No matter what your college plans look like—whether you are earning your bachelor’s degree, PhD, or a specialized certificate—you are going to need the financial security to pay for it. Even if you receive financial aid to cover the costs of your books and classes, you might still need a student loan to cover living expenses while you advance your degree. 

What are Private Student Loans? 

Private loans are similar to federal loans in the fact that they can be used to pay for school expenses. Taking out a student loan means that you will be responsible for paying back the amount of money borrowed after your grace period—typically six months after graduation or dropping out of school. 

Unlike a federal loan, a private student loan is not backed by the government. Instead, this type of college loan is backed by a bank, credit union, or online lender. Federal loans generally have better terms, repayment plans, and do not require a credit check, but there is a limit to how much money you can borrow towards your degree. 

Private student loans can help fill in the gap so that you aren’t stuck to foot the bill if your federal-issued financial package isn’t enough. Many students are able to secure financial aid and federal loans during their undergrad degree, but financing becomes harder to receive for advanced degrees. This is where private student loans really shine. They are an additional financing option that can help you finish your degree and advance your career.

What to Consider When Looking for a Private Student Loan 

There are two questions to ask yourself when searching for the right private educational loan. First, how much do I need, and second, how much can I comfortably afford? These two numbers might not be the same, and that is when you will have to decide how much of a college loan you are willing to take out. 

Here are a few other things to take into consideration as you search:

• Your credit score: If you don’t have an excellent credit score, you run the risk of getting a high APR or being denied the loan altogether. Find out what the ideal credit score is for a lender’s lowest APR rate. Will you need to boost your credit score or have a good cosigner? 
• APR rates: Not only do you want to compare APR rates among lenders, but you also want to figure out if a fixed or variable interest rate is better for your unique financial situation. 
• Loan terms: What terms and rates are the lenders offering? Can you adjust these terms easily in the future or are you locked in? Do the math of a longer loan term because, even though it might mean lower monthly payments, it can also mean paying more in interest for the life of the loan. 
• Discounts offered: Does the lender offer any discounts for being a pre-existing member, setting up autopay, or by having more than one product through them? Even saving 0.25% APR can save you a few hundred dollars in the life of your loan. 
• Your current budget: It is easy to assume that once you graduate you will secure a higher-paying job and be able to afford any student loans. This isn’t always the case. Can your current budget support your future monthly loan payments? While you aren’t required to pay on your student loan until after graduation, paying as much as you can while in school will help you out significantly later on. 
• Any fees: Lastly, you want to know if the lender charges any fees for the loan or if there is a prepayment penalty (a penalty for paying off the loan early). 

If you are applying for a private student loan to see your eligibility and check rates, you may want to try to get all of your quotes within 30 days so your credit report shows only one hard inquiry.

How to Apply for a Private Student Loan 

After you have done your research, it is time to fill out a private school loan application. Remember, if your credit score is below the excellent range, you will have a harder time getting a competitive APR rate. If you have the time to raise your credit score before applying for a private student loan, you may want to do so. If your credit score is still too low or your credit history hasn’t been fully established, you can try asking a family member or trusted individual with an excellent credit history that doesn’t mind cosigning a loan with you. Being a cosigner is a big financial responsibility—if for some reason you fail to pay your loan, your cosigner will be responsible. 

Filling out a private school loan application is straightforward, but you and your co-signer will need a few important documents, including the following: 

• Your social security number
• Your date of birth, address and identifying details
• Pay stubs
• Proof of assets
• Monthly rent or mortgage receipts
• Any other information that lays out your financial status.

You should also be prepared to share the following:

• The name of the college you are attending
• When you’ll be graduating
• Total college costs
• And how much you are requesting to borrow to cover those costs

You will also need to fill out the Private Education Loan Applicant Self-Certification form, which is provided by your school and will show the lender exactly what costs you face for your education. 

Lender	Starting APR	Explore
	3.47% (with autopay)*	College Ave GET MY RATE
	3.49% - 15.99%*	Earnest Loans GET MY RATE
	Fixed APR rates 3.54% - 15.99% (with autopay)*	SoFi® GET MY RATE

Federal vs. Private Loans

Both federal and private loans come with their own set of benefits. Federal loans are accessed through filling out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) while private loans must be applied for through a local bank, credit union, or private lender. Both types of loans must also be repaid, though federal loans have more flexible repayment options if you become unemployed or a low-income earner after graduation. Some private student loan lenders offer some grace when it comes to financial hardship, but this is very temporary if it is offered at all. 

