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What is College Ave Student Loans
College Ave Student Loans is a fintech lender that specializes in private student loans and student loan refinancing. The company, a private corporation based in Wilmington, DE, was started in 2014. They aim to make the student loan process simple, clear and personal. According to CEO Joe DePaulo, "We deliver in a way that's simple and clear because everyone deserves to understand what they're getting and how much it will cost."
College Ave Loans
College Ave offers in-school loans for undergraduate and graduate/professional students, along with refinance loans. Their private loans can be used to fill in the gap when federal student aid falls short. Or they can be a smart alternative to some loan options, such as parent loans. They offer competitive interest rates and fees, along with a variety of loan terms.
College Ave provides the following loan products:
- Undergraduate student loans
- Parent student loans
- Graduate student loans
- Professional student loans (i.e. medical, dental, law)
- Career loans
- Refinance loans
Apply for a College Ave Private Student Loan
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- Competitive APRs starting at 2.89%1
- Coverage up to 100% of your school-certified cost of attendance ($1,000 minimum) 2
- Apply online in 3 minutes and get an instant credit decision
College Ave's student loan 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.
1All rates include the auto-pay 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.
2As certified by your school and less any other financial aid you might receive. Minimum $1,000.
3This informational repayment example uses typical loan terms for a freshman borrower who selects the Flat Repayment Option with an 8-year repayment term, has a $10,000 loan that is disbursed in one disbursement and a 7.78% fixed Annual Percentage Rate (“APR”): 54 monthly payments of $25 while in school, followed by 96 monthly payments of $176.21 while in the repayment period, for a total amount of payments of $18,266.38. Loans will never have a full principal and interest monthly payment of less than $50. Your actual rates and repayment terms may vary.
Information advertised valid as of 08/11/2025. Variable interest rates may increase after consummation. Approved interest rate will depend on creditworthiness of the applicant(s), lowest advertised rates only available to the most creditworthy applicants and require selection of the Flat Repayment Option with the shortest available loan term.
Loans for Students
College Ave Undergraduate Student Loans
The College Ave Undergraduate Student Loan is a private loan that can be used to help pay for education-related expenses, including tuition and fees. As the name implies, this loan is intended for individuals enrolled in undergraduate studies at an eligible degree-granting institution. Students are encouraged to apply with a creditworthy cosigner; especially if there is a lack of a solid credit history or proof of income.
College Ave Career Loan
The College Ave Career Loan may be a good option if you need help financing your associate or bachelor’s degree. The Career Loan offers four repayment options during school including deferred payment, interest only, flat payments ($25 per month), and full payments of both principal and interest.
College Ave Graduate Student Loans
Graduate student loans from College Ave can cover the expenses related to graduate school and professional degrees, including medical and dental school. The types of loans at the post-baccalaureate level include the following:
- Master's and PhD Student Loan
- Medical Student Loan
- Law School Student Loan
- Dental School Student Loan (such as Pharmacy, Nursing, etc.)
- Health Professions Student Loan
- MBA Loan
Student Loan Options for Parents
College Ave Parent Loan
As a parent, you may choose to borrow a private loan on behalf of your child. College Ave offers a parent loan with competitive terms and a choice of fixed or variable interest rates. This is an alternative to the Federal Direct PLUS Loan. And College Ave's parent loan does not charge an origination fee.
Apply for a College Ave Student Loan
Applying for a College Ave student loan is simple. Start by entering your college/university to see if it matches the College Ave school list on our website. Then simply click on “Apply Now” to be taken to the application page.
You will be prompted to furnish personal information that College Ave will use to determine your eligibility based on creditworthiness. You may want to apply with a cosigner to not only increase the odds of getting approved, but to potentially qualify for a lower rate.
College Ave Student Loans Cosigner Release
Like many lenders, College Ave does have a cosigner release option available. As you begin to borrow private student loans, you may want to take notes regarding the lender's requirements for its cosigner release program. College Ave’s requirements indicate that you must have passed the halfway mark in the repayment period to be considered. From there, certain other conditions need to be met by your son or daughter, including*:
- Pass a formal credit check
- Show proof of annual income that is at least twice the balance of the outstanding loan
- No recent delinquencies in the past 12 months
*Other conditions may apply, or change over time
Pros and Cons of College Ave Student Loans
There are always pros and cons for any loan product, and doing your research is important. Here are some things to consider for College Ave Student Loans.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Low interest rates and fees (for those with strong credit) | Lowest advertised rates may not be what you qualify for; your rate could be higher based on credit history. Cosigners are often needed. |
| Several loan products for undergraduate and grad/professional students, as well as parents. They also offer refinancing | No federal subsidy (meaning there is no government assistance in paying for the loan) |
| Multiple repayment options, including interest-only while in school | No income-driven repayment plans |
| Specialize in student loans | |
| Cosigner release is available |
College Ave Student Loan Refinance
A refinance loan from College Ave may be a great solution if you’re looking to lower your interest rate or reduce your monthly payment. Refinancing can also help you streamline your repayment and reduce the number of loan servicers you have. College Ave does not charge an origination or application fee for their refinance loan, and you can include both your federal and private loans. Or you can refinance a single loan. The minimum amount you can refinance is $5,000.
You can apply online for College Ave Student Loan refinancing. You may also want to calculate the potential savings impact of refinancing by using our Student Loan Refinance Calculator.
How College Ave Gives Back
College Ave runs a $1,000 monthly scholarship giveaway. They also have other scholarship drawings periodically, including grad school sweepstakes.
College Ave Customer Service
College Ave has customer service agents available to help during the application process and beyond. As a measure of improving service to users, the company attempts to make loan information clear up front, with personalization so borrowers can tailor loans to fit their individual needs.
College Ave has partnered with University Accounting Service (UAS) to help with loan servicing and payment processing. Depending on which stage your loan is in, you will need to contact either College Ave or UAS for assistance.
College Ave Headquarters
College Ave is a marketplace lender with corporate offices in Wilmington, Delaware. They have approximately 75 employees.
