PNC Reviews: Student Loan Refinancing and Private Student Loans
PNC student loans offer a half-point interest rate discount for making automatic payments.
Student loan ratings

Student loan refinancing
Private student loan
The bottom line: PNC is a traditional bank with branches in 22 states. It offers student loans to undergraduates and graduate students across the country, plus student loan refinancing for those who are no longer in school. Its private student loan is best for students who plan to start repayment immediately, while its refinancing loan is best for students without a degree.
Student loan refinancing review

PNC Student Loan Refinance
4.0
NerdWallet ratingFixed APR
3.44 - 5.99%
Variable APR
1.12 - 3.92%
Min. Credit Score
Does not disclose
Pros
- Interest rate discount for autopay is larger than most lenders offer.
- Borrowers can refinance without a degree.
Cons
- No flexible repayment options for struggling borrowers.
- You can't see if you’ll qualify and what rate you’ll get without a hard credit check.
Best for borrowers who don’t have a degree.
Full Review
PNC refinances loans for borrowers who did not graduate and have fewer refinance lenders to choose from as a result. Its 0.50 percentage point interest rate reduction for signing up for automatic payments is also double what most lenders offer.
PNC offers three loan terms — 5, 10 and 15 years — and requires borrowers to have made payments on their loans for two years before refinancing. Borrowers can refinance a maximum of only $75,000, which is less than most lenders allow and may make PNC a non-starter if you have a professional degree.
PNC student loan refinancing at a glance
Borrowers without a degree can refinance.
No option to get personalized rate estimates via a soft credit check.
You must have repaid loans for at least 24 months before you can refinance them with PNC.
How PNC could improve
PNC could improve its student loan refinance product by:
Offering personalized rate estimates via a soft credit check.
Increasing the maximum amount borrowers can refinance.
Disclosing its forbearance policy for borrowers struggling with payments.
How much can refinancing save?
PNC student loan refinancing details
Before refinancing with PNC
You can apply for a PNC refinanced student loan on its website. Before deciding on a student loan refinance lender, compare multiple student loan refinance options to make sure you’re getting the best rate you qualify for. In addition to interest rates, compare lenders’ repayment options and the flexibility they offer borrowers who are struggling to make payments.
If you aren’t eligible to refinance with PNC
If PNC denies your refinance application, the lender will let you know why. Depending on the reason, you may want to consider other lenders or need a co-signer.
NerdWallet recommends prequalifying with multiple refinance lenders before you apply. This will let you know which lenders you may be eligible with, without affecting your credit.
How does this loan compare?
Fixed APR2.80 - 6.00% | Fixed APR3.49 - 6.99% |
Variable APR1.89 - 5.90% | Variable APR1.87 - 5.87% |
Min. Credit Score700 | Min. Credit ScoreDoes not disclose |
Private student loan review

PNC Private Student Loan
3.5
NerdWallet ratingFixed APR
4.49 - 9.64%
Variable APR
2.92 - 8.07%
Min. Credit Score
Does not disclose
Pros
- Interest rate discount for autopay is larger than most lenders offer.
Cons
- No formal forbearance options.
- You can’t see if you’ll qualify and what rate you’ll get without a hard credit check.
Best for students who plan to start repayment immediately.
Full Review
PNC's private student loan is best for borrowers who plan to start repayment while in school. The lender offers immediate and interest-only payment plans, as well as a 0.50 percentage point interest rate reduction for automatic payments, which is double what most lenders offer.
PNC does not disclose information about its forbearance policy, nor does it offer any alternate repayment options for borrowers struggling with payments. Consider other lenders if you want that potential flexibility.
PNC private student loan at a glance
No option to get personalized rate estimates via a soft credit check.
Co-signer release available after 48 months of on-time payments.
No flexible repayment options for borrowers struggling with payments.
How PNC could improve
PNC could improve its private student loans by offering:
Personalized rate estimates via a soft credit check.
A formal forbearance policy.
Transparency around applicant requirements.
PNC private student loan details
Before applying for a PNC student loan
You can apply for a PNC student loan on its website. Before taking out a PNC student loan or any other private loan, exhaust your federal student loan options first. Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, known as the FAFSA, to apply.
» MORE: NerdWallet’s FAFSA Guide
Compare your private student loan options to make sure you’re getting the best rate you qualify for. In addition to interest rates, look at lenders’ repayment alternatives and the flexibility they offer to borrowers who struggle to make payments.
If you aren’t eligible for a PNC student loan
If PNC denies your student loan application, the lender will let you know why. Depending on the reason, you may want to consider other lenders or, if you haven’t already, try applying with a co-signer.
If you don’t have access to a co-signer — or still aren’t eligible with one — consider lenders that don’t require co-signers or specialize in bad or no credit student loans.
STUDENT LOANS RATINGS METHODOLOGY
NerdWallet believes the best student loan is one you can repay at the lowest interest rate you can get. That's why NerdWallet’s student loan ratings reward lenders that offer a variety of loan terms, limit their fees and penalties, and extend borrowers multiple options to avoid default. Points are also awarded for soft credit checks, underwriting transparency and other consumer-friendly features. Use these ratings as a guide, but we encourage you to shop around for the lowest interest rate you can qualify for. NerdWallet does not receive compensation for its reviews. Read our editorial guidelines
Find the Right Student Loan
Frequently asked questions
PNC is a four-star lender based on NerdWallet's student loan rating system. Our ratings prioritize low interest rates and flexible repayment options that allow borrowers to repay loans faster and avoid default.
Visit PNC's website to apply for a private student loan or refinancing. You'll need to meet all credit and underwriting qualifications.
Qualified applicants don't need a co-signer to apply for PNC student loans. However, adding a credit-worthy co-signer could increase your chances for approval and decrease your interest rate.