7 Best Student Loan Refinancing Companies of January 2026
NerdWallet student loan experts evaluated dozens of data points to identify the best student loan refinance companies for different customers. See our picks below and learn if refinancing your student loans makes sense for you.
Why trust NerdWallet
- 17 student loans lenders reviewed and rated by our team of experts.
- 10+ years of combined experience covering higher education and consumer lending.
- Objective, comprehensive star-rating system assessing 41 categories and more than 50 data points across student loan origination and student loan refinance.
- Governed by NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
Why trust NerdWallet
- 17 student loans lenders reviewed and rated by our team of experts.
- 10+ years of combined experience covering higher education and consumer lending.
- Objective, comprehensive star-rating system assessing 41 categories and more than 50 data points across student loan origination and student loan refinance.
- Governed by NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
Best Student Loan Refinancing Companies
Lender | NerdWallet editorial rating | Min. credit score | Fixed APR | Variable APR | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
4.5 /5 | 665 | 3.72-9.99% | 5.88-9.99% | Check Rate on Earnest's website | |
4.0 /5 | 650 | 4.24-9.99% | 5.99-9.99% | Check Rate on SoFi®'s website | |
Best for faster repayment options 4.5 /5 | 680 | 4.88-8.44% | 4.74-8.24% | Compare Rates on Credible’s website | |
4.0 /5 | 680 | 4.89-9.04% | 5.54-9.12% | Compare Rates on Credible’s website | |
Best for wide availability 5.0 /5 | 680 | 3.99-8.74% | N/A | Compare Rates on Credible’s website |
Our pick for
Student loan refinancing with low income
- Typical credit score of approved borrowers or co-signers: 760.
- Loan amounts: $5,000 to $500,000.
- Must have a degree: No, but must be within six months of graduation and have income or a job.
- Customizable payments and loan terms.
- Option to skip one payment every 12 months.
- You can see if you’ll qualify and what rate you’ll get without a hard credit check.
- Loans aren't available in Nevada.
Earnest has no minimum income requirement. Borrower's median income is $70,000 one of the lowest shared with NerdWallet.
- Typical credit score of approved borrowers: Does not disclose.
- Minimum income: Does not disclose.
- Loan amounts: Minimum $7,500. Maximum depends on creditworthiness and debt-to-income ratio.
- You can refinance without a degree.
- Forbearance of 24 months is twice as long as most lenders.
- You can see if you’ll qualify and what rate you’ll get without a hard credit check.
- Loans aren’t available in Alaska, Delaware, Illinois, Iowa, Nevada, New Jersey, Maine, Maryland, Rhode Island, Washington, Washington D.C.
- You cannot postpone repayment if you re-enroll in school.
Advantage requires borrowers to have a minimum annual income of $24,000.
Our pick for
Banks to refinance student loans
- Typical credit score of approved borrowers or co-signers: 700+.
- Loan amounts: $5,000, up to your total outstanding loan balance.
- Must have a degree: Yes, an associate degree or higher.
- You can see if you’ll qualify and what rate you’ll get without a hard credit check.
- Dedicated Student Loan Debt Specialist available for borrowers.
- No co-signer release available.
- Loan size minimum is higher than most lenders.
Best for borrowers who may prefer an online bank and want plenty of benefits with their refinanced student loan.
- Typical credit score of approved borrowers or co-signers: 774.
- Loan amounts: $10,000 up to your total outstanding loan balance.
- Must have a degree: Yes, at least a bachelor’s degree.
- You are assigned a student loan advisor.
- You can refinance parent PLUS loans in your name.
- Payment postponement isn’t available for borrowers who return to school.
- The minimum amount to refinance is more than many lenders require.
- No co-signer release available.
- Typical credit score of approved borrowers or co-signers: 751.
- Loan amounts: $5,000 to $300,000, depending on the higest degree earned.
- Must have a degree: Yes, at least an associate degree.
- Forbearance of 18 months for 15- and 20-year loan terms is longer than many lenders.
- You can see if you’ll qualify and what rate you’ll get without a hard credit check.
- Loans aren't available in Maine, Nevada, North Dakota, Rhode Island or West Virginia.
