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Best medical school loans for July 2024

Jul 19, 2024
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Medical school loans are borrowed money that can help you meet the high costs of a medical degree. Bankrate chose the best medical school loan lenders based on their interest rates, terms and features. We’ve also rounded up advice on choosing, applying for and managing your student loans. 

Our methodology considers three main categories: availability, affordability and customer experience. As with any student loans, it's best to max out your federal aid before turning to private student loans.

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Filters
Fixed APR from

3.79- 15.41%

Loan amount

$2k- No Max

Fixed APR from

3.99- 17.99%

Loan amount

$1k- No Max

Fixed APR from

4.15- 15.49%

Loan amount

$1k- No Max

Fixed APR from

4.24- 15.61%

Loan amount

$1k- $350K

Fixed APR from

4.24- 14.01%

Loan amount

$1k- $100K

Fixed APR from

4.24- 15.47%

Loan amount

$1k- $500K

Fixed APR from

4.50- 14.22%

Loan amount

$1k- No Max

Fixed APR from

4.80- 8.54%

Loan amount

$1k- No Max

Fixed APR from

5.75- 8.95%

Loan amount

$2k- No Max

Lender conversion and compensation impacts how, where and in what order products appear in the above table

Compare the best medical school loan rates of July 2024

Use this table to easily compare the most important factors of our top loan picks, including annual percentage rates (APR) and amounts.

LENDER CURRENT APR RANGE FOR MEDICAL STUDENTS* LOAN TERMS MIN. LOAN AMOUNT MAX LOAN AMOUNT
College Ave Fixed: 4.17%-14.47% (with autopay) 5 - 20 years $1,000 $150,000
Sallie Mae Fixed: 4.15%-14.96% (with autopay) 15 years $1,000 100% total cost of attendance
Ascent Fixed: 4.79%-16.10% (with autopay) 5 - 20 years $2,001 $400,000
Citizens Bank Fixed: 4.24%-13.39% (with autopay) 5 - 15 years $1,000 $150,000
Custom Choice Fixed: 4.42%-14.91% (with autopay) 7 - 15 years $1,000 $180,000
Education Loan Finance Fixed: 4.50%-14.22% 5 - 15 years $1,000 100% total cost of attendance
INvestED Fixed: 4.56%-11.79% (with autopay) 5 - 15 years $1,001 100% total cost of attendance
MEFA Fixed: 5.75%-8.95% 15 years $1,500 100% total cost of attendance
Federal Direct student loans Fixed: 8.08%-9.08% Standard repayment term is 10 years Not specified Unsubsidized: $138,500 total; PLUS Up to cost of attendance
PNC Fixed: 4.49%-13.99%; Variable: 5.99%-15.49% 5 - 15 years Not specified Not Specified to $225,000 (aggregate)

*The rates in this table are for medical student loans. The information on lenders provided here reflect the overall student loan rate range offered by each lender. 

A closer look at our top options for medical school loans

When shopping for medical school loans, compare APRs across multiple lenders to make sure you’re getting a competitive interest rate. Look for lenders that keep fees to a minimum and offer repayment terms that fit your needs.

Best overall

Min. credit score:
Not disclosed
Fixed APR From:
6.53% –8.08%
Loan amount:
$1,000– $500,000
Term lengths:
10 to 25 years
Min. annual income:
Not disclosed
Overview: Federal student loans are ideal for medical school since they come with fixed interest rates and federal protections like deferment and forbearance. With federal student loans, you can choose between federal Direct Unsubsidized graduate loans and federal grad PLUS loans. All graduate students pay the same interest: 6.54 percent for Direct Unsubsidized Loans and 7.54 percent for grad PLUS loans.
Why federal student loans are the best overall: With no credit requirements, low rates and a bevy of repayment options, federal student loans are usually the first choice for medical students in need of funding.

Best for many repayment terms

Min. credit score:
Not disclosed
Fixed APR From:
4.22% –17.99%
Loan amount:
$1,000– $500,000
Term lengths:
5 to 15 years
Min. annual income:
Not disclosed
Overview: College Ave's medical school loans offer some of the lowest rates among competitors for borrowers with good credit, and they also come with unusually flexible repayment options. You can choose to defer your payments for 36 months after school, and you can choose among five repayment terms.
Why College Ave is the best for many repayment terms: Most private medical school loans limit your repayment options to 15 or 20 years. With College Ave, there are five options to choose from.

Best for multiyear approval

Min. credit score:
720
Fixed APR From:
4.24% –15.61%
Loan amount:
$1,000– $350,000
Term lengths:
5 to 15 years
Min. annual income:
Not disclosed
Overview: Citizens Bank lets you borrow up to $180,000 or $350,000 for your medical school education depending on your degree. M.D., D.M.D./D.D.S., O.D., D.O., D.P.M., Pharm.D. and D.V.M. degrees qualify for the higher amount. You can repay your loan over five to 15 years, and there are no origination fees to get started.
Why Citizens Bank is best for multiyear approval: Citizens Bank's multiyear approval program takes some of the stress out of student loans if you need funding for the entirety of your program. While most lenders require you to reapply every year, Citizens Bank will save you multiple hard credit checks.

