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Home Student Loans Parent Student Loans What are Federal Parent PLUS Loans and How to Apply?
  • Contents
  • Parent PLUS Loan Interest Rates
  • Parent PLUS Loan Fees
  • How to Apply for a Parent PLUS Loan
  • Parent PLUS Loan Eligibility
  • Parent PLUS Credit
  • Denied a Parent PLUS Loan
  • Increased Loan Limits with a PLUS Denial
  • Other Requirements for a Parent PLUS Loan
  • Parent PLUS Loan Interest Rate
  • Parent PLUS Loan Origination Fee
  • Parent PLUS Loan Limits: How Much Can You Borrow
  • Parent PLUS Loan Refund Check
  • Parent PLUS Loan Deferment
  • Parent PLUS Loan Repayment
  • Recommendations
  • Learn More About Paying for College

What are Federal Parent PLUS Loans and How to Apply?

Photo of Elaine Rubin
By Elaine Rubin
Updated on October 1, 2022
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Summary: The Parent PLUS Loan is a federal Direct student loan available to the parents of dependent undergraduate students. The Direct Parent PLUS Loan offers a fixed 7.54% interest rate for the 2022 - 2023 school year and flexible loan limits. To be eligible, a parent can’t have an adverse credit history. However, the credit check for a Parent PLUS Loan is not as stringent as that for a private student loan. If you were denied a private student loan, you may still qualify for a Parent PLUS Loan. Parent PLUS Loans have a 4.228% origination fee for loans first disbursed on or after Oct. 1, 2022 through Sept. 30, 2023.

Before parents borrow from the Parent PLUS Loan program, it is best if their child exhausts eligibility for Direct Loans first, since these student loans have lower interest rates and fees.

Some parents borrow Parent PLUS Loans to make sure their children don’t take on too much student loan debt. But remember, nothing stops parents from helping their children with their student loan payments. Borrowing Direct Loans before Parent PLUS Loans will save the family money.

Parent PLUS Loan Interest Rates

Interest rates on PLUS Loans are fixed. The current interest rates for new PLUS Loans in 2022 - 2023 are 7.54% for parents of undergraduate students (Parent PLUS Loans) and for graduate students (Grad PLUS Loans). 

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

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Note: Interest rates on Parent PLUS and Grad PLUS Loans are the same.

Academic Year Direct PLUS Loans
2021-2022 6.28%
2020-2021 5.3%
2019-2020 7.08%
2018-2019 7.6%
2017-2018 7.0%
2016-2017 6.31%
2015-2016 6.84%
2014-2015 7.21%
2013-2014 6.41%

Parent PLUS Loan Fees

Loan disbursement and default fees are effectively a form of up-front interest. Assuming a 10-year repayment term, a 4% fee is the equivalent of an increase in the interest rate of about seven-eighths to one percentage point. Assuming a 30-year repayment term, a 4% fee is the equivalent of an increase in the interest rate of about one-third to half a percentage point. 

The relative impact of a fee is greater with a shorter repayment term or if the borrower prepays the loan, since the fee will be amortized over less time. This is why borrowers who plan to pay off a loan early may wish to avoid up-front fees, if possible.

History of fees on PLUS loans
Year Total Loan Fees
Oct. 1, 2020 - Sept. 30, 2021 4.228%
Oct. 1, 2019 - Sept. 30, 2020 4.236%
Oct. 1, 2018 - Sept. 30, 2019 4.248%
Oct. 1, 2017 - Sept. 30, 2018 4.264%
Oct. 1, 2016 - Sept. 30, 2017 4.276%
Oct. 1, 2015 - Sept. 30, 2016 4.272%
Oct. 1, 2014 - Sept. 30, 2015 4.292%

How to Apply for a Parent PLUS Loan

The first step in the application process is for the student to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) at StudentAid.gov. The FAFSA is a requirement to borrow from the Parent PLUS Loan program.

Parent PLUS Loan Application

You, as the parent, will not need to complete the Direct PLUS loan application. You will need to log into Student.Aid.gov with your FSA ID.

Direct PLUS Loan Application

Complete the Direct PLUS loan application. You will need to identify how much you would like to borrow, and authorize a credit check. The U.S. Department of Education will then conduct a credit check to determine if you have adverse credit. If you are determined to have adverse credit, you can then:

  • file an extenuating circumstances appeal, or
  • apply with a cosigner.