Best for borrowers who prefer to work with a community bank or credit union, rather than a big bank. While LendKey connects borrowers with community banks and credit unions, LendKey services the loans.
Our pick for
Borrowers with no degree
- Typical credit score of approved borrowers or co-signers: 760.
- Loan amounts: $5,000 to $500,000.
- Must have a degree: No, but must be within six months of graduation and have income or a job.
- Customizable payments and loan terms.
- Option to skip one payment every 12 months.
- You can see if you’ll qualify and what rate you’ll get without a hard credit check.
- Loans aren't available in Nevada.
Best for borrowers who are still enrolled in school and have a job offer.
- Typical credit score of approved borrowers: 748.
- Loan amounts: $7,500 to $250,000, depending on the highest degree earned.
- Must have a degree: No.
- Income-based repayment plan available, with forgiveness after 25 years.
- Co-signer release available after 24 months.
- Students cannot refinance a parent PLUS loan in their name.
- Typical credit score of approved borrowers: Does not disclose.
- Minimum income: Does not disclose.
- Loan amounts: Minimum $7,500. Maximum depends on creditworthiness and debt-to-income ratio.
- You can refinance without a degree.
- Forbearance of 24 months is twice as long as most lenders.
- You can see if you’ll qualify and what rate you’ll get without a hard credit check.
- Loans aren’t available in Alaska, Delaware, Illinois, Iowa, Nevada, New Jersey, Maine, Maryland, Rhode Island, Washington, Washington D.C.
- You cannot postpone repayment if you re-enroll in school.
Best for borrowers who didn’t graduate and who may be looking for a longer forbearance period.
Our pick for
International borrowers
- Typical credit score of approved borrowers or co-signers: 760.
- Loan amounts: $5,000 to $500,000.
- Must have a degree: No, but must be within six months of graduation and have income or a job.
- Customizable payments and loan terms.
- Option to skip one payment every 12 months.
- You can see if you’ll qualify and what rate you’ll get without a hard credit check.
- Loans aren't available in Nevada.
International borrowers must possess a Permanent Resident Card (10-year non-conditional or 2-year conditional), be a DACA recipient, be an Asylee or hold an H-1B visa with a U.S. Citizen cosigner.
- Typical credit score of approved borrowers: Does not disclose.
- Minimum income: Does not disclose.
- Loan amounts: Minimum $7,500. Maximum depends on creditworthiness and debt-to-income ratio.
- You can refinance without a degree.
- Forbearance of 24 months is twice as long as most lenders.
- You can see if you’ll qualify and what rate you’ll get without a hard credit check.
- Loans aren’t available in Alaska, Delaware, Illinois, Iowa, Nevada, New Jersey, Maine, Maryland, Rhode Island, Washington, Washington D.C.
- You cannot postpone repayment if you re-enroll in school.
International borrowers are required to provide proof of a permanent residency card.
Our pick for
MBA student loan refinance lender
- Typical credit score of approved borrowers or co-signers: 760.
- Loan amounts: $5,000 to $500,000.
- Must have a degree: No, but must be within six months of graduation and have income or a job.
- Customizable payments and loan terms.
- Option to skip one payment every 12 months.
- You can see if you’ll qualify and what rate you’ll get without a hard credit check.
- Loans aren't available in Nevada.
Earnest offers features like customized repayment schedules and payment amounts, which can help MBA graduates pay off debt fast.
- Typical credit score of approved borrowers: 748.
- Loan amounts: $7,500 to $250,000, depending on the highest degree earned.
- Must have a degree: No.
- Income-based repayment plan available, with forgiveness after 25 years.
- Co-signer release available after 24 months.
- Students cannot refinance a parent PLUS loan in their name.
MBA graduates can benefit from payment flexibility features like income-based repayment should they run into financial trouble.
Our pick for
Paying off student loans fast
- Typical credit score of approved borrowers or co-signers: 760.
- Loan amounts: $5,000 to $500,000.
- Must have a degree: No, but must be within six months of graduation and have income or a job.
- Customizable payments and loan terms.
- Option to skip one payment every 12 months.
- You can see if you’ll qualify and what rate you’ll get without a hard credit check.
- Loans aren't available in Nevada.
