Ascent stands out for offering multiple payment terms and serving a diverse audience, including international students who apply with an eligible co-signer. Six loan term options are available, so you can design a loan payoff timeline that best fits your budget.

Why We Like It

We love that Ascent offers several repayment plans, including the progressive repayment option, which starts with a lower payment that gradually increases.

Undergraduate and graduate borrowers also get a nine-month grace period before payments begin, and dental and medical graduates get a 12-month grace period.

What We Don’t Like

Interest rates are high for borrowers who don’t apply with a co-signer.

Who It’s Best For

Ascent student loans are best for borrowers with co-signers looking for flexible repayment terms and longer payment grace periods than competing products.

Loan terms
Five, seven, 10, 12 or 15 years; seerepayment examples for more details.

Loan amounts
$2,001** up to total cost of attendance, to a maximum of $200,000 per academic year ($200,000 aggregate) for undergraduate loans and $400,000 for graduate loans

Forbearance options
Up to 24 months of forbearance for financial hardship, available in increments of three months.

Co-signer release policy
Co-signer release may be available after 12 consecutive and on-time loan payments.

*Disclosure

*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, terms and conditions may apply for Ascent’s Terms and Conditions please visitAscentFunding.com/Ts&Cs. Annual Percentage Rates (APRs) displayed above are effective as of 11/1/2025 and reflect an Automatic Payment Discount (ACH). The ACH discount consists of 0.25% on credit-based college student loans submitted prior to 6/1/2025, a 0.5% discount for on credit-based college student loans submitted on or after 6/1/2025 and a 1.00% discount on outcomes-based loans when you enroll in automatic payments. Loans subject to individual approval, restrictions and conditions apply. Loan features and information advertised are intended for college student loans and are subject to change at any time. For more information, seerepayment examples or review theAscent 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. Variable rates may increase after consummation.1% Cash Back Graduation Reward subject to terms and conditions. For details on Ascent borrower benefits, visitAscentFunding.com/BorrowerBenefits. Ascent applicants and borrowers that agree to the AscentUPTerms of Service andPrivacy Policy, as well as students associated with an Ascent parent loan application, have access to the AscentUP platform.

**The minimum amount is $2,001, except for the state of Massachusetts. The minimum loan amount for borrowers with a Massachusetts permanent address is $6,001.

Earnest offers some of the lowest interest rates on the loan market for students applying with a creditworthy co-signer. Plus, Earnest serves many types of borrowers, including international, DACA and graduate students.

Why We Like It

We like that interest rates for co-signed student loans start at just 2.89% APR, and Earnest promises to match your rate if you get a better rate with another lender.

Borrowers also get a nine-month grace period before loan payments are due compared to the typical six-month grace period offered by most other private and federal loans.

What We Don’t Like

Borrowers must have at least three years of credit history to qualify, which is a requirement young adults may not be able to meet fresh out of high school.

Who It’s Best For

Earnest is best for borrowers with good credit or access to a creditworthy co-signer because co-signed loans offer the lowest interest rates.

Loan terms
Five, seven, 10, 12 or 15 years

Loan amounts
$1,000 up to the total cost of attendance with a $400,000 lifetime limit

Forbearance options
Up to 12 months of forbearance may be available.

Co-signer release policy
Co-signer release isn’t available. You have to refinance the loan to remove a co-signer.

Disclosures

¹You can take advantage of the Auto Pay interest rate reduction by setting up and maintaining active and automatic ACH withdrawal of your loan payment from a checking or savings account. The interest rate reduction for Auto Pay will be available only while your loan is enrolled in Auto Pay. Interest rate incentives for utilizing Auto Pay may not be combined with certain private student loan repayment programs that also offer an interest rate reduction. For multi-party loans, only one party may enroll in Auto Pay. It is important to note that the 0.25% Auto Pay discount is not available while loan payments are deferred.

²Earnest clients may skip one payment every 12 months. Your first request to skip a payment can be made once you’ve made at least 6 months of consecutive on-time payments, and your loan is in good standing. The interest accrued during the skipped month will result in an increase in your remaining minimum payment. The final payoff date on your loan will be extended by the length of the skipped payment periods. Please be aware that a skipped payment does count toward the forbearance limits. Please note that skipping a payment is not guaranteed and is at Earnest’s discretion. Your monthly payment and total loan cost may increase as a result of postponing your payment and extending your term.

³Nine-month grace period is not available for borrowers who choose our Principal and Interest Repayment plan while in school.

