Navigating the world of student loans can seem intimidating, especially when you're dealing with both federal and private types. Federal student loans offer more repayment options and should be your first choice before considering private ones. Private student loans, offered by banks, credit unions, and online lenders, come with various terms. They often require a credit check and usually require a co-signer. However, they can offer extra financial assistance and flexibility when other aid options aren't enough. There's a multitude of private student loans available, so it's recommended to compare various options to find the one that fits your needs best.
Every student has unique financial aid needs. We work with some of the nation’s best private student loan companies to help meet your needs. To help you get started, our website allows you to easily compare and shop for the best private student loan features and benefits that matter most in the short-term and the long run.
Key Takeaways
- Private student loans can offer a great way to help fund college after all other forms of financial aid have been exhausted.
- It’s important to do your research and shop around for the best loan for you as terms may vary.
- Factors to consider when choosing a provider include the loan's interest rate, repayment terms and other features such as deferment or forbearance options.
Compare Featured Lenders
- Competitive fixed and variable APRs starting at 4.41%1
- Multiple repayment options including: full principal and interest, interest-only, deferred, and flat payment
- Flexible payment terms ranging from 5, 8, 10, and 15 years2
- Coverage up to 100% of your school-certified cost of attendance ($1,000 minimum)3
- No origination, application and processing fees, no fees for early repayment
- Apply online in 3 minutes and get an instant credit decision
- Applying with a cosigner can increase your chances of getting approved and could result in a lower interest rate
College Ave Student Loans products are made available through Firstrust Bank, member FDIC, First Citizens Community Bank, member FDIC, or M.Y. Safra Bank, FSB, member FDIC.. All loans are subject to individual approval and adherence to underwriting guidelines. Program restrictions, other terms, and conditions apply.
1Rates shown are for the College Ave Undergraduate Loan product and include autopay discount. The 0.25% auto-pay interest rate reduction applies as long as a valid bank account is designated for required monthly payments. If a payment is returned, you will lose this benefit. Variable rates may increase after consummation.
2This informational repayment example uses typical loan terms for a freshman borrower who selects the Deferred Repayment Option with a 10-year repayment term, has a $10,000 loan that is disbursed in one disbursement and a 8.35% fixed Annual Percentage Rate (“APR”): 120 monthly payments of $179.18 while in the repayment period, for a total amount of payments of $21,501.54. Loans will never have a full principal and interest monthly payment of less than $50. Your actual rates and repayment terms may vary.
3As certified by your school and less any other financial aid you might receive. Minimum $1,000.
Information advertised valid as of 09/13/2023. 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.
- Variable Rates: 6.37% APR - 16.70% APR. Fixed Rates: 4.50% APR - 15.49% APR. Lowest rates shown include 0.25% interest rate discount with auto debit payments.1
- Apply online in minutes and receive an instant credit result2
- Multiple repayment options from in-school payments to deferred.1 No origination fee or prepayment penalty3
- Last year, students were 3x more likely to be approved with a cosigner4 and it may help you get a better rate.
- Borrow up to 100% of school-certified expenses, whether you're online or on campus5
Borrow Responsibly
We encourage students and families to start with savings, grants, scholarships, and federal student loans to pay for college. Students and families should evaluate all anticipated monthly loan payments, and how much the student expects to earn in the future, before considering a private student loan.
Loans for Undergraduate & Career Training Students are not intended for graduate students and are subject to credit approval, identity verification, signed loan documents, and school certification. Student must attend a participating school. Student or cosigner must meet the age of majority in their state of residence. Students who are not U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents must reside in the U.S., attend school in the U.S., apply with a creditworthy cosigner (who must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident), and provide an unexpired government-issued photo ID. Requested loan amount must be at least $1,000.
1Advertised APRs for undergraduate students assume a $10,000 loan to a student who attends school for 4 years and has no prior Sallie Mae-serviced loans. Interest rates for variable rate loans may increase or decrease over the life of the loan based on changes to the 30-day Average Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) rounded up to the nearest one-eighth of one percent. Advertised variable rates are the starting range of rates and may vary outside of that range over the life of the loan. Interest is charged starting when funds are sent to the school. With the Fixed and Deferred Repayment Options, the interest rate is higher than with the Interest Repayment Option and Unpaid Interest is added to the loan’s Current Principal at the end of the grace/separation period. To receive a 0.25 percentage point interest rate discount, the borrower or cosigner must enroll in auto debit through Sallie Mae. The discount applies only during active repayment for as long as the Current Amount Due or Designated Amount is successfully withdrawn from the authorized bank account each month. It may be suspended during forbearance or deferment.
