered.

No Prepayment Penalties

Most bar loans will not penalize you for repaying your loan early, however, it’s important once again to read the fine print to see how your payments are applied to you loan, and how a loan payoff payment would be applied.

Cosigner Release

If you required a cosigner to take out your bar exam loan, you may be interested in going with a lender that offers cosigner release. This allows you to remove your cosigner from the loan after you’ve made a series of on-time payments in full (typically 24 to 48 months). A cosigner release must be requested by the borrower, not the cosigner.

Loan Fees

It’s important to compare any fees you may be charged for your loan. Does the lender require and application or origination fee? Do they charge a prepayment penalty if you pay your loan off early? The fees you may be charged impact the overall cost of the loan.

Note that the origination fee is deducted from the total amount you’re borrowing prior to disbursement, so it’s important to factor that cost in. The good news is many lenders do not charge origination fees for bar exam loans, and application and prepayment penalties are also uncommon.

Lender Specific Benefits

In addition to the typical benefits most lenders offer, individual lenders may have benefits unique to their loan programs. These may include periods of deferment, interest only payment options, etc.

How to get a Bar Exam Loan

First, compare lenders to find the right option for you. Most lenders offer an online application, allowing you to apply and get an answer quickly. Once you have been approved, your funds will be distributed to directly to you either via check or electronic deposit.

Bar Loan FAQs

What Will My Interest Rate Be?

You interest rate will be determined by your credit history and that of your cosigner if you have one. Even if you do not require a cosigner, you may qualify for a lower interest rate if you apply with one. Interest rates may be fixed or variable.

Are There Loan Fees?

Loan fees vary by lender. You may encounter application or origination fees depending on the lender you choose. There are many lenders who do not charge application or origination fees.

How Will My Bar Exam Loan Funds Be Disbursed?

Unlike a student loan, where the money is sent to the school, your bar exam loan funds will be disbursed directly to you either via check or electronic deposit.

Can I Get a Bar Exam Loan With Bad Credit?

If you have bad credit you will need a creditworthy cosigner to qualify for a bar loan. Here’s what to look for in a creditworthy cosigner:

  • Stable employment
  • Strong credit history
  • U.S. citizen or permanent resident
  • No recent bankruptcies

>>>More: How to Find Good Cosigner

Is There a Federal Bar Option?

There are no federal “bar loans,” however, if you are still enrolled in coursework at least half-time, the cost of sitting for the bar can be covered with a Grad PLUS Loan. Note living expenses and the cost of bar exam prep courses are typically not covered by federal loans.

What If I am Denied for a Bar Loan?

If you applied on your own and were denied, you can reapply with a creditworthy cosigner. If this is not an option, you may be in a position where you will have to work while preparing for the bar. Another option is a secured personal loan. These loans typically have lower rates than unsecured loans, but require an asset as collateral, such as a car or savings account.

What to Read Next

How to Pay for Law School

MBA Loans

Financial Aid for Graduate School

How to Pay for Medical School

Medical Residency and Relocation Loans

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