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12 Student Loans With Fastest Co-Signer Release
To get a co-signer release you must have at least one year of on-time payments and meet the lender's additional requirements on your own.
Last updated on April 17, 2025
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Most college students have a limited credit history, so they apply for student loans with a co-signer to increase their odds of approval and more favorable loan terms. But you may not want the co-signer on the hook for the full term of the loan.
A co-signer release relieves your parent, relative or whoever co-signed your loan of their legal obligation to make payments if you cannot — but only once you prove you’re capable of making payments on your own.
But a co-signer release is not the only way to remove a co-signer. If you can qualify for a lower interest rate, student loan refinancing can remove your co-signer and save you money. To qualify for a refinance, you'll need good credit, sufficient income and a track record of on-time payments.
If you can’t get a better interest rate by refinancing student loans, these are our picks for lenders who offer co-signer release.
» MORE: Can you refinance student loans?
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- 35+ student loans lenders reviewed and rated by our team of experts.
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Why trust NerdWallet
Why trust NerdWallet
- 35+ student loans lenders reviewed and rated by our team of experts.
- 10+ years of combined experience covering higher education and student loans.
- Objective, comprehensive star-rating system assessing 43 categories and 40+ data points across student loan origination and student loan refinance.
- Governed by NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
Top Private Student Loan Lenders
College Ave Private Student Loan
Sallie Mae Undergraduate Student Loan
Ad
2024 Best Private Student Loan Overall
5.0/5
Fixed APR
3.47-17.99%
Variable APR
4.44-17.99%
Min. credit score
Mid-600s
4.5/5
Fixed APR
3.49-15.99%
Variable APR
4.54-14.71%
Min. credit score
Mid-600's
Student Loans With Fastest Co-Signer Release
Lender | NerdWallet Rating | Min. credit score | Fixed APR | Variable APR | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
4.0 /5 | Varies | N/A | 9.40-23.00% | ||
 Sallie Mae Undergraduate Student Loan GO TO LENDER SITE on Sallie Mae's website COMPARE RATES on Credible’s website | 4.5 /5 | Mid-600's | 3.49-15.99% | 4.54-14.71% | GO TO LENDER SITE on Sallie Mae's website COMPARE RATES on Credible’s website |
5.0 /5 | Low-Mid 600s | 3.39-13.76% | 5.01-14.02% | COMPARE RATES on Credible’s website |
Our pick for
Release after 6 month of payments
Edly Cosigner Student Loan
Min. credit score
Varies
Fixed APR
N/A
Variable APR
9.40-23.00%
- Key factsBest for seniors and graduate students with small funding gaps who can begin repayments while in school.Pros
- You and a co-signer can see if you'll qualify and what rate you'll get without a hard credit check.
- A co-signer release of six months is shorter than what other lenders offer.
Cons- Borrowers only have the option of a 7-year term.
- Offers a three-month grace period, which is shorter than what other lenders typically offer.
- Not available to borrowers in Colorado, Iowa, Maine, Vermont and West Virginia.
Available Term Lengths7 years
Our pick for
Release after 12 months of payments
GO TO LENDER SITE
on Sallie Mae's website
COMPARE RATES
on Credible’s website
Sallie Mae Undergraduate Student Loan
Min. credit score
Mid-600's
Fixed APR
3.49-15.99%
Variable APR
4.54-14.71%
- Key factsBest for part-time students and those who want to make payments during school.Pros
- One of the few lenders to provide loans to part-time students.
- Non-U.S. citizens, including DACA students, who live in the U.S. and attend school in the U.S. can apply with a qualified co-signer who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Cons- You can't see if you’ll qualify and what rate you’ll get without a hard credit check.
Qualifications- Typical credit score of approved borrowers or co-signers: Does not disclose.
- Minimum income: Did not disclose.
- Loan amounts: $1,000 up to 100% of the school-certified expenses.
Available Term Lengths10 to 15 yearsDisclaimerLowest rates shown include the auto debit. Advertised 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. Advertised APRs are valid as of 4/17/2025. Loan amounts: 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 will be subject 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. Examples of typical costs for a $10,000 Smart Option Student 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 amount may receive a loan term that is less than 10 years. A variable APR may increase over the life of the loan. A fixed APR will not.
COMPARE RATES
on Credible’s website
Ascent Credit-based Student Loan
Min. credit score
Low-Mid 600s
Fixed APR
3.39-13.76%
Variable APR
5.01-14.02%
- Key factsBest for students with a creditworthy co-signer.Pros
- Among the best for payment flexibility.
- You can see if you’ll qualify and what rate you’ll get without a hard credit check.
- Stands out for features that enable faster loan repayment.