2In 2022, instant credit decisions were provided to 97.8% of applicants. Other applications typically received credit decisions in 3 to 5 business days.
3Although we do not charge a penalty or fee if you prepay your loan, any prepayment will be applied as outlined in your promissory note-first to Unpaid Fees and costs, then to Unpaid Interest, and then to Current Principal.
4Based on the percentage of borrowers who were approved for an undergraduate loan with a cosigner compared to the percentage of borrowers who were approved for an undergraduate loan without a cosigner from October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022.5 For applications submitted directly to Sallie Mae, loan amount cannot exceed the cost of attendance less financial aid received, as certified by the school. Applications submitted to Sallie Mae through a partner website may be subjected to a lower maximum loan request amount. Miscellaneous personal expenses (such as a laptop) may be included in the cost of attendance for students enrolled at least half-time.
6 Examples of typical costs for a $10,000 Smart Option Loan with the most common fixed rate, fixed repayment option, 6-month separation period, and two disbursements: For a borrower with no prior loans and a 4-year in-school period, it works out to a 10.28% fixed APR, 51 payments of $25.00, 119 payments of $182.67 and one payment of $121.71, for a Total Loan Cost of $23,134.44. For a borrower with $20,000 in prior loans and a 2-year in-school period, it works out to a 10.78% fixed APR, 27 payments of $25.00, 179 payments of $132.53 and one payment of $40.35 for a total loan cost of $24,438.22. Loans that are subject to a $50 minimum principal and interest payment may receive a loan term that is less than 10 years.
Information advertised valid as of 08/25/2023.
SALLIE MAE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS, SERVICES, AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. CHECK SALLIEMAE.COM FOR THE MOST UP-TO-DATE PRODUCT INFORMATION.
Smart Option Student Loans® are made by Sallie Mae Bank. Sallie Mae, the Sallie Mae logo, and other Sallie Mae names and logos are service marks or registered service marks of Sallie Mae Bank. All other names and logos used are the trademarks or service marks of their respective owners.
Edvisors is not the creditor for these loans and is compensated by Sallie Mae for the referral of Sallie Mae loan customers.
© 2023 Sallie Mae Bank. All rights reserved. SLM Corporation and its subsidiaries, including Sallie Mae Bank are not sponsored by or agencies of the United States of America.
- AFFORDABLE variable rates starting at 6.15% APR with Automatic Debit Discount*
- 1% CASH BACK Graduation Reward*
- NON-COSIGNED option may be available for undergraduate juniors and seniors.
- PAY AFTER LEAVING SCHOOL – Customize your loan with flexible repayment options – start payments after graduation.
- FORGET FEES – No application, origination or disbursement fees. No prepayment penalty if you choose to pay your loan off early.
- COVER UP TO 100% of your tuition and eligible living expenses.
* Ascent's undergraduate and graduate student loans are funded by Bank of Lake Mills or DR Bank, each Member FDIC. Loan products may not be available in certain jurisdictions. Certain restrictions, limitations; and terms and conditions may apply. For Ascent Terms and Conditions please visit: www.AscentFunding.com/Ts&Cs
Rates are effective as of 10/01/2023 and reflect an automatic payment discount of either 0.25% (for credit-based loans) OR 1.00% (for undergraduate outcomes-based loans). Automatic Payment Discount is available if the borrower is enrolled in automatic payments from their personal checking account and the amount is successfully withdrawn from the authorized bank account each month. For Ascent rates and repayment examples please visit: www.AscentFunding.com/Rates
1% Cash Back Graduation Reward subject to terms and conditions. Cosigned Credit-Based Loan student must meet certain minimum credit criteria. The minimum score required is subject to change and may depend on the credit score of your cosigner. Lowest APRs require interest-only payments, the shortest loan term, and a cosigner, and are only available to our most creditworthy applicants and cosigners with the highest average credit scores.