Private loans allow student borrowers to access more funds for schooling costs that surpass financial aid packages. Another benefit to private student loans is that there is no deadline to apply. If you miss your chance to file a FAFSA, private student loans are still available to help you afford your tuition. 

Unlike private loans, federal loans do not require a credit check or a cosigner in order to qualify.

Subsidized vs. Unsubsidized

Federal loans are offered to students as subsidized and unsubsidized. Subsidized loans are available to only undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need. These loans do not collect interest while the student is in school or if the loan is deferred or in forbearance after graduation. The interest rate on subsidized loans is fixed, but borrowers are limited to how much money they can borrow. 

Similar to subsidized loans, the government sets a fixed interest rate for direct unsubsidized loans. However, the loan accrues interest while the student is in school or if the loan is in a state of deferment or forbearance. 

Private vs. Public College

Both private and public colleges are great school choices and student loans work the same for each. Typically, private colleges are smaller and costlier. Public colleges are funded by the state government and donations and therefore less expensive. 

Private and public college costs should be considered when you research student loans and financial aid options. Many private colleges will allow students to transfer credit as a junior, meaning you can complete two years at a cheaper, public college first. 

Parent/Cosign Loans

Along with the option to have parents or other family members cosign a loan, parents can take out a loan for your education too. You may want to consider this last financial option last when exploring different financial aid options, though. A parent student loan, or a Direct PLUS loan, is a federal loan that a parent or dependent student can take out for educational costs.

This puts the parent as the only person on the college loan, and it can be a risky financial move if the parent is set to retire in 10 years or less. Also, unlike other federal student loans, a parent student loan is not eligible for most repayment plans. 

	Apply in minutes for competitive rates	College Ave GET MY RATE
	Flexible repayment options	SoFi® GET MY RATE
	Available for part-time students	Sallie Mae GET MY RATE

Conclusion

Don’t let money be the reason why you don’t accomplish your dream degree and advance your career. Along with financial aid, federal student loans, and private student loans, there are many options to help you afford your degree. 

Disclaimers

*The information shown on our site is provided to us directly by our partners, and we do our best to keep it accurate and up-to-date. As products, offers and rates are subject to change at any time, the information on our site may in some cases be different than the information on our partners’ sites, and the terms displayed may not be available to all consumers. Before making any purchasing decision, we encourage you to review the financial institution's website for current information, as well as all terms pertaining to your purchase.

College Ave 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.

(1)Rates shown are for the College Ave Undergraduate Loan product and include autopay discount. The 0.25% auto-pay interest rate reduction applies as long as a valid bank account is designated for required monthly payments. If a payment is returned, you will lose this benefit. Variable rates may increase after consummation.

(2)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 03/04/2025. 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 the Flat Repayment Option with the shortest available loan term.

Earnest Disclaimer:

Actual rate and available repayment terms will vary based on your income. Fixed rates range from 4.42% APR to 16.74% APR (excludes 0.25% Auto Pay discount). Variable rates range from 5.87% APR to 17.12% APR (excludes 0.25% Auto Pay discount)

Earnest variable interest rate student loan origination loans are based on a publicly available index, the 30-day Average Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The variable rate is based on the rate published on the 25th day, or the next business day, of the preceding calendar month, rounded to the nearest hundredth of a percent. The rate will not increase more than once per month. Although the rate will vary after you are approved, it will never exceed 36% (the maximum allowable for this loan).

Please note, Earnest Private Student Loans are not available in Nevada. Our lowest rates are only available for our most credit qualified borrowers and contain our .25% auto pay discount from a checking or savings account. It is important to note that the 0.25% Auto Pay discount is not available while loan payments are deferred.

Earnest Private Student Loans are made by One American Bank, Member FDIC, or FinWise Bank, Member FDIC. One American Bank, 515 S. Minnesota Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104. Finwise Bank, 756 East Winchester, Suite 100, Murray, UT 84107.

Earnest loans are serviced by Earnest Operations LLC, 300 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Suite 340, Oakland 94612. NMLS #1204917, with support from Higher Education Loan Authority of the State of Missouri (MOHELA) (NMLS# 1442770) One American Bank, FinWise Bank, and Earnest LLC and its subsidiaries, including Earnest Operations LLC, are not sponsored by agencies of the United States of America.

© 2025 Earnest LLC. All rights reserved.

Sallie Mae Disclaimer:

Borrow responsibly

We encourage students and families to start with savings, grants, scholarships, and federal student loans to pay for college. Students and families should evaluate all anticipated monthly loan payments, and how much the student expects to earn in the future, before considering a private student loan.