⁴Earnest’s Loan Cost Examples: These examples provide estimates based on principal and Interest payments beginning immediately upon loan disbursement. Variable APR: A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $118.28) and a 11.69% APR would result in a total estimated payment amount of $21,290.40. For a variable loan, after your starting rate is set, your rate will then vary with the market. Fixed APR: A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $126.82) and a 13.03% APR would result in a total estimated payment amount of $22,827.79.

These examples provide estimates based on interest only payments while in school. Variable APR: A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $145.41) and a 11.69% APR would result in a total estimated payment amount of $26,173.03. For a variable loan, after your starting rate is set, your rate will then vary with the market. Fixed APR: A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $156.59) and a 13.03% APR would result in a total estimated payment amount of $28,186.67. Your actual repayment terms may vary. Other repayment options are available.

These examples provide estimates based on fixed $25 payments while in school. Variable APR: A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $169.92) and a 11.69% APR would result in a total estimated payment amount of $30,584.74. For a variable loan, after your starting rate is set, your rate will then vary with the market. Fixed APR: A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $188.42) and a 13.03% APR would result in a total estimated payment amount of $33,915.55. Your actual repayment terms may vary. Other repayment options are available.

These examples provide estimates based on deferred payments. Variable APR: A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $174.79) and a 11.69% APR would result in a total estimated payment amount of $31,462.16. For a variable loan, after your starting rate is set, your rate will then vary with the market. Fixed APR: A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $193.75) and a 13.03% APR would result in a total estimated payment amount of $34,874.28. Your actual repayment terms may vary. Other repayment options are available.

⁵Loan Eligibility criteria: Eligible students must: 1) For college Freshmen, Sophomores and Juniors, attend, or be enrolled to attend, a Title IV school full-time. For college Seniors and Graduate students, attend, or be enrolled to attend, a Title IV school at least half-time; and 2) be pursuing a Bachelor’s or Graduate degree. Earnest private student loans are subject to credit qualification, completion of a loan application, verification of application information, self-certification of loan amount, and school certification.

Responsible borrowing tip: Explore all scholarship, grant and federal options before applying for a private loan.

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.

With a speedy prequalification and application process, Education Loan Finance (ELFI) is our top pick for borrowers who want a fast application process. ELFI borrowers can also access student loan advisors who can answer questions about education financing.

Why We Like It

In addition to competitive rates, we like that ELFI offers loan forbearance of up to 12 months if borrowers face financial difficulty.

What We Don’t Like

When applying without a co-signer, you need at least three years of credit history for loan approval with ELFI, which could be a major barrier for recent high school graduates and young adults.

Who It’s Best For

ELFI loans are best for undergraduate, graduate and parent borrowers who value a quick application process and have a credit score of at least 680 or a creditworthy co-signer.

Loan terms
Five to 15 years.

Loan amounts
Up to the maximum loan size approved by the school for qualified education expenses.

Forbearance options
Up to 12 months of forbearance for financial hardship or medical difficulty.

Co-signer release policy
Co-signer release is not available at this time.

SoFi stands out from the pack by providing exclusive member benefits, such as family rate discounts, rewards opportunities and access to financial advice from certified advisors.

Why We Like It

We love that SoFi charges no fees, including no late, insufficient funds, origination or prepayment penalty fees. Borrowers can also lock in savings by securing the 0.25% autopay discount. Plus, if the applicant or co-signer is a current SoFi customer, new student loans qualify for another 0.125% rate discount.

What We Don’t Like

SoFi offers co-signer release, but you must make 24 on-time loan payments before applying.

Who It’s Best For

SoFi student loans are best for borrowers who value customer experience and extra perks. On top of rate discounts, members get extra bells and whistles like expedited access to SoFi stadium, invitations to social events and referral bonuses.

Loan terms
five, seven, 10 and 15 years.

Loan amounts
$1,000 up to the total cost of attendance.

Forbearance options
SoFi may offer forbearance and payment relief if you face hardship, but it doesn’t outline specific options unless you contact the lender.

Co-signer release policy
Co-signers may be eligible for release after borrowers make 12 on-time scheduled payments.

*Disclosures

* Interest Rates: Eligibility and Important Details. Fixed rates range from 3.18% APR to 15.99% APR with 0.25% autopay discount. Variable rates range from 4.39% 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 11/11/2025 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 athttps://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).