Parent PLUS Loan Master Promissory

The Master Promissory Note is the official loan agreement that describes the terms and conditions for repaying the loan. The same parent who completes the PLUS Loan Request must sign the MPN before the loan funds can be sent to the school. The MPN is also available on your StudentAid.gov account.

Note that an MPN is good for 10 years, so you may only need to sign this on the first application. However, in subsequent years, each request for a Parent PLUS Loan will start a new credit check.

If two different parents would like to apply for Parent PLUS Loans, each must complete this application process separately. If requesting funds in the same year for the same student, the total combined amount may not be higher than the school’s Cost of Attendance.

Guidelines for requesting a Parent PLUS Loan:

  • Same parent who will complete and sign the Master Promissory Note (MPN) should request the loan.
  • Parent, not the student, must request the loan.
  • A parent must sign into the StudentAid.gov with their FSA ID. If you don't already have one, you will need to create your own FSA ID.

Parent PLUS Loan Eligibility

Parent PLUS Loans are available only to the parents of dependent undergraduate students. The parents of independent undergraduate students are not eligible for the Parent PLUS Loan.

Parent PLUS Loan current interest rates 2020-2021

 

If a dependent student’s parents are divorced, both parents can take out separate Parent PLUS Loans with separate Master Promissory Notes (MPNs). But the combined Parent PLUS Loans cannot exceed your student’s cost of attendance minus other financial aid received.

Who Can Borrow From the Parent PLUS Loan Program

Biological or Adoptive Parent Yes
Stepparent Yes, but only for as long as the stepparent is married to the student’s parent
Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Other Relatives No, unless they have legally adopted the student
Legal Guardians or Foster Parents No

Eligibility for the Parent PLUS Loan does not depend on demonstrated financial need.

Parent PLUS Credit

Eligibility for a Parent PLUS Loan does not depend on the borrower’s credit score or debt-to-income ratio. However, the borrower of a Parent PLUS Loan must not have an adverse credit history, as defined by the U.S. Department of Education.

What is Adverse Credit History?

  • A current delinquency of 90 or more days on more than $2,085 in total debt; or
  • More than $2,085 in total debt in collections or charged off in the past two years (before the date of the credit report); or
  • Default, bankruptcy discharge, foreclosure, repossession, tax lien, wage garnishment, or write-off of federal student loan debt in the past five years (before the date of the credit report)

Denied a Parent PLUS Loan

If you are found to have adverse credit history, you may still be able to borrow from the Parent PLUS Loan program. You have two options: submit a successful extenuating circumstances appeal for an exceptional circumstance, or reapply with a cosigner who does not have an adverse credit history.

If you want to appeal the decision, you must submit a request to appeal the decision and provide information regarding your denial decision. If successful, you may be required to completed loan counseling prior to receiving the Parent PLUS loan funds.

If you would like to apply with a cosigner who does not have adverse credit, the cosigner would need to complete an endorser application.

Now, if neither of these options works for you, your denial of a Parent PLUS Loan would actually make your dependent undergraduate student eligible for independent undergraduate student Stafford loan limits. Meaning, they will have access to additional loan funds they can borrow under their name to help pay their own college costs.

Increased Loan Limits with a PLUS Denial

If a dependent student’s parent is denied a Parent PLUS Loan, the student becomes eligible for the same Direct Unsubsidized Loan limits available to independent students.

If either parent later qualifies for a Parent PLUS Loan, the student’s loan limits return to the dependent student level. (Loan amounts already received under the additional Direct Unsubsidized Loan limits will not count against the lower loan limits.)

Other Requirements for a Parent PLUS Loan

The parent and dependent student must also satisfy the general eligibility requirements for federal student aid and federal student loans.

  • Students must be enrolled in school on at least a half-time basis
  • Male students must have registered with the Selective Service (not required for father)
  • Students and parents must be U.S. citizens or nationals, permanent residents, or eligible noncitizens
  • Students and parents can’t be in default on a federal student loan
  • Parent PLUS Loan proceeds must be used for educational purposes

Parent PLUS Loan Interest Rate

The interest rates on Parent PLUS Loans are fixed and do not change over the life of the loan. The interest rate for the 2020-2021 academic year is 5.30%.

Every year on July 1, interest rates are reset based on current market rates.

The interest on a Parent PLUS Loan starts to add up (accrue) from the date the loan is first disbursed. (Generally, federal student loans are sent to schools in two or more disbursements, except at colleges and universities that have a low default rate.) If the borrower does not pay the interest as it accrues, it will be capitalized (added to the loan balance), increasing the size of the loan.