Explore federal loans and compare to make sure you understand the terms and features. Private student loans that have variable rates can go up over the life of the loan. Federal student loans are required by law to provide a range of flexible repayment options, including, but not limited to, income -based repayment and income-contingent repayment plans, and loan forgiveness and deferment benefits, which other student loans are not required to provide. Federal loans generally have origination fees, but are available to students regardless of income.

SALLIE MAE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS, SERVICES, AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE.

© 2025 Sallie Mae Bank. Sallie Mae loans are made by Sallie Mae Bank. Sallie Mae, the Sallie Mae logo, and other Sallie Mae names and logos are service marks or registered service marks of Sallie Mae Bank. All other names and logos used are the trademarks or service marks of their respective owners.

SLM Corporation and its subsidiaries, including Sallie Mae Bank, are not sponsored by or agencies of the United States of America. W646400 0325

Information valid as of 05/04/2025.

SoFi Disclaimer:

*Interest Rates: Eligibility and Important Details. Fixed rates range from 3.54% APR to 15.99% APR with 0.25% autopay discount. Variable rates range from 4.64% APR to 15.99% APR with a 0.25% autopay discount. Unless required to be lower to comply with applicable law, Variable interest rates are capped at 17.95%.

SoFi rate ranges are current as of 1/7/2025 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 and type of repayment option you select, evaluation of your creditworthiness, income, presence of a co-signer (if applicable) and a variety of other factors. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers.

Check out our eligibility criteria at https://www.sofi.com/eligibility-criteria/. 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.

SoFi Private Student loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

Credible Disclaimer:

To check the rates and terms you qualify for, we will conduct a soft credit pull that will not affect your credit score. However, if you continue and submit an application, we will request your full credit report from one or more consumer reporting agencies, which is considered a hard credit pull and may affect your credit.

College Finance Disclaimer:

1. To receive the $200 statement credit, borrower must take out a loan via the Apply Now link provided here, sign-up for Candidly education loan management, and link this loan to their Candidly account within 180 days of the first loan disbursement. Once the loan is linked, Candidly will remit payment to the loan servicer, and it will be applied as a payment.

SLM Corporation and its subsidiaries, including Sallie Mae Bank, are not sponsored by or agencies of the United States of America.

Ascent Disclaimer:

Ascent's undergraduate and graduate student loans are funded by Bank of Lake Mills or DR Bank, each Member FDIC. Loan products may not be available in certain jurisdictions. Certain restrictions, limitations; and terms and conditions may apply. For Ascent Terms and Conditions please visit: www.AscentFunding.com/Ts&Cs. Rates are effective as of 05/04/2025 and reflect an automatic payment discount of either 0.25% (for credit-based loans) OR 1.00% (for undergraduate outcomes-based loans). Automatic Payment Discount is available if the borrower is enrolled in automatic payments from their personal checking account and the amount is successfully withdrawn from the authorized bank account each month. For Ascent rates and repayment examples please visit: AscentFunding.com/Rates. 1% Cash Back Graduation Reward subject to terms and conditions. Cosigned Credit-Based Loan student must meet certain minimum credit criteria. The minimum score required is subject to change and may depend on the credit score of your cosigner. Lowest APRs require interest-only payments, the shortest loan term, 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 repayment examples above, based on the amount of time you spend in school and any grace period you have before repayment begins.

Citizens Disclaimers

ERL Variable Rate Disclosure: Variable interest rates are based on the 30-day average Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) index, as published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. As of Jul 01, 2023, the 30-day average SOFR index is 5.07%. Variable interest rates will fluctuate over the term of the loan with changes in the SOFR index, and will vary based on applicable terms, level of degree and presence of a co-signer. The maximum variable interest rate is the greater of 21.00% or the prime rate plus 9.00%.

Fixed Rate Disclosure: Fixed rate ranges are based on applicable terms, level of degree, and presence of a co-signer.

Student Loan Rate: Variable interest rates range from 4.99% - 15.47%. Fixed interest rates range from 3.49% - 14.99%.