Earnest offers borrowers a variety of features to encourage faster refinance student loan payoff, including allowing borrowers to increase their minimum monthly payment and schedule multiple extra payments.
- Typical credit score of approved borrowers: Does not disclose.
- Minimum income: Does not disclose.
- Loan amounts: Minimum $7,500. Maximum depends on creditworthiness and debt-to-income ratio.
- You can refinance without a degree.
- Forbearance of 24 months is twice as long as most lenders.
- You can see if you’ll qualify and what rate you’ll get without a hard credit check.
- Loans aren’t available in Alaska, Delaware, Illinois, Iowa, Nevada, New Jersey, Maine, Maryland, Rhode Island, Washington, Washington D.C.
- You cannot postpone repayment if you re-enroll in school.
Advantage provides features like bi-weekly autopay and five repayment term options.
Our pick for
Medical school student loan refinance lender
- Typical credit score of approved borrowers or co-signers: 760.
- Loan amounts: $5,000 to $500,000.
- Must have a degree: No, but must be within six months of graduation and have income or a job.
- Customizable payments and loan terms.
- Option to skip one payment every 12 months.
- You can see if you’ll qualify and what rate you’ll get without a hard credit check.
- Loans aren't available in Nevada.
Earnest’s customized repayment schedules can help doctors to pay off debt fast after residency.
- Typical credit score of approved borrowers: 748.
- Loan amounts: $7,500 to $250,000, depending on the highest degree earned.
- Must have a degree: No.
- Income-based repayment plan available, with forgiveness after 25 years.
- Co-signer release available after 24 months.
- Students cannot refinance a parent PLUS loan in their name.
Doctors looking for payment flexibility after residency could benefit should they run into financial trouble.
Our pick for
Credit unions to refinance student loans
- Typical credit score of approved borrowers or co-signers: 751.
- Loan amounts: $5,000 to $300,000, depending on the higest degree earned.
- Must have a degree: Yes, at least an associate degree.
- Forbearance of 18 months for 15- and 20-year loan terms is longer than many lenders.
- You can see if you’ll qualify and what rate you’ll get without a hard credit check.
- Loans aren't available in Maine, Nevada, North Dakota, Rhode Island or West Virginia.
- Typical credit score of approved borrowers: Did not disclose.
- $7,500 minimum to $125,000 for undergraduates, or $175,000 for graduate students.
- Must have a degree: Yes, at least an associate degree.
- Forbearance of 18 months is longer than many lenders offer.
- Greater-than-minimum payments allowed via autopay.
- Available only to existing Navy Federal Credit Union customers
- Students cannot refinance a parent PLUS loan in their name.
- You can’t see if you’ll qualify and what rate you’ll get without a hard credit check.
Our pick for
State-based refinancing
- Typical credit score of approved borrowers: 748.
- Loan amounts: $7,500 to $250,000, depending on the highest degree earned.
- Must have a degree: No.
- Income-based repayment plan available, with forgiveness after 25 years.
- Co-signer release available after 24 months.
- Students cannot refinance a parent PLUS loan in their name.
Best for borrowers who want payment flexibility should they run into financial trouble. Loans are available to borrowers nationwide.
- Typical credit score of approved borrowers: Does not disclose.
- Minimum income: Does not disclose.
- Loan amounts: Minimum $7,500. Maximum depends on creditworthiness and debt-to-income ratio.
- You can refinance without a degree.
- Forbearance of 24 months is twice as long as most lenders.
- You can see if you’ll qualify and what rate you’ll get without a hard credit check.
- Loans aren’t available in Alaska, Delaware, Illinois, Iowa, Nevada, New Jersey, Maine, Maryland, Rhode Island, Washington, Washington D.C.
- You cannot postpone repayment if you re-enroll in school.
Best for borrowers who didn’t graduate. Loans are not available to borrowers in Alaska, Delaware, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Washington and Washington, D.C.
Our pick for
Lenders offering co-signer release
- Typical credit score of approved borrowers: Does not disclose.
- Minimum income: Does not disclose.
- Loan amounts: Minimum $7,500. Maximum depends on creditworthiness and debt-to-income ratio.
- You can refinance without a degree.
- Forbearance of 24 months is twice as long as most lenders.
