2020's Student
Loan Winners
Best Student Loan Refinancing Overall
on Earnest's website
on Earnest's website
4.89-9.74%
5.89-9.74%
650
Pros
- 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.
Cons
- Loans aren't available in Nevada.
Qualifications
- 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.
Available Term Lengths
- 5 to 20 years
Disclaimer: Actual rate and available repayment terms will vary based on your income. Fixed rates range from 5.14% APR to 9.99% APR (excludes 0.25% Auto Pay discount). Variable rates range from 6.14% APR to 9.99% APR (excludes 0.25% Auto Pay discount). Earnest variable interest rate student loan refinance 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. The maximum rate for your loan is 8.95% if your loan term is 10 years or less. For loan terms of more than 10 years to 15 years, the interest rate will never exceed 9.95%. For loan terms over 15 years, the interest rate will never exceed 11.95%. Please note, we are not able to offer variable rate loans in AK, IL, MN, NH, OH, TN, and TX. 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.
4.89-9.74%
5.89-9.74%
650
Pros
- 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.
Cons
- Loans aren't available in Nevada.
Qualifications
- 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.
Available Term Lengths
- 5 to 20 years
Disclaimer: Actual rate and available repayment terms will vary based on your income. Fixed rates range from 5.14% APR to 9.99% APR (excludes 0.25% Auto Pay discount). Variable rates range from 6.14% APR to 9.99% APR (excludes 0.25% Auto Pay discount). Earnest variable interest rate student loan refinance 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. The maximum rate for your loan is 8.95% if your loan term is 10 years or less. For loan terms of more than 10 years to 15 years, the interest rate will never exceed 9.95%. For loan terms over 15 years, the interest rate will never exceed 11.95%. Please note, we are not able to offer variable rate loans in AK, IL, MN, NH, OH, TN, and TX. 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.
4.89-9.74%
5.89-9.74%
650
Pros
- 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.
Cons
- Loans aren't available in Nevada.
Qualifications
- 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.
Available Term Lengths
- 5 to 20 years
Disclaimer: Actual rate and available repayment terms will vary based on your income. Fixed rates range from 5.14% APR to 9.99% APR (excludes 0.25% Auto Pay discount). Variable rates range from 6.14% APR to 9.99% APR (excludes 0.25% Auto Pay discount). Earnest variable interest rate student loan refinance 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. The maximum rate for your loan is 8.95% if your loan term is 10 years or less. For loan terms of more than 10 years to 15 years, the interest rate will never exceed 9.95%. For loan terms over 15 years, the interest rate will never exceed 11.95%. Please note, we are not able to offer variable rate loans in AK, IL, MN, NH, OH, TN, and TX. 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.
Why this LENDER made the list
Earnest student loan refinance earns top marks based on 36 data points covering payment flexibility, lending transparency, customer support and more.
Read our methodologyBest Student Loan Refinancing for Fast Payoff (tie)
on NerdWallet's secure website
on NerdWallet's secure website
7.74-9.93%
670
Pros
- Married couples can refinance student loans into a single loan.
- You can refinance parent PLUS loans in your name.
- You can see if you’ll qualify and what rate you’ll get without a hard credit check.
Cons
- Estate is still responsible for the loan if the borrower dies.
Qualifications
- Typical credit score of approved borrowers or co-signers: 773.
- Loan amounts: $7,500 to $300,000.
- Must have a degree: Yes, at least a bachelor’s degree.
Available Term Lengths
- 5, 8, 12 or 15 years
Disclaimer: Rates and offers current as of August 13, 2022. Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is the cost of credit calculating the interest rate, loan amount, repayment term and the timing of payments. Fixed Rates range from 7.74% APR - 9.93% APR. Fixed Rates will vary based on application terms, level of degree and presence of a co-signer. These rates are subject to additional terms and conditions and rates are subject to change at any time without notice. Such changes will only apply to applications taken after the effective date of change.
7.74-9.93%
670
Pros
- Married couples can refinance student loans into a single loan.
- You can refinance parent PLUS loans in your name.
- You can see if you’ll qualify and what rate you’ll get without a hard credit check.
Cons
- Estate is still responsible for the loan if the borrower dies.
Qualifications
- Typical credit score of approved borrowers or co-signers: 773.
- Loan amounts: $7,500 to $300,000.
- Must have a degree: Yes, at least a bachelor’s degree.