Cons- Students enrolled less than half-time are not eligible.
- Co-signer release not available to international students.
Qualifications- Typical credit score of approved borrowers: Did not disclose.
- Minimum income: $0 for primary borrower. $24,000 for current and previous year for co-signer.
- Loan amounts: $2,001 to $200,000 per year with an aggregate loan limit of $200,000.
Available Term Lengths5, 7, 10, 12 or 15 yearsDisclaimerAscent’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, terms and conditions may apply for Ascent's Terms and Conditions please visit: AscentFunding.com/Ts&Cs. Annual Percentage Rates (APRs) displayed above are effective as of 4/1/2025 and reflect an Automatic Payment Discount of 0.25% for credit-based college student loans and 1.00% discount on outcomes-based loans when you enroll in automatic payments. The Full P&I (Immediate) Repayment option is only available for college loans (except for outcomes-based loans) originated on or after June 3, 2024. For more information, see repayment examples or review the Ascent Student Loans Terms and Conditions. The final amount approved depends on the borrower’s credit history, verifiable cost of attendance as certified by an eligible school, and is subject to credit approval and verification of application information. Lowest interest rates require full principal and interest (Immediate) payments, the shortest loan term, a cosigner, and are only available for our most creditworthy applicants and cosigners with the highest average credit scores. Actual APR offered may be higher or lower than the examples above, based on the amount of time you spend in school and any grace period you have before repayment begins. 1% Cash Back Graduation Reward subject to terms and conditions. For details on Ascent borrower benefits, visit AscentFunding.com/BorrowerBenefits. The AscentUP platform is only available to eligible Ascent borrowers and subject to terms and conditions.
Our pick for
Release after 12 month of payments
COMPARE RATES
on Credible’s website
INvestED Student Loan
Min. credit score
670
Fixed APR
4.37-8.08%
Variable APR
6.11-9.91%
- Key factsBest for Indiana residents or students in the state with good grades.Pros
- Forbearance of 24 months is longer than many lenders offer.
- Interest rate reduction for autopay.
Cons- You can’t see if you’ll qualify and what rate you’ll get without a hard credit check.
- You must be an Indiana resident or attend a school in the state to qualify.
Qualifications- Typical credit score of approved borrowers or co-signers: 710.
- Minimum income: $39,996.
- Loan amounts: $1,001 up to annual cost of attendance.
Available Term Lengths5, 10 or 15 years
Advantage Education Private Student Loan
Min. credit score
Does not disclose
Fixed APR
5.29-8.04%
Variable APR
N/A
- Key factsBest for nontraditional or part-time students.Pros
- Forbearance of 24 months is twice as long as most lenders.
- Loans are available if you’re enrolled less than half time.
Cons- Fewer repayment terms than other lenders offer.
- Borrowers are not able to defer loans if they return to school after their grace period ends.
Qualifications- Typical credit score of approved borrowers: Does not disclose.
- Minimum income: Does not disclose.
- Loan amounts: Minimum $1,000. Maximum depends on creditworthiness and debt-to-income ratio.
Available Term Lengths10 years
Our pick for
Release after 24 months of payments
GO TO LENDER SITE
on SoFi®'s website
COMPARE RATES
on Credible’s website
SoFi Undergraduate Student Loan
Min. credit score
Mid-600s
Fixed APR
3.54-15.99%
Variable APR
4.64-15.99%
- Key factsBest for flexible repayment options and no fees.Pros
- You can see if you’ll qualify and what rate you’ll get without a hard credit check.
- Multiple in-school repayment options available, including interest-only and flat-fee, and deferred for undergrad and grad students.
Cons- Does not offer bi-weekly payments via autopay.
Qualifications- Typical credit score of approved borrowers or co-signers: 700+.
- Minimum income: No minimum.
- Loan amounts: $1,000 minimum.
Available Term Lengths5, 7, 10 or 15 years
LendKey Private Student Loan
Min. credit score
680
Fixed APR
3.99-12.61%
Variable APR
5.98-13.74%
- Key factsBest for students who value working with a community bank or credit union.Pros
- Forbearance of 18 months is longer than many lenders offer.
Cons- You can’t see if you’ll qualify and what rate you’ll get without a hard credit check.
- Payment required while in school.
Qualifications- Typical credit score of approved borrowers: 748.
- Minimum income: $24,000 per year.
- Loan amounts: $1,000 up to cost of attendance, minus other aid received.
Available Term Lengths5, 10 or 15 years.
Navy Federal Private Student Loan
Min. credit score
Does not disclose
Fixed APR
N/A
Variable APR
N/A
- Key factsAn option for members of Navy Federal Credit Union who can make small payments while in school.Pros
- Forbearance of 18 months is longer than many lenders offer.