The minimum amount is $2,001 except for the state of Massachusetts. Minimum loan amount for borrowers with a Massachusetts permanent address is $6,001.
- Check your eligibility in just 2 minutes
- Flexible repayment options you can choose from
- No fees for origination, disbursement, prepayment, or late payment3
- Skip a payment once per year (once repayment period restarted)4
- Will cover up to 100% of the school's certified cost of attendance
- 9-month grace period (3 months more than most lenders)2
- Apply over the phone with the Client Happiness Team
- Call 866-492-1222, Monday through Friday, 5 A.M. - 5 P.M. PST
- Mention us when you call in to start your application
This information is for graduate and undergraduate students attending participating degree-granting schools. Borrowers must be U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents if the school is located outside of the United States. Non-U.S. citizen borrowers who reside in the U.S. are eligible with a creditworthy cosigner (who must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident) and are required to provide an unexpired government-issued photo ID to verify identity. Applications are subject to a requested minimum loan amount of $1,000. Current credit and other eligibility criteria apply.
Actual rate and available repayment terms will vary based on your income. Fixed rates range from 4.67% APR to 16.15% APR (excludes 0.25% Auto Pay discount). Variable rates range from 5.64% APR to 16.45% 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 07/20/2023. 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.
Up to four repayment types (including no payments while in school) and multiple repayment terms help you find the loan that fits your budget
- Variable Rates: Starting variable rates range from 5.99% APR to 14.03% APR (with autopay)*, and will never exceed 13.95% (sometimes lower in certain states as required by law)
- Fixed Rates: Fixed rates range from 4.44% APR to 14.83% APR (with autopay)*
- Easy online application!
- No origination fees, late fees, and no insufficient fund fees. Period
- Up to four repayment types (including no payments while in school) and multiple repayment terms help you find the loan that fits your budget
- 0.25% discount when you set up autopay*
*UNDERGRADUATE LOANS: Fixed rates from 4.44% to 14.70% annual percentage rate ("APR") (with autopay), variable rates from 5.49% to 13.97% APR (with autopay). GRADUATE LOANS: Fixed rates from 4.99% to 14.48% APR (with autopay), variable rates from 5.99% to 13.97% APR (with autopay). PARENT LOANS: Fixed rates from 6.50% to 14.83% APR (with autopay), variable rates from 6.32% to 14.03% 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 08/31/2023.
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)
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)
Payments based on a fixed percentage of future income.
Lower (or no) payments when you're unemployed or underemployed.
- 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.
- Prequalification: Prequalify to estimate your rate without affecting your credit score
- Online Application Process: Submit online application in minutes
- Flexible Repayment Options: ELFI offers immediate, interest only, partial payment, and fully deferred repayment options
- No Fees: No application fees, origination fees, or prepayment penalties
- Low Rates: Fixed rates from 4.48% to 12.29% and variable rates from 4.98% - 12.79%
- Award winning Customer Service: Individually paired Student Loan Advisor to guide you through the application process
*Education Loan Finance is a nationwide student loan provider offered by Tennessee based SouthEast Bank. ELFI is designed to assist students financially with receiving their education. Subject to credit approval. See Terms & Conditions. Interest rates current as of 04-01-2023. Variable interest rates may increase after closing but will never exceed 18.00%. Interest rates may also differ from the rates shown above. The term of your loan, financial history, and other factors, including your cosigner’s (if any) financial history can affect the interest rate. For example, a 10-year loan with a fixed rate of 7% would have 120 payments of $11.61 per $1,000 borrowed. Rates are subject to change.
Best Private Student Loan Rates
Now is a great time to take advantage of some of the best private student loans rates available. Variable APR rates start as low as 5.09% APR (annual percentage rate) and fixed APR rates start at 4.24% APR.
Private Student Loan Rates
Variable rates starting at:
5.09% APR
Fixed rates starting at:
4.24% 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 June 5, 2023.