- You can see if you’ll qualify and what rate you’ll get without a hard credit check.
- Loans aren’t available in Alaska, Delaware, Illinois, Iowa, Nevada, New Jersey, Maine, Maryland, Rhode Island, Washington, Washington D.C.
- You cannot postpone repayment if you re-enroll in school.
Borrowers can request a co-signer release after 12 months. They will need to pass a hard credit check and meet other eligibility requirements to release a co-signer from an Advantage Refinance Loan.
- Typical credit score of approved borrowers: 748.
- Loan amounts: $7,500 to $250,000, depending on the highest degree earned.
- Must have a degree: No.
- Income-based repayment plan available, with forgiveness after 25 years.
- Co-signer release available after 24 months.
- Students cannot refinance a parent PLUS loan in their name.
RISLA requires borrowers make 24 full, on-time and consecutive payments as well as provide credit score and employment information when they apply to release a co-signer.
What is student loan refinancing?
Student loan refinancing takes one or multiple loans and combines them into a new loan with a private lender, such as a bank or online lender. The new servicer will pay off your old debt and typically offer a lower interest rate or longer term with smaller monthly payments. So this move would either save you money in the long run or make your payments more manageable.
You can refinance federal and private student loan debt into one new private loan.
» Learn more: Should you refinance private student loans?
Should you refinance your student loans?
Refinancing student loans is usually best for those with strong credit and stable income, since this often results in better loan terms. For context, private student loan interest rates can be fixed or variable and range from 3.95% to 9.99%.
The ideal time to refinance your student loans is when you can get a lower rate and commit to the monthly repayments. Borrowers with limited credit history may not qualify for a lower rate through private student loan refinancing.
How to refinance student loans
1. Identify your financial goals. Do you need lower monthly payments? Or do you want to pay less interest over a shorter term? Refinancing to a shorter term means higher monthly payments, but you’ll pay less total interest. The opposite is true: with lower monthly payments, you’ll pay more interest over a longer term.
2. Evaluate your finances. For the best chances of approval, you'll likely need a credit score in the mid to high 600s, a debt-to-income, or DTI, ratio of 50% or better and stable income. You’ll want to ask your current lender for the payoff amount for the loan, so you know how much money you’ll need.
3. Compare rates. Get pre-qualified with several lenders to compare estimated rates and terms. The lenders on this list will show you an offer without affecting your credit score. NerdWallet’s student loan refinance calculator can help you determine which rate saves the most money.
4. Choose a lender and complete the application. Some lenders require documentation to verify information like your income. Depending on the lender, you may be asked for the following as part of the formal application:
Loan income verification statement.
Proof of employment or income.
Proof of residency.
Identification.
Graduation information.
5. Sign the final documents and wait for loan payoff. Once underwriting is complete, you’ll need to sign final paperwork to accept the loan. Be sure to also ask your new lender when the original loan will be paid off. Most lenders send checks within 48 hours of closing the loan, but it doesn’t hurt to ask for the exact date.
How are refinancing and consolidating different?
Student loan consolidation and refinancing both allow you to combine multiple loans into a single loan, but the two processes have very different purposes and consequences.
Only federal loans can be consolidated. The process happens through the Department of Education. Borrowers can combine multiple federal loans into a new Direct Consolidation Loan after graduating, leaving school or moving to less than half-time enrollment. Borrowers with certain types of federal loans must consolidate them to access repayment benefits, like income-driven repayment and Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
Both federal and/or private loans can be refinanced, always through a private lender.
Interest rates work differently. For a Direct Consolidation Loan, the rate is the weighted average of interest rates for the loans you are consolidating. That rate is fixed, meaning it will not change over time.
The rate you get for a refinanced loan depends on your credit, income and other factors.
You keep federal loan benefits when consolidating. A Direct Consolidation Loan is still a federal student loan, so you can access income-driven repayment plans and forgiveness programs.
Refinancing always results in a private student loan. Private lenders don’t give forgiveness options and don’t typically offer income-driven repayment plans.
» Learn more: The pros and cons of student loan consolidation
Alternate student loan refinance options
STUDENT LOAN REFINANCE RATINGS METHODOLOGY
Our survey of more than 26 banks, credit unions and online lenders offering student loans and student loan refinancing includes the top 10 lenders by market share and the top 10 lenders by online search volume, as well as lenders that serve specialty or nontraditional markets.