Loyalty Discount: The borrower will be eligible for a 0.25 percentage point interest rate reduction on their loan if the borrower or their co-signer (if applicable) has a qualifying account in existence with us at the time the borrower and their co-signer (if applicable) have submitted a completed application authorizing us to review their credit request for the loan. The following are qualifying accounts: any checking account, savings account, money market account, certificate of deposit, automobile loan, home equity loan, home equity line of credit, mortgage, credit card account, or other student loans owned by Citizens Bank, N.A. Please note, our checking and savings account options are only available in the following states: CT, DC, DE, FL, MA, MD, MI, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, VA, and VT and some products may have an associated cost. This discount will be reflected in the interest rate disclosed in the Loan Approval Disclosure that will be provided to the borrower once the loan is approved. Limit of one Loyalty Discount per loan and discount will not be applied to prior loans. The Loyalty Discount will remain in effect for the life of the loan.

Investors Bancorp, Inc. Loyalty Discount: To receive the Loyalty Discount for having a qualifying account with Investors Bancorp, Inc., borrowers must contact Citizens by telephone prior to signing the promissory note. Student loan borrowers please call (877) 291-6385 and education refinance borrowers please call (888) 411-2413.

† Automatic Payment Discount: Borrowers will be eligible to receive a 0.25 percentage point interest rate reduction on their student loans owned by Citizens Bank, N.A. when our loan servicer is authorized to automatically deduct payments each month from any bank account the borrower designates. Discount is not available when payments are not due, such as during forbearance. If our loan servicer is unable to successfully withdraw the automatic deductions from the designated account three or more times within any 12-month period, the borrower will no longer be eligible for this discount.

Multi-Year Approval: *The percentage of borrowers is based on all applicants who received a Multi-Year Student Loan from Citizens between October 1, 2021 and October 1, 2022. The percentage represents only borrowers who accepted the Multi-Year Approval offer. It does not include borrowers that qualified for the Multi-Year feature, but did not accept the offer.

Co-signer Release: Borrowers may apply for co-signer release after making 36 consecutive on-time payments of principal and interest. For the purpose of the application for co-signer release, on-time payments are defined as payments received within 15 days of the due date. Interest only payments do not qualify. The borrower must meet certain credit and eligibility guidelines when applying for the co-signer release. Borrowers must complete an application for release and provide income verification documents as part of the review. Borrowers who use deferment or forbearance will need to make 36 consecutive on-time payments after reentering repayment to qualify for release. The borrower applying for co-signer release must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. If an application for co-signer release is denied, the borrower may not reapply for co-signer release until at least one year from the date the application for co-signer release was received. Terms and conditions apply. Borrowers whose loans were funded prior to reaching the age of majority may not be eligible for co-signer release. Note: co-signer release is not available on the Student Loan for Parents or Education Refinance Loan for Parents.

Student Loan Aggregate Limits: You may borrow up to the maximum qualified loan amount or the total cost of education, whichever is lower. Our student loan does have lifetime aggregate limits (including both federal and private loan debt) of: Undergraduate Degree: $150,000, Graduate Degrees: $150,000, MBA and Law: $225,000, Healthcare: $180,000 or $350,000 depending on your degree (Aggregate limits up to $350,000 for MD, DMD/DDS, OD, DO, DPM, PharmD, and DVM degrees. Aggregate limits up to $180,000 for cardiac perfusion, chiropractic, cytotechnology, nurse practitioner, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and physician assistant degree).

Student Loan Repayment: Student borrowers can make full payments or pay interest only while in school or defer payments until after graduation (interest continues to accrue during deferment periods).

Student Lending Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or eligible non-citizen with a creditworthy U.S. citizen or permanent resident co-signer. For applicants who have not attained the age of majority in their state of residence, a co-signer is required. Citizens reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. Citizens private student loans are subject to credit qualification, completion of a loan application/Promissory Note, verification of application information, and if applicable, self-certification form, school certification of the loan amount, and student’s enrollment at a Citizens participating school.

Student Loan Eligibility: Applicants must be enrolled at least half-time in a degree-granting program at an eligible institution.

Student Loan for Parents Eligibility: The student whose education expenses will be paid for with the loan proceeds must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and must be enrolled at least half-time in a degree granting program at a Citizens-participating school.

Student Loan Repayment: Student borrowers can make full payments or pay interest only while in school or defer payments until after graduation (interest continues to accrue during deferment periods).

This informational repayment example uses typical loan terms for a freshman borrower who selects the Deferred Repayment Option with a 20-year repayment term, has a $10,000 loan that is disbursed in one disbursement and a 10.64% fixed Annual Percentage Rate (“APR”): for a total amount of payments of $24,198.55. Loans will never have a full principal and interest monthly payment of less than $50. Your actual rates and repayment terms may vary.

THIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT. YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO MAKE ANY PAYMENT OR TAKE ANY OTHER ACTION IN RESPONSE TO THIS OFFER.