Federal Student Loan Rates
For loans first disbursed July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024
5.50%
Undergraduate
7.05%
Graduate
8.05%
PLUS Loans
Qualifying for the lowest student loan rate will depend on your credit score and history and other factors, such as proof of income. You can review our lender lineup for a comparison of competitive private student loan rates offered by our top, participating private student loan lenders. The private student loan interest rates advertised are expressed as Annual Percentage Rates (APRs) which could be either fixed APR or variable APR, and are subject to change.
It is important to understand that sometimes the lowest advertised student loan interest rate comes with conditions, such as agreeing to have your monthly payments automatically debited from your checking or savings account. So be sure to read the details (fine print). Again, the actual rate you may qualify for depends on your creditworthiness, and if applicable, the creditworthiness of your cosigner.
Best Private Student Loan Options
There are a multitude of private student loan lenders out there, including banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions. We’ve assembled a list of lenders we work with whom we feel offer some of the best private student loan products on the market.
Private Undergraduate Student Loans
Most students pursuing an undergraduate degree can apply for a private undergraduate student loan. These loans offer competitive interest rates, and often come with interest rate reductions when you sign up for automatic monthly payments. Roughly 90% of undergraduate private student loan borrowers will need a cosigner.
Private Parent Student Loans
Private parent loans allow parents to assist their child in paying for college. These loans are taken out in the parent’s name and are the parent’s responsibility to repay. You may be able to file for cosigner release in the future if your private lender offers that option. You can also explore refinancing the loan into the student’s name once the student has graduated and is employed. Our website makes it easy to compare private parent loan lenders.
Private Graduate Student Loans
Graduate students who have exhausted their federal unsubsidized and PLUS loan options, or those with a strong history of employment, may want to consider private student loan options for graduate school. You can apply for a graduate student loan with a creditworthy cosigner if you need or if you’re looking for a more competitive interest rate. These loans can help fill the funding gap, and they rarely have origination or disbursement fees. You may also find more competitive rates than federal student loans (for those with a strong credit score).
Medical School Student Loans
Medical school and medical training require several years of higher education, and student loans to help cover the total cost of attendance. Medical school loans can be used to help pre-clinical and clinical education.
Dental and Medical Residency and Relocation Loans
Dental and medical students have unique situations that arise once they’ve finished their schooling. Many newly minted dentists and doctors must relocate to complete their residency once they graduate. Private student loans are available to help fund these moves and assist with living expenses during this time. Residency and relocation loans are not offered in the federal student aid program.
Bar Exam Loans
Bar exam loans are a product that may appeal to future lawyers. Preparation for the bar exam is time-consuming and intense. Many future attorneys prepare for the bar as if it is a full-time job. A bar exam loan can help cover the costs of living expenses, exam prep, and the costs associated with taking the exam itself.
MBA Loans
Business school can be very expensive. MBA student loans exist to help fill the funding gaps. Graduate and professional school students can borrow up to $20,500 per year in Direct Unsubsidized Loans, and MBA students should max out these loans first. MBA and professional students may also borrow from the Grad PLUS loan program to fill the funding gaps, but private student loans may offer a better interest rate and no or low origination fees.
How to Compare Private Student Loans
We’ve outlined how to compare the best private student loans below, but if you want to skip ahead to see this information by lender, click here to enter your school.
Interest Rates
View the range of interest rates available from the private lenders you are considering. Do they offer both fixed APR and variable APR rates? Also check for available interest rate discounts, for either enrolling in automatic payments or choosing to make payments while you’re enrolled in school.
Student Loan Fees
This is something you definitely want to compare. Many private lenders may offer zero origination fees upfront, but beware of other fees that could be charged; including disbursement fees, processing fees, and late fees. Read the fine print to compare.
Minimum and Maximum Loan Limits
How much can you borrow? Private lenders have both loan minimums and maximums. Is the loan amount you need to borrow from your chosen lender enough to hit their loan minimum? Is the lender’s annual loan limit enough to cover the financing you need? Loan limits are an important consideration.
Auto-Pay Discounts
Many private student loan lenders off an automatic payment discount anywhere from 0.25% to 0.50% when you enroll in automatic monthly payments. These automatic payment discount amounts may seem small, but can make a big dent in how much you end up repaying.