Cons- Available only to existing Navy Federal Credit Union customers.
- Only two repayment terms: 5 and 10 years.
- Payment required while in school and during the grace period.
Qualifications- Typical credit score of approved borrowers: Did not disclose.
- Minimum income: A co-signer must earn $15,000 or more.
- Loan amounts: $2,000 minimum to $120,000 for undergraduates, or $160,000 for graduate students.
Available Term Lengths10 years
RISLA Private Student Loan
Min. credit score
680
Fixed APR
4.05-8.64%
Variable APR
N/A
- Key factsBest for students who may need wiggle room on payments in the future.Pros
- Income-based repayment plan available, with forgiveness after 25 years.
- You can see if you’ll qualify and what rate you’ll get without a hard credit check.
- Partial loan forgiveness for eligible internships; interest forgiveness for qualifying nurses.
Cons- Fewer repayment terms available than other lenders.
Qualifications- Typical credit score of approved borrowers: 768.
- Minimum income: $40,000.
- Loan amounts: $1,500 to $45,000.
Available Term Lengths10 or 15 years
Nelnet Bank Private Student Loan
Min. credit score
Mid to High 600s
Fixed APR
3.47-8.79%
Variable APR
5.81-8.79%
- Key factsBest for borrowers who value flexibility in repayment.Pros
- Provides rate offer with soft credit check.
Cons- Does not disclose full underwriting requirements.
- Does not allow bi-weekly payments via autopay.
Qualifications- Typical credit score of approved borrowers: Did not disclose.
- Loan amounts: $1,000 with an aggregate loan limit of $125,000 (Undergrad).
Available Term LengthsDisclaimerFixed interest rates range from 3.47% APR (with auto debit discount) to 8.79% APR (without auto debit discount). Your interest rate will depend on your (and if applicable, your cosigner’s) credit qualifications. The fixed interest rate will remain the same for the life of the loan. Variable interest rates range from 5.81% APR (with auto debit discount) to 8.79% APR (without auto debit discount). Your interest rate will depend on your (and if applicable, your cosigner’s) credit qualifications. Variable rates for Nelnet Bank Student Loans are calculated using either (a) the One-Month SOFR; (b) the 30-day Average SOFR; or (c) the forward-looking term rate based on SOFR as published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and/or The Wall Street Journal “Money Rates” table on the twenty-fifth day (or the next business day) of the immediately preceding calendar month. The variable rate may reprice and change on the first day of each month if the SOFR index changes. This may result in higher monthly payments. The current One-Month SOFR index is 4.33% as of April 1, 2025. Lowest rates listed above include an interest rate reduction for eligible applications, enrollment in auto debit, and are available only to the most creditworthy applicants. Advertised variable rates reflect the starting range of rates and may increase over the life of the loan. The lowest rate for each loan type requires automatically withdrawn (i.e., auto debit) payments. The lowest rate is available only to the most creditworthy applicants. Not all borrowers will receive the lowest rate. The interest rate and Annual Percentage Rate (APR) may be higher depending upon (1) the credit history of the borrower and, if applicable, the cosigner, (2) the repayment option and loan term selected, and (3) the loan type selected. If approved, applicants will be notified of the rate qualified for within the stated range. Interest rate reduction of .25% for automatically withdrawn payments from any designated bank account (“auto debit discount”). Auto debit discount applies when full payments (including both principal and interest) are automatically drafted from a bank account. The auto debit discount will continue to apply during periods of approved forbearance or deferment if the auto debit discount was in effect at the time of receiving the forbearance or deferment. Auto debit discount will remain on the account unless (1) the automatic deduction of payments is cancelled or (2) there are three consecutive automatic deductions returned for insufficient funds at any time during the term of the loan. Your actual savings, if any, may vary based on interest rates, balances, remaining repayment terms and other factors. Refinancing to a longer term may lower your monthly payments, but may also increase the total interest paid over the life of the loan. Refinancing to a shorter term may increase your monthly payments, but may lower the total interest paid over the life of the loan. Checking your rate results in a soft credit pull, which will not affect your credit score. If you continue with your application, Nelnet Bank will request your permission to obtain your full credit report from one or more consumer reporting agencies. This is a hard credit pull and may affect your credit score. Nelnet Bank offers various payment assistance programs to assist you if you are currently struggling to make payments. Contact us at [email protected] or 800.446.4190 to get more information. This referral partner is not the creditor of Nelnet Bank loans and may receive compensation from Nelnet Bank for the referral of Nelnet Bank loan customers. A request for the cosigner to be released can be made by either the borrower or cosigner when each of the following conditions has been met: • The account must have been in full principal and interest repayment for at least 24 months. • Twenty-four consecutive, on-time principal and interest payments, or lump sum equivalent, must have been made. Note: A lump sum payment does not replace the requirement to have been in full principal and interest repayment for at least 24 months. Interest-only or fixed-pay payments while enrolled in school do not qualify toward the 24 consecutive on-time payments. • The loan must be current at the time of request. • The loan must not have been in deferment, hardship forbearance, or other alternative payment assistance plan within the past 24 months. • The loan must not have been permanently modified from its original terms in the credit agreement. • The primary borrower must be a U.S. citizen or have permanent residency in the United States. • The primary borrower must meet the age of majority requirement in their permanent state of residency. • Requirements are subject to change. • If all of these conditions have been met, an application for cosigner release may be submitted. The primary borrower is required to demonstrate they have the ability to assume sole responsibility for the loan(s) by providing proof of income, meeting debt-to-income requirements, and having a satisfactory credit history. (A credit report will be obtained during the review process).