Available Term Lengths
- 5, 8, 12 or 15 years
Disclaimer: Rates and offers current as of August 13, 2022. Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is the cost of credit calculating the interest rate, loan amount, repayment term and the timing of payments. Fixed Rates range from 7.74% APR - 9.93% APR. Fixed Rates will vary based on application terms, level of degree and presence of a co-signer. These rates are subject to additional terms and conditions and rates are subject to change at any time without notice. Such changes will only apply to applications taken after the effective date of change.
7.74-9.93%
670
Pros
- Married couples can refinance student loans into a single loan.
- You can refinance parent PLUS loans in your name.
- You can see if you’ll qualify and what rate you’ll get without a hard credit check.
Cons
- Estate is still responsible for the loan if the borrower dies.
Qualifications
- Typical credit score of approved borrowers or co-signers: 773.
- Loan amounts: $7,500 to $300,000.
- Must have a degree: Yes, at least a bachelor’s degree.
Available Term Lengths
- 5, 8, 12 or 15 years
Disclaimer: Rates and offers current as of August 13, 2022. Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is the cost of credit calculating the interest rate, loan amount, repayment term and the timing of payments. Fixed Rates range from 7.74% APR - 9.93% APR. Fixed Rates will vary based on application terms, level of degree and presence of a co-signer. These rates are subject to additional terms and conditions and rates are subject to change at any time without notice. Such changes will only apply to applications taken after the effective date of change.
Why this LENDER made the list
PenFed Powered by Purefy offers short loan terms and accepts biweekly and greater-than-minimum payments via autopay, helping borrowers repay loans faster.
Read our methodologyBest Student Loan Refinancing for Fast Payoff (tie)
on SoFi's website
on SoFi's website
4.99-9.99%
6.24-9.99%
650
Pros
- You can refinance parent PLUS loans from the parent’s name to the student’s.
- You can see if you’ll qualify and what rate you’ll get without a hard credit check.
Cons
- No co-signer release available.
- Loan size minimum is higher than most lenders.
Qualifications
- 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.
Available Term Lengths
- 5, 7, 10, 15 or 20 years
Disclaimer: Fixed rates range from 4.99% APR to 9.99% APR with 0.25% autopay discount. Variable rates range from 6.24% APR to 9.99% APR with a 0.25% autopay discount. Unless required to be lower to comply with applicable law, Variable Interest rates will never exceed 13.95% (the maximum rate for these loans). SoFi rate ranges are current as of 08/26/24 and are subject to change at any time. Your actual rate will be within the range of rates listed above and will depend on the term you select, evaluation of your creditworthiness, income, presence of a co-signer and a variety of other factors. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. 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. 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. This benefit will discontinue and be lost for periods in which you do not pay by automatic deduction from a savings or checking account. The benefit lowers your interest rate but does not change the amount of your monthly payment. This benefit is suspended during periods of deferment and forbearance. Autopay is not required to receive a loan from SoFi. You may pay more interest over the life of the loan if you refinance with an extended term.
4.99-9.99%
6.24-9.99%
650
Pros
- You can refinance parent PLUS loans from the parent’s name to the student’s.
- You can see if you’ll qualify and what rate you’ll get without a hard credit check.
Cons
- No co-signer release available.
- Loan size minimum is higher than most lenders.
Qualifications
- 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.
Available Term Lengths
- 5, 7, 10, 15 or 20 years
Disclaimer: Fixed rates range from 4.99% APR to 9.99% APR with 0.25% autopay discount. Variable rates range from 6.24% APR to 9.99% APR with a 0.25% autopay discount. Unless required to be lower to comply with applicable law, Variable Interest rates will never exceed 13.95% (the maximum rate for these loans). SoFi rate ranges are current as of 08/26/24 and are subject to change at any time. Your actual rate will be within the range of rates listed above and will depend on the term you select, evaluation of your creditworthiness, income, presence of a co-signer and a variety of other factors. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. 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. 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. This benefit will discontinue and be lost for periods in which you do not pay by automatic deduction from a savings or checking account. The benefit lowers your interest rate but does not change the amount of your monthly payment. This benefit is suspended during periods of deferment and forbearance. Autopay is not required to receive a loan from SoFi. You may pay more interest over the life of the loan if you refinance with an extended term.
4.99-9.99%
6.24-9.99%
650
Pros
- You can refinance parent PLUS loans from the parent’s name to the student’s.
- You can see if you’ll qualify and what rate you’ll get without a hard credit check.
Cons
- No co-signer release available.
- Loan size minimum is higher than most lenders.
Qualifications
- 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.