Repayment Terms
Many of the best private lenders offer flexible loan repayment terms and a grace period after you graduate. You won't need to make the full payments until the grace period ends. Make sure to check out the loan repayment term options your lender offers to ensure they work for you. Repayment terms are typically anywhere from 5 to 15 years. Your private lender will simply outline your loan repayment term based on the total amount you owe.
Also, you should look into whether or not the lender has pre-payment penalties. The lenders we work with do not charge a prepayment penalty.
Customer Service
Most student loans take a while to pay back. This means you will be dealing with your student loan lender for years to come. It’s important to consider the customer service a lender provides prior to entering into a loan with them Our private lender reviews touch on customer service for most major lenders.
More >>> How Long Does it Take to Pay Off Student Loans?
Cosigner Release
If you are using a cosigner to qualify for the best student loan rate possible, you may want to consider loans that offer cosigner release. Cosigner release gives you the ability to apply to remove your cosigner if you meet certain conditions set by your lender.
Other Benefits
The best private student loan lenders also each offer a unique set of benefits for their products. These can include, no origination fees, cash back for good grades, easy online loan application process with a decision in minutes, no late fees, short periods of deferment or forbearance, the ability to skip a payment, flexible repayment options, automatic payments, and other perks.
Another thing to consider is the protections that come with the loan. For example, does the lender offer loan discharge in the event of death or permanent disability? This is a provision that comes with federal student loans, but is not offered from all private lenders.
What is a Private Student Loan?
A private student loan is a non-federal student loan used to help pay for college related expenses.
Essentially, private student loans are a way to help pay for school when you don’t have enough federal financial aid, scholarships, and out-of-pocket money. It’s pretty much that simple. Some colleges and universities will say things like, “they help cover the gap.”
Private Student Loan Eligibility
Eligibility for private loans is based on the following:
Citizenship Status
Most private loans require that you be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident. If not, your creditworthy cosigner must be. This requirement may vary by lender.
Enrollment
You must be enrolled at an eligible college or university. Some private lenders offer private student loans to part-time undergraduate and graduate students, meaning you may not need to be classified as ‘at least half-time’ in order to qualify, unlike the federal student loan program, where being enrolled ‘at least half-time’ is required. Make sure you read each lender's eligibility criteria.
Creditworthiness
The required minimum FICO® minimum credit score will vary by lender (and may change over time), but all lenders will want to see a strong credit profile that does not contain poor credit history, such as late payments (on items such as rent, utilities and medical bills), liens, foreclosures, bankruptcy or student loan defaults. You will also need to demonstrate proof of income and earnings history, which is why so many undergraduate student loan borrowers (approx. 90%) need a cosigner.
School Certification
Ultimately, your college or university will need to verify your attendance and confirm that the loan amount requested is needed (based on all other financial aid you may be receiving). There may be situations where the school certifies a different loan amount than what you requested, in which case you may be awarded the lower dollar amount.
When to Apply for Student Loans
You don’t want to wait until the last minute to apply and qualify for a student loan if you can avoid it. Getting a private student loan can take some time, so it’s recommended that you start your research and get rate quotes at least 60 days before the start of your term or school year.
You should submit your loan application no later than 30 days before the start of your term. There are a few additional steps in the loan application process, including school certification, credit check, and mandatory waiting times before the loan is disbursed.
Once you’ve decided on which school you are attending and have had a chance to review your financial aid package from your school and federal loan offerings from the government to determine how much you need, you should start your loan application process.
Note: The information above addresses paying for college at the start of your school term, when most charges are due to the school. However, private student loans may be applied for anytime throughout the school year when additional funds are needed.
How Much in Student Loans Can You Take Out?
You first want to determine how much you need to borrow. There is a difference between how much you can borrow, and how much you need to borrow. We recommend that you wait for your financial aid letter from your school, then determine your budget for the term (or year), and then decide on the loan amounts you need to borrow and how that will affect your credit history and credit score in the long term.
Private Student Loan Limits
- Minimum, annual loan amount: $1,000
- Maximum, annual loan limit: Up to 100% of the certified total cost of attendance minus other aid
Aggregate limits:
- For undergraduates the range is around $75,000 to $120,000, depending on the lender
- For graduate students and health professionals: Between $200,000 and $350,000 (higher-end limits are typically reserved for programs such as medical school, law school or business school). Again, this varies by lender.