Terms and conditions apply. Offer good for new and repeat borrowers that apply for and are approved for a SoFi Private Student Loan. To receive the offer, you must: (1) complete a loan application with SoFi between 11/11/25 12:01AM PT to 1/30/26 11:59PM PT; and (2) meet SoFi’s underwriting criteria. Once conditions are met and the loan has been disbursed, the interest rate shown in the Final Disclosure Statement will include an additional 0.25% rate discount. Offer cannot be combined with any other rate discounts, with the exception of the 0.25% autopay rate discount, 0.125% SoFi Plus Parent discount, and MBA/Law 0.25% discount running until 6/9/25. SoFi reserves the right to change or terminate the Rate Discount Program to unenrolled participants at any time with or without notice.

Custom Choice shines for letting borrowers lock in rate quotes for 30 days with only a soft credit check, which doesn’t impact your credit. Borrowers may also be eligible for multiple payment relief options during repayment.

Why We Like It

Custom Choice offers payment assistance for borrowers impacted by a national disaster or unemployment. Unemployment protection is available in two-month increments for a maximum of 12 months. In addition, Custom Choice provides rewards to borrowers upon graduation that can reduce their principal balance by 2%.

What We Don’t Like

Custom Choice offers a co-signer release upon entering repayment of principal and interest.

Who It’s Best For

Custom Choice is best for borrowers who want payment assistance as a safeguard. Borrowers wanting to pay debt aggressively should also consider Custom Choice, as the graduation reward can help reduce the loan balance.

Loan terms
Seven, 10 or 15 years

Loan amounts
$1,000 to $99,999 annually ($180,000 aggregate limit)

Eligibility
Borrowers must be U.S. citizens, permanent residents or eligible non-citizens (DACA recipients). Eligible non-citizens must apply with a creditworthy co-signer who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

Forbearance options
Forbearance is available in increments of up to two months with a 12-month cap over the life of the loan.

Co-signer release policy
Co-signer release is available upon entering repayment of principal and interest.*

Disclosures

*A cosigner may be released from the loan upon request to the Servicer, provided that the student borrower has met certain credit and other criteria at the time of the request. Use of an approved reduced repayment plan will disqualify the loan from being eligible for this benefit. If a request for cosigner release is denied, reapplication is not permitted for at least 12 months from the previous cosigner release application date.

College Ave shines for offering a multi-year loan feature that assures loan approval for several years of financing. According to College Ave, 90% of undergraduates approved with a co-signer are able to get approved for subsequent school years.

Why We Like It

College Ave has a large portfolio of products for students pursuing advanced degrees that require many years of schooling, such as law, business or medical degrees. After leaving school, College Ave loans may be eligible for payment grace periods of up to 36 months.

What We Don’t Like

College Ave charges late fees, and interest rates may be high if you don’t have strong credit.

Who It’s Best For

College Ave is best for borrowers shopping for education financing to cover many years of school. Law, MBA and medical school students who’ve exhausted federal loan options should also consider what College Ave offers.

Loan terms
Five, eight, 10 and 15 years, depending on the degree

Loan amounts
$1,000 up to 100% of the school-certified cost of attendance

Eligibility
There’s no minimum credit score for borrowers who use co-signers, but co-signers must have a minimum credit score in the mid-600s.

Forbearance options
Forbearance is available for up to 12 months in three- to six-month increments.

Co-signer release policy
Co-signer release is available at the midpoint of the loan term. For example, if you have a 10-year loan term, your co-signer may be eligible for release after five years.

*The most creditworthy applicants who choose the shortest repayment term available and who make full monthly payments while in school qualify for the lowest rates.

Disclosures

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.

• (1)All rates include the auto-pay 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)As certified by your school and less any other financial aid you might receive. Minimum $1,000.
• (3)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.

Information advertised valid as of 08/11/2025. Variable interest rates may increase after consummation. Approved interest rate will depend on 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.

Rhode Island Student Loan Authority (RISLA) provides less flexible loans than other lenders, with only 10- and 15-year terms available. However, rate caps are low, making it an option worth considering if those two terms fit your goals.

Why We Like It

Along with low rates, RISLA offers rewards of up to $2,000 in loan forgiveness for interns, and nurses may be eligible for four years of no interest. When facing hardship, RISLA borrowers may qualify for income-based repayment plans or up to 24 months of forbearance.

What We Don’t Like

RISLA loans don’t offer much in terms of customizability since there are only two loan term options. Further, the maximum you can borrow is $50,000 per year, which may not be enough for those pursuing advanced degrees.