Available Term Lengths
- 5, 7, 10, 15 or 20 years
Disclaimer: Fixed rates range from 4.99% APR to 9.99% APR with 0.25% autopay discount. Variable rates range from 6.24% APR to 9.99% APR with a 0.25% autopay discount. Unless required to be lower to comply with applicable law, Variable Interest rates will never exceed 13.95% (the maximum rate for these loans). SoFi rate ranges are current as of 08/26/24 and are subject to change at any time. Your actual rate will be within the range of rates listed above and will depend on the term you select, evaluation of your creditworthiness, income, presence of a co-signer and a variety of other factors. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. 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. 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. This benefit will discontinue and be lost for periods in which you do not pay by automatic deduction from a savings or checking account. The benefit lowers your interest rate but does not change the amount of your monthly payment. This benefit is suspended during periods of deferment and forbearance. Autopay is not required to receive a loan from SoFi. You may pay more interest over the life of the loan if you refinance with an extended term.
Why this LENDER made the list
SoFi offers short loan terms and accepts biweekly and greater-than-minimum payments via autopay, helping borrowers repay loans faster.
Read our methodologyBest Student Loan Refinancing for Parents
on NerdWallet's secure website
on NerdWallet's secure website
7.74-9.93%
670
Pros
- Married couples can refinance student loans into a single loan.
- You can refinance parent PLUS loans in your name.
- You can see if you’ll qualify and what rate you’ll get without a hard credit check.
Cons
- Estate is still responsible for the loan if the borrower dies.
Qualifications
- Typical credit score of approved borrowers or co-signers: 773.
- Loan amounts: $7,500 to $300,000.
- Must have a degree: Yes, at least a bachelor’s degree.
Available Term Lengths
- 5, 8, 12 or 15 years
Disclaimer: Rates and offers current as of August 13, 2022. Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is the cost of credit calculating the interest rate, loan amount, repayment term and the timing of payments. Fixed Rates range from 7.74% APR - 9.93% APR. Fixed Rates will vary based on application terms, level of degree and presence of a co-signer. These rates are subject to additional terms and conditions and rates are subject to change at any time without notice. Such changes will only apply to applications taken after the effective date of change.
7.74-9.93%
670
Pros
- Married couples can refinance student loans into a single loan.
- You can refinance parent PLUS loans in your name.
- You can see if you’ll qualify and what rate you’ll get without a hard credit check.
Cons
- Estate is still responsible for the loan if the borrower dies.
Qualifications
- Typical credit score of approved borrowers or co-signers: 773.
- Loan amounts: $7,500 to $300,000.
- Must have a degree: Yes, at least a bachelor’s degree.
Available Term Lengths
- 5, 8, 12 or 15 years
Disclaimer: Rates and offers current as of August 13, 2022. Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is the cost of credit calculating the interest rate, loan amount, repayment term and the timing of payments. Fixed Rates range from 7.74% APR - 9.93% APR. Fixed Rates will vary based on application terms, level of degree and presence of a co-signer. These rates are subject to additional terms and conditions and rates are subject to change at any time without notice. Such changes will only apply to applications taken after the effective date of change.
7.74-9.93%
670
Pros
- Married couples can refinance student loans into a single loan.
- You can refinance parent PLUS loans in your name.
- You can see if you’ll qualify and what rate you’ll get without a hard credit check.
Cons
- Estate is still responsible for the loan if the borrower dies.
Qualifications
- Typical credit score of approved borrowers or co-signers: 773.
- Loan amounts: $7,500 to $300,000.
- Must have a degree: Yes, at least a bachelor’s degree.
Available Term Lengths
- 5, 8, 12 or 15 years
Disclaimer: Rates and offers current as of August 13, 2022. Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is the cost of credit calculating the interest rate, loan amount, repayment term and the timing of payments. Fixed Rates range from 7.74% APR - 9.93% APR. Fixed Rates will vary based on application terms, level of degree and presence of a co-signer. These rates are subject to additional terms and conditions and rates are subject to change at any time without notice. Such changes will only apply to applications taken after the effective date of change.
Why this LENDER made the list
Penfed Powered by Purefy is one of few parent refinance options. Borrowers can transfer a loan to their child or refinance federal parent PLUS loans.
Read our methodologyBest Student Loan Refinancing for International Students
on NerdWallet's secure website
on NerdWallet's secure website
Pros
- The only lender that offers non-co-signed student loan refinancing for international graduates.
- No co-signer or U.S. credit history needed.
Cons
- No fixed interest rates.
- Available only to borrowers in Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Wisconsin.