How to Apply for Student Loans
We can’t say it enough, but you should explore your financial aid options available through the federal student aid programs first. Even though you don’t need to complete the FAFSA to borrow private student loans, we recommend it. That way you can determine the loan amounts you need to borrow after you consider all financial aid and federal student loan offerings from the federal government, your state, and your school.
Apply for Private Student Loans
Student Loan Application
A private student loan application will ask you some of the basics, like name, address, and social security number. If you have a cosigner, they will need to provide the basics as well. Your lender will also ask you to provide information on the school you plan to attend and details about your enrollment status (like full-time, or half-time) and grade level. And finally, you will need to disclose a loan amount you would like to borrow.
You (and cosigner, if applicable) will be asked to provide financial information as well. Along with a few questions regarding your current income, they may ask you to provide certain documentation to verify your information. Carefully read what your lender is requesting, they may ask for a certain number of pay statements, or tax returns from previous years.
Many lenders have an easy loan application process which you can complete from online from your computer or phone.
Student Loan Credit Check
As part of your student loan application, you will be asked to authorize a credit check so they can review your credit history —if you have a cosigner, they will also need to authorize a credit check. Your lender will review your credit history and credit scores and may reach out to you if they have any questions about items listed on your credit report.
Credit Score Needed for Student Loan
Private student loans will require you to have a strong credit score, a good debt-to-income ratio, and to demonstrate at least two years of work history. Before the credit check, it may be worthwhile to take a look at your credit score to have an idea of how you’re doing. Each lender will have their own credit score criteria, but in general, you will need a FICO ® minimum credit score of at least 660.
The stronger your credit score and the better your credit history, the lower the rate you will qualify for. If you are worried about qualifying on your own, you can apply with a creditworthy cosigner. Even if you do qualify for a private student loan on your own, you can also use a cosigner to help you qualify for better loan terms and rates.
Private Student Loan FAQs
Do I Need a Cosigner for My Private Student Loan?
You might need a cosigner if you don’t earn little to no income, you have a low credit score, or you have limited (or no) credit history. A cosigner can help you qualify for a student loan. And even if you qualify for a loan on your own, a cosigner can help you qualify for better loan terms.
If you decide to use a cosigner, it would likely make your cosigner feel better if you create an agreement up front on how the student loan will be handled and repaid. For example, will you be able to pay the interest while you’re in school, or would you expect your cosigner to do so? Are you choosing a lender that offers a cosigner release option? If so, make sure you understand the loan terms and conditions (i.e., number of on-time payments required and credit score requirements) so you can explain to your cosigner how you plan to qualify. It's also important to understand how loan repayment will affect your credit history, credit score and your cosigner's credit score. You may want to become enrolled in automatic payment deductions, for example, so you’re less likely to miss any payments.
Bonus tip: most lenders offer an interest rate reduction (such as 0.25%) when you sign up for auto-debit.
It’s not uncommon to need a cosigner as an undergraduate student. According to a MeasureOne survey, in the 2020-2021 academic year, over 90% of undergraduate students needed a cosigner to borrow a private student loan.
What is Cosigner Release?
A great feature with most private student loans is the ability to release the cosigner from being jointly—and legally—responsible for the debt. This could be a great birthday or holiday present for mom or dad!
So how do you make this happen? Contact your lender (call or go online) to obtain the necessary cosigner release application form. The general rule is that you need to make a minimum number of qualifying, on-time payments (usually between 12 and 24 months), along with meeting other criteria set by the lender to be considered for cosigner release.
And in the spirit of cosigner release, we should also note that some lenders even have programs that allow parents to transfer their Parent PLUS Loans to the student via a refinanced loan. In this scenario, the student would need to demonstrate their own creditworthiness.
Note: Loans refinanced with a cosigner may also qualify for cosigner release.
Private Student Loans Without a Cosigner
Private student loans are primarily based on creditworthiness. For this reason, most undergraduate students (or those with a thin credit profile and little to no income or employment history) will find it difficult to qualify on their own. But some lenders have developed newer products and loan terms that provide opportunities for students to qualify without a cosigner. See the list of options below:
- Ascent Student Loans – If you are a college junior, senior or graduate student, you may be eligible for a non-cosigned loan with Ascent.