ISL Private Student Loan
Min. credit score
660
Fixed APR
3.95-8.01%
Variable APR
6.54-11.08%
- Key factsBest for low-interest loans with consumer-friendly features, like a generous forbearance policy.Pros
- Forbearance of 24 months is longer than many lenders offer.
- No late fees.
Cons- Only offers 2 loan terms.
Qualifications- Typical credit score of approved borrowers or co-signers: 670.
- Minimum income: No minimum income.
- Loan amounts: $1,001 or $2,001, based on residency and school location, up to cost of attendance minus other aid received.
Available Term Lengths10 or 15
Brazos Private Student Loan
Min. credit score
680
Fixed APR
2.71-7.38%
Variable APR
4.36-5.60%
- Key factsBrazos private student loans are best for borrowers from Texas and students attending school in Texas who are from qualifying states.Pros
- May offer lower rates for graduate students than what are available through the federal government.
- Applies extra payments to the loan principal by default.
- Offers five loan terms, which is more than most lenders.
Cons- Not available to borrowers enrolled in two year programs at community colleges.
- Biweekly payments via autopay is not available.
Available Term Lengths5, 7, 10, 15 or 20 years
How to get a student loan co-signer release
Almost all private student loans have a co-signer release option. Each lender has slightly different requirements; check with yours to make sure you know all the fine print. Generally, you must:
1. Make at least 12 on-time payments
Depending on the lender, you typically must make 12, 24, 36 or 48 on-time payments before applying for a co-signer release. Often, those payments must be consecutive and without periods of forbearance. If you made fixed or interest-only payments during school, those may not count.
2. Meet the income and credit requirements
When you take out a student loan with a co-signer, you qualify based on their credit history and financial profile. To remove the co-signer, you must meet those requirements on your own.
You'll need good credit — a FICO score in the high 600s, at least — and enough income to afford your debt payments and other expenses. Most lenders also require that you graduate first and have U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status.
3. Submit a co-signer release application
Some lenders and servicers, including Sallie Mae, have co-signer release applications available online. Otherwise, contact your lender or servicer to request one.
You may need to disclose financial information including your income, housing payment and other debt payments. Your lender may also check your credit report and ask for income verification.
Co-signer release for refinanced student loans
It’s possible to apply for student loan refinancing with a co-signer.
Some student loan refinance lenders — including RISLA and Navy Federal Credit Union — offer co-signer release. But other refinance lenders, such as SoFi and Earnest, don’t.
STUDENT LOAN 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 top 10 lenders by online search volume, as well as lenders that serve specialty or nontraditional markets.
We consider 40 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 loans and our editorial guidelines.
Last updated on April 17, 2025
NerdWallet's Student Loans With Fastest Co-Signer Release
- Edly Cosigner Student Loan: Best for Release after 6 month of payments
- Sallie Mae Undergraduate Student Loan: Best for Release after 12 months of payments
- Ascent Credit-based Student Loan: Best for Release after 12 months of payments
- INvestED Student Loan: Best for Release after 12 month of payments
- Advantage Education Private Student Loan: Best for Release after 12 month of payments
- SoFi Undergraduate Student Loan: Best for Release after 24 months of payments
- LendKey Private Student Loan: Best for Release after 24 months of payments
- Navy Federal Private Student Loan: Best for Release after 24 months of payments
- RISLA Private Student Loan: Best for Release after 24 months of payments
- Nelnet Bank Private Student Loan: Best for Release after 24 months of payments
- ISL Private Student Loan: Best for Release after 24 months of payments
- Brazos Private Student Loan: Best for Release after 24 months of payments