Qualifications
- Typical credit score of approved borrowers or co-signers: No credit history requirements.
- Loan amounts: $15,000 to $350,000.
- Must have a degree: Yes.
Available Term Lengths
- 7, 10, 15 or 20 years
Pros
- The only lender that offers non-co-signed student loan refinancing for international graduates.
- No co-signer or U.S. credit history needed.
Cons
- No fixed interest rates.
- Available only to borrowers in Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Wisconsin.
Qualifications
- Typical credit score of approved borrowers or co-signers: No credit history requirements.
- Loan amounts: $15,000 to $350,000.
- Must have a degree: Yes.
Available Term Lengths
- 7, 10, 15 or 20 years
Pros
- The only lender that offers non-co-signed student loan refinancing for international graduates.
- No co-signer or U.S. credit history needed.
Cons
- No fixed interest rates.
- Available only to borrowers in Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Wisconsin.
Qualifications
- Typical credit score of approved borrowers or co-signers: No credit history requirements.
- Loan amounts: $15,000 to $350,000.
- Must have a degree: Yes.
Available Term Lengths
- 7, 10, 15 or 20 years
Why this LENDER made the list
Prodigy Finance is the only lender to offer refinancing without requiring a U.S. credit history or co-signer – ideal for high-earning international borrowers.
Read our methodologyCrunch the numbers on refinancing
Best Private Student Loan
on College Ave's website
on College Ave's website
3.69-17.99%
5.59-17.99%
Mid-600s
Pros
- You can see if you’ll qualify and what rate you’ll get without a hard credit check.
- More flexible repayment options than other lenders.
- Six-month grace period extension is available.
Cons
- You must be at least halfway through your repayment term before you can request a co-signer release.
Qualifications
- Typical credit score of approved borrowers: Mid-700s.
- Minimum income: $35,000 per year.
- Loan amounts: $1,000 up to cost of attendance.
Available Term Lengths
- 5, 8, 10 or 15 years
Disclaimer: 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. As certified by your school and less any other financial aid you might receive. Minimum $1,000. Rates shown 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. This informational repayment example uses typical loan terms for a freshman borrower who selects the Flat Repayment Option with an 8-year repayment term, has a $10,000 loan that is disbursed in one disbursement and a 7.78% fixed Annual Percentage Rate (“APR”): 54 monthly payments of $25 while in school, followed by 96 monthly payments of $176.21 while in the repayment period, for a total amount of payments of $18,266.38. Loans will never have a full principal and interest monthly payment of less than $50. Your actual rates and repayment terms may vary. This 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. Information advertised valid as of 9/3/2024. 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.
3.69-17.99%
5.59-17.99%
Mid-600s
Pros
- You can see if you’ll qualify and what rate you’ll get without a hard credit check.
- More flexible repayment options than other lenders.
- Six-month grace period extension is available.
Cons
- You must be at least halfway through your repayment term before you can request a co-signer release.
Qualifications
- Typical credit score of approved borrowers: Mid-700s.
- Minimum income: $35,000 per year.
- Loan amounts: $1,000 up to cost of attendance.
Available Term Lengths
- 5, 8, 10 or 15 years
Disclaimer: 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. As certified by your school and less any other financial aid you might receive. Minimum $1,000. Rates shown 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. This informational repayment example uses typical loan terms for a freshman borrower who selects the Flat Repayment Option with an 8-year repayment term, has a $10,000 loan that is disbursed in one disbursement and a 7.78% fixed Annual Percentage Rate (“APR”): 54 monthly payments of $25 while in school, followed by 96 monthly payments of $176.21 while in the repayment period, for a total amount of payments of $18,266.38. Loans will never have a full principal and interest monthly payment of less than $50. Your actual rates and repayment terms may vary. This 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. Information advertised valid as of 9/3/2024. 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.
3.69-17.99%
5.59-17.99%
Mid-600s
Pros
- You can see if you’ll qualify and what rate you’ll get without a hard credit check.
- More flexible repayment options than other lenders.
- Six-month grace period extension is available.
Cons
- You must be at least halfway through your repayment term before you can request a co-signer release.
Qualifications
- Typical credit score of approved borrowers: Mid-700s.
- Minimum income: $35,000 per year.
- Loan amounts: $1,000 up to cost of attendance.