Parent PLUS Loan Origination Fee

The current origination fee on Parent PLUS Loans is 4.228. Fees are deducted from each loan disbursement. Borrowers can ask the college financial aid office to increase the amount borrowed to cover the fees.

Parents should compare the costs and benefits of PLUS Loans and private student loans. Parents with excellent credit may qualify for private student loan interest rates that are lower than the current PLUS Loan rate.

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Parent PLUS Loan Limits: How Much Can You Borrow

The annual loan limit on a Parent PLUS Loan is the full annual cost of attendance minus other financial aid received by the student. There is no aggregate (cumulative) loan limit.

The cost of attendance includes:

  • Tuition and fees
  • Room and board
  • Books
  • Supplies
  • Equipment
  • Transportation
  • Miscellaneous personal expenses

Parent PLUS Loan Refund Check

If the Parent PLUS Loan creates a credit balance on the student’s account, parents have the option to accept the refund or have the refund issued to the student. You can specify the recipient of leftover funds during the application process, or contact the school to update this information.

Parent PLUS Loan Deferment

Repayment on a Parent PLUS Loan normally begins no later than 60 days after the loan is fully disbursed. However, borrowers can defer repayment of a Parent PLUS Loan while the student is in school and during a six-month grace period after the student graduates or drops below half-time enrollment status. Parent PLUS Loans can also be deferred while the parent borrower is enrolled on at least a half-time basis in an eligible program. However, interest continues to accrue during these deferment periods.

Parent PLUS Loan Grace Period

Parent PLUS loans don’t technically have a grace period because they enter repayment within 6- days after the loan is fully disbursed. However, the in-school deferment option (explained above) can be used to postpone payments.

Parent PLUS Loan Repayment

The standard repayment term on Parent PLUS Loans is 10 years. However, borrowers may qualify for a longer repayment term if they consolidate the loans or have more than $30,000 in federal student loans.

Eligible Repayment Plans

Standard Repayment Yes
Extended Repayment Yes
Graduated Repayment Yes
Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR) No, unless the Parent PLUS Loan entered repayment on or after July 1, 2006 and it is consolidated, then the Direct Consolidation Loan is eligible
Income-Based Repayment (IBR) No
Pay-As-You-Earn Repayment (PAYE) No
Revised Pay-As-You-Earn Repayment (REPAYE) No
Private Student Loan Refinance Yes

Parent PLUS Loans are not eligible for public service loan forgiveness, unless the loans are consolidated and repaid under an ICR plan.

A parent’s Parent PLUS Loans cannot be consolidated with the student’s federal student loans, since the borrowers are different. However, a parent can consolidate their own federal student loans with Parent PLUS Loans, since these loans have the same borrower.

Student loan refinancing allows you to combine private and/or federal student loans into a new loan, or just refinance one student loan, depending on your needs.

Refinancing may reduce your interest rate, monthly payment, or allow you to remove a cosigner. You have the option to choose your lender based on the loan which has the most beneficial terms for you. Some private student refinance lenders may also allow you to transfer the loan debt to your child, it will require your child to qualify for a refinance loan. We work with many private student loan refinance lenders, check out our partners to see what types of terms may be available.

A Parent PLUS Loan is discharged if:

  • Borrower becomes totally and permanently disabled
  • Borrower dies
  • Student dies

Recommendations

  1. File the FAFSA every year to maintain eligibility for student aid.
  2. Dependent students should take out Direct Subsidized Loans (if eligible), and Direct Unsubsidized Loans before parents consider taking out a PLUS Loan.
  3. Compare the costs and benefits of Parent PLUS Loans vs. private student loans. Parents with excellent credit may qualify for private student loan interest rates that are lower than the current PLUS Loan rate.
  4. If a parent is denied for a PLUS Loan due to an adverse credit history, the student should contact the school’s financial aid office to request a higher limit on the Direct Unsubsidized Loan.

Learn More About Paying for College

Best Private Student Loans for March 2023

Private Parent Student Loans

Private Student Loans vs PLUS Loans

How to Pay for College Without Financial Aid

Student Loans for College

Student Loans Without a Cosigner

How Does Student Loan Interest Work

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Best Private Parent Loans for College

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

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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.

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)

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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

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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.  

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)

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.

 

 

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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.

    Edvisors is not a lender and makes no representations or warranties about your eligibility for a particular loan or financial aid. Lenders are solely responsible for any and all credit decisions, loan approval and rates, terms and other costs of the loan offered and may vary based upon the lender you select. Please check with your school or lender directly for information related to your personal eligibility.

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