We consider 41 features and data points for each financial institution. Depending on the category, these include the availability of biweekly payments through autopay, minimum credit score and income requirement disclosures, availability to borrowers in all states, extended grace periods and in-house customer service.
The stars represent ratings from poor (one star) to excellent (five stars). Ratings are rounded to the nearest half-star.
Read more about our ratings methodologies for student loan refinance and our editorial guidelines.
Frequently asked questions
Is it hard to get student loans refinanced?
It’s not hard to refinance student loans if your finances are in good shape. Lenders look for a credit score that’s in the mid- to high 600s or higher and a history of on-time loan payments. They also value applicants with stable incomes and a debt-to-income ratio of 50% or better.
If that doesn’t sound like you, look into refinancing loans with a co-signer, which may help you qualify. Also work to raise your credit score, reduce debt and otherwise improve your financial profile.
The application itself varies by lender, but it’s typically straightforward. Be prepared to submit documentation to verify your identity, income and employment.
Can you refinance federal student loans?
You can refinance federal student loans into a private loan, but it means you'll permanently forfeit federal benefits like income-driven repayment plans and potential student loan forgiveness. If you want to keep your federal loans federal, consider consolidation with the Department of Education.
Last updated on January 12, 2026
How we chose the best student loans
Our team of student loan experts follows an objective and robust methodology to rate lenders and pick the best.
17
Lenders reviewed
17
Lenders reviewed
We reviewed 17 banks, credit unions, and online lenders — including the top 10 by market share and search volume — plus lenders serving niche and nontraditional borrowers.
41
Features assessed
41
Features assessed
Each lender is evaluated across five weighted categories, covering dozens of features related to affordability, eligibility, consumer experience, flexibility, and application process.
50+
Data points analyzed
50+
Data points analyzed
Our team tracks and reassesses more than 50 data points, including APR ranges, fees, credit requirements, and borrower tools, through our annual survey to lenders.
Star rating categories
We evaluate more categories than competitors and carefully weigh how each factor impacts your experience.
5.0
Overall score
NerdWallet surveyed and reviewed 17 banks, credit unions and online lenders offering student loans and student loan refinancing. We included the top 10 lenders by market share and the top 10 lenders by online search volume, as well as lenders that serve specialty or nontraditional markets. Some lenders are NerdWallet partners, but this did not influence our selection of the winner.
We consider 41 features and more than 50 data points for each financial institution. Depending on the category, these include the availability of biweekly payments through autopay, minimum credit score and income requirement disclosures, availability to a wide range of borrowers in all states, extended grace periods and in-house customer service.
The stars represent ratings from poor (one star) to excellent (five stars). Ratings are rounded to the nearest half-star.
Read more about our ratings methodologies for student loans and our editorial guidelines.
NerdWallet's Best Student Loan Refinancing Companies of January 2026
- Earnest Student Loan Refinance: Best for Student loan refinancing with low income + Borrowers with no degree + International borrowers + MBA student loan refinance lender + Paying off student loans fast + Medical school student loan refinance lender, Fixed APR: 3.72-9.99%
- SoFi Student Loan Refinancing: Best for Banks to refinance student loans, Fixed APR: 4.24-9.99%
- ELFI Student Loan Refinance: Best for Banks to refinance student loans, Fixed APR: 4.88-8.44%
- LendKey Student Loan Refinance: Best for Credit unions to refinance student loans + Banks to refinance student loans, Fixed APR: 4.89-9.04%
- RISLA Student Loan Refinance: Best for Borrowers with no degree + State-based refinancing + Lenders offering co-signer release + MBA student loan refinance lender + Medical school student loan refinance lender, Fixed APR: 3.99-8.74%
- Advantage Education Loan Student Loan Refinance: Best for International borrowers + Lenders offering co-signer release + Student loan refinancing with low income + State-based refinancing + Borrowers with no degree + Paying off student loans fast, Fixed APR: 5.95-9.99%
- Navy Federal Student Loan Refinance: Best for Credit unions to refinance student loans, Fixed APR: undisclosed