Available Term Lengths
- 5, 8, 10 or 15 years
Disclaimer: 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. As certified by your school and less any other financial aid you might receive. Minimum $1,000. Rates shown 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. This informational repayment example uses typical loan terms for a freshman borrower who selects the Flat Repayment Option with an 8-year repayment term, has a $10,000 loan that is disbursed in one disbursement and a 7.78% fixed Annual Percentage Rate (“APR”): 54 monthly payments of $25 while in school, followed by 96 monthly payments of $176.21 while in the repayment period, for a total amount of payments of $18,266.38. Loans will never have a full principal and interest monthly payment of less than $50. Your actual rates and repayment terms may vary. This 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. Information advertised valid as of 9/3/2024. 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.
Why this LENDER made the list
College Ave private student loans stand out for offering a soft credit check, in-school repayment options and opportunities to pay off debt fast.
Read our methodologyBest Student Loan for Parents
on College Ave's website
on College Ave's website
3.74-17.99%
5.59-17.99%
Mid-600s
Pros
- You can see if you’ll qualify and what rate you’ll get without a hard credit check.
- You can choose your monthly payment while the student is in school, provided it covers at least the interest.
Cons
- No co-signer option.
- Estate is still responsible for the loan if the parent borrower dies.
Qualifications
- Typical credit score of approved borrowers: Mid-700s.
- Minimum income: $70,000 per year.
- Loan amounts: $1,000 up to school-certified cost of attendance.
Available Term Lengths
- Between 5 and 15 years.
Disclaimer: 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. As certified by your school and less any other financial aid you might receive. Minimum $1,000. Rates shown 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. This informational repayment example uses typical loan terms for a freshman borrower who selects the Flat Repayment Option with an 8-year repayment term, has a $10,000 loan that is disbursed in one disbursement and a 7.78% fixed Annual Percentage Rate (“APR”): 54 monthly payments of $25 while in school, followed by 96 monthly payments of $176.21 while in the repayment period, for a total amount of payments of $18,266.38. Loans will never have a full principal and interest monthly payment of less than $50. Your actual rates and repayment terms may vary. This 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. Information advertised valid as of 9/3/2024. 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.
3.74-17.99%
5.59-17.99%
Mid-600s
Pros
- You can see if you’ll qualify and what rate you’ll get without a hard credit check.
- You can choose your monthly payment while the student is in school, provided it covers at least the interest.
Cons
- No co-signer option.
- Estate is still responsible for the loan if the parent borrower dies.
Qualifications
- Typical credit score of approved borrowers: Mid-700s.
- Minimum income: $70,000 per year.
- Loan amounts: $1,000 up to school-certified cost of attendance.
Available Term Lengths
- Between 5 and 15 years.
Disclaimer: 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. As certified by your school and less any other financial aid you might receive. Minimum $1,000. Rates shown 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. This informational repayment example uses typical loan terms for a freshman borrower who selects the Flat Repayment Option with an 8-year repayment term, has a $10,000 loan that is disbursed in one disbursement and a 7.78% fixed Annual Percentage Rate (“APR”): 54 monthly payments of $25 while in school, followed by 96 monthly payments of $176.21 while in the repayment period, for a total amount of payments of $18,266.38. Loans will never have a full principal and interest monthly payment of less than $50. Your actual rates and repayment terms may vary. This 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. Information advertised valid as of 9/3/2024. 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.
3.74-17.99%
5.59-17.99%
Mid-600s
Pros
- You can see if you’ll qualify and what rate you’ll get without a hard credit check.
- You can choose your monthly payment while the student is in school, provided it covers at least the interest.
Cons
- No co-signer option.
- Estate is still responsible for the loan if the parent borrower dies.
Qualifications
- Typical credit score of approved borrowers: Mid-700s.
- Minimum income: $70,000 per year.
- Loan amounts: $1,000 up to school-certified cost of attendance.
Available Term Lengths
- Between 5 and 15 years.
Disclaimer: 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. As certified by your school and less any other financial aid you might receive. Minimum $1,000. Rates shown 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. This informational repayment example uses typical loan terms for a freshman borrower who selects the Flat Repayment Option with an 8-year repayment term, has a $10,000 loan that is disbursed in one disbursement and a 7.78% fixed Annual Percentage Rate (“APR”): 54 monthly payments of $25 while in school, followed by 96 monthly payments of $176.21 while in the repayment period, for a total amount of payments of $18,266.38. Loans will never have a full principal and interest monthly payment of less than $50. Your actual rates and repayment terms may vary. This 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. Information advertised valid as of 9/3/2024. 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.
Why this LENDER made the list
College Ave offers parents three payment options while their child is in school, including interest-only. Unlike federal PLUS loans, there’s no origination fee.
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