- Stride Funding Income Share Agreements – If you’re a grad student or pursuing a second bachelor’s degree, Income Share Agreements may be worth checking out. ISAs are an alternative way to finance your education where you get the money up front to pay for school, then you give up a percentage of your salary after school.
- Compare all lenders – Of course, if you have a good credit history and credit score, a current income and can demonstrate employment history, you can always apply for a private student loan without a cosigner. A lot of graduate students may fall into this category, along with adult students returning to school. Many lenders today also offer a private parent loan as a more affordable alternative to the federal Parent PLUS Loan.
How Long to Get Approved for a Student Loan?
Once you complete the loan application, depending on your lender, you may be immediately approved, or it make take a few days or longer. Even if you don’t receive an approval right away, most lenders will confirm that your loan application has been submitted. Sometimes additional information or documents are required before a full credit approval can be provided. Or in some cases, the lender will encourage you to add a cosigner.
If you do not hear from your lender within one week, you may want to call and check the status of your loan application.
School Loan Certification
Regardless of the type of student loan you apply for, your school will need to certify the loan amount you want to borrow. Your lender will communicate and work with your school directly. Basically, your lender will need to make sure your private student loan will not exceed your school's total cost of attendance minus all other financial aid received.
How are Private Student Loans Disbursed?
Regardless of the type of student loan you apply for, your school will need to certify the loan amount you want to borrow. Your lender will communicate and work with your school directly. Basically, your lender will need to make sure your private student loan will not exceed your school's total cost of attendance minus all other financial aid received.
What is the Difference Between Federal Student Loans and Private Student Loans?
Here are some of the key differences between Private Student Loans and Federal Student Loans:
| Loan Type | Private Student Loan | Federal Government Student Loan |
| Loan Lender | Banks, credit unions, financial institution, state agency, or college/university | U.S. Department of Education |
| FAFSA Required? | No | Yes |
| Interest Rate Type | Fixed APR and variable APR options available | Fixed APR |
| Rates Based on Credit Criteria? | Yes | No |
| Cosigner Required? | Yes, unless borrower has strong credit score | No* |
| Loan Repayment Plans | Varies by lender. Some lenders may offer multiple options. | Multiple repayment plans (including income-driven) available |
| Forbearance Options | Varies by lender. Typically one year. | Three years |
*Direct PLUS Loans offered to parents of students attending college, or graduate students, require a credit check. If the borrower is found to have adverse credit history or a low credit score, a cosigner may be required.
How Do I Find the Best Private Student Loan Lender That Works with My School?
One method is to enter your school here. You will be presented with a list of our private lender partners who work with your school. If you have any additional questions, or would like to seek additional options, it would be best for you to contact your school’s financial aid office.
Can I Get a Private Student Loan Without a Cosigner?
90% of undergraduate students and 60% of graduate students need a cosigner to get approved for a private student loan. Some undergraduate and graduate students may have the credit score qualifications to get approved without a cosigner. It all depends on your credit score and credit history.
Different lenders have different qualifying criteria. To determine eligibility, it’s best to contact a potential lender directly.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Student Loan?
The exact amount of time will vary by lender, school, and time of year. Generally, the process can take as little as two weeks and as long as two months. Since the loan funds will be sent directly to your school, any money left over after the school applies your loan to your account will be refunded to you. Compare student loan lenders now.
How Much Can You Get In Private Student Loans?
Private student loan lenders, generally, will not let you borrow money in excess of your school's cost of attendance. Your school will let you know the maximum loan amounts you can borrow in a private student loan, which will be determined by subtracting all the aid you have been awarded/accepted from your total cost of attendance.
When Can I Apply for a Private Student Loan?
Private lenders accept and process private student loan applications throughout the year. You may apply at any time.
Can I Get a Student Loan with Bad Credit?
Having a bad credit score or adverse credit history won't necessarily disqualify you from getting a student loan. Some loans are not based on credit. For example, you may be able to borrow federal student loans, as most federal student loans don't factor in credit history.
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