Who It’s Best For

RISLA is best for borrowers looking for a traditional 10-year term loan and have sufficient personal income or a creditworthy co-signer to land low APRs.

Loan terms
10 and 15 years

Loan amounts available
$1,500 to $50,000 per year, with a $180,000 aggregate limit per borrower

Eligibility
Applicants or co-signers must show a minimum income of $40,000 per year and a minimum credit score of 680.

Forbearance options
Forbearance is available for up to 24 months.

Co-signer release policy
Co-signer release is available after 24 consecutive months of on-time payments. Periods during which borrowers use income-based repayment do not qualify.

Sallie Mae is a veteran in the student lending space, providing loans to finance undergraduate and graduate degrees plus certificate programs in professional studies, such as culinary arts and aviation.

Why We Like It

Borrowers can choose from low-payment options, including deferment while in school or interest-only payments for 12 months once the post-graduation grace period ends. Borrowers who fall behind on payments may also be eligible for loan modifications, payment extensions or reduced payments to get back on track.

What We Don’t Like

Sallie Mae currently offers no way to check interest rates without a hard inquiry, which temporarily dings your credit score.

Who It’s Best For

Sallie Mae student loans are best for borrowers who could benefit from low payments while job hunting and career climbing after graduation.

Loan terms
10 to 20 years

Loan amounts
$1,000 up to 100% of the school-certified cost of attendance

Eligibility
Sallie Mae offers private student loans to eligible U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Further, international and DACA students residing in and attending U.S. schools may qualify with a creditworthy cosigner who is also a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

Forbearance options
Sallie Mae can postpone payments during financial hardship and military service.

Co-signer release policy
Co-signers may be eligible for release after the borrower makes 12 on-time principal and interest payments.

Nelnet Bank is backed by the loan servicer Nelnet and offers private student loans and parent loans for borrowers who meet credit requirements.

Why We Like It

Sometimes, loan eligibility conditions can be vague, and we like that Nelnet clearly defines its credit requirements if you don’t have a co-signer. You need a minimum credit score in the mid-to-high 600s to be eligible without a co-signer.

What We Don’t Like

Netlnet Bank’s website mentions payment assistance may be available but doesn’t explain the options. Borrowers struggling with payments must contact the lender to discuss arrangements.

Who It’s Best For

Nelnet Bank is best for borrowers applying without a co-signer who can show proof of stable income and decent credit. However, you might need to look elsewhere if you want a range of repayment options like income-based repayment.

Loan terms
Five to 25 years, depending on your loan amount and repayment plan.

Loan amounts
$1,000 up to $125,000 for undergraduate loans; $175,000 for graduate, MBA or law degree loans; and $500,000 for graduate health degree loans.

Forbearance options
Payment relief options may be available if you need assistance with your payments; however, borrowers must contact the lender directly for details.

Co-signer release policy
Co-signer release may be available after 24 consecutive on-time payments.

Citizens Bank is our top pick for rate discounts since student loans come with combinable discount opportunities that can drive down your monthly payments and long-term costs.

Why We Like It

Citizens Bank offers a discount of 0.25% for using autopay, which is pretty common across student loan lenders. However, you can get another 0.25% discount (for a total of 0.50%) if you or your co-signer has an eligible Citizens Bank account open at the time of application.

What We Don’t Like

Citizens Bank requires borrowers to enter full principal and interest repayment for co-signer release and charges late fees if you make late payments.

Who It’s Best For

Citizens Bank student loans are best for existing customers or applicants willing to open a bank account before applying to receive the maximum rate discount.

Loan terms
Five, 10 and 15 years .

Loan  amounts
Up to 100% of the maximum qualified loan limit or the total cost of education. Aggregate limits are $225,000 for undergraduate and graduate degrees, $300,000 for M.B.A. and law degrees and up to $400,000 for healthcare degrees.

Forbearance options
Up to 12 months of forbearance for the life of the loan .

Co-signer release policy: Borrowers may apply for co-signer release if they have entered full principal and interest repayment.*

Disclosures

*Borrowers may apply for co-signer release if they have entered full principal and interest repayment. Interest only payments do not qualify. The borrower must meet certain credit and eligibility guidelines when applying for co-signer release. Borrowers must complete a cosigner release application and provide income verification documents for review. The borrower must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (living in the US or US territories). Borrowers may apply for cosigner release once every 12 months from the previous application date. Terms and conditions apply. Note: co-signer release is not available on the Student Loan for Parents.