Best for no origination fees

Min. credit score:
Not disclosed
Fixed APR From:
4.49% –13.99%
Loan amount:
$1,000– $50,000
Term lengths:
5 to 15 years
Min. annual income:
Not disclosed
Overview: The PNC Solution Loan is designed for future health professionals, including doctors. This loan lets you borrow up to $65,000 per year and $225,000 total, and there are no application fees or origination fees. It also offers competitive rates for creditworthy borrowers and their co-signers.
Why PNC is best for no origination fees: If you're looking for a truly fee-free lender, PNC could be a good option. Like most student lenders, PNC charges no origination or prepayment fees, and its site doesn’t mention any late or returned payment fees.

What are medical student loans and how do they work?

Medical student loans are funding borrowers can use to finance their medical schooling. This type of education can have steep costs, and for many students, loans are the only way to afford tuition. The large debt burden makes it extra important to compare lenders and find the lowest possible rate. 

How do student loans work? 

Like student loans for undergraduate students, medical school loans cover school-related expenses. You will repay your loan over five to 20 years, plus interest and possible fees. 

Medical school loans may have fixed or variable interest rates. For all loans except federal loans, your interest rate will depend on you or your co-signer’s credit score and history.

Federal vs. private student loans for medical school

When paying for medical school, you can choose between loans offered by the federal government and loans originated from banks, credit unions and online lenders. Both come with their own set of pros and cons.

Federal student loans for medical school

Federal student loans are originated by the U.S. Department of Education. The two most common options are:

  • Direct Unsubsidized Loans: These loans have a fixed interest rate of 8.08 percent for all graduate borrowers. They don't require a credit check, and medical school students can borrow up to $20,500 per year and $138,500 total.
  • Grad PLUS loan: These loans have a fixed interest rate of 9.08 percent for all borrowers, but they allow borrowers to borrow up to the total cost of education. Grad PLUS loans will check that you don't have an adverse credit history, but there is no minimum credit score requirement.

Because federal student loans come with benefits like deferment, forbearance and income-driven repayment plans, they are usually the best option to pay for medical school and all other higher education expenses. Federal loans also offer robust forgiveness options. For example, you may be able to qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and other forgiveness programs for doctors if you choose to work in an underserved area or in a public service position.

Private student loans for medical school

Private student loans are offered by online lenders, nonprofit agencies, banks and credit unions. Private student loans often advertise lower starting interest rates than federal student loans for borrowers with good credit. You can typically choose between fixed and variable interest rates. 

Some private medical school loans have unique features that benefit medical students, such as extended grace periods or deferment during a residency program.

Most lenders require very good or excellent credit for private medical school student loans. Without a solid credit history or score, you’ll likely need a co-signer. Remember that some private student lenders have their own deferment and forbearance programs, but there are no standard requirements.

What to consider before getting a medical school loan

Before you apply for a medical school loan, there are plenty of details to think over. Here are some of the main factors to consider before you borrow money for medical school with a specific lender:

  • Repayment and forgiveness: Consider how long you'll be making payments on your loan. The federal government offers several income-driven repayment plans, and it's the best option if your goal is eventual loan forgiveness. On the other hand, most private lenders have no prepayment penalty. You can increase your monthly payment to pay off your loan quickly.
  • Interest rates: Since you’re likely borrowing six-figure sums to pay for medical school, your interest rate can significantly affect the total amount you pay over the life of your loan. Compare a few lenders to find the lowest interest rates you qualify for.
  • Variable and fixed rates: Also, decide whether you want a variable or fixed interest rate. A variable rate may work well in the short term if interest rates are low, but a fixed rate gives you the peace of mind that your rate will never go up.
  • Loan fees: Very few private lenders charge origination or application fees. However, origination fees are inescapable with federal loans.
  • Lender-specific borrowing limits: Some medical student loans come with borrowing limits you must adhere to. These limits can include other loans you have, so you need to be aware of them before you apply with any private student loan company.
  • Discounts: Some medical school loans include interest rate discounts if you already have a relationship with the lender or if you sign up for autopay. Some also offer a principal discount on graduation. These discounts may not seem like much, but they can help you save significant money over time.

How to get a medical school loan

If you took out loans for your undergraduate schooling, you’ll find the process of applying for a medical school loan familiar.

  1. Shop around with multiple lenders: Focus on which lender will acceptance you based on requirements and available rates, terms and loan amounts. 
  2. Check your eligibility: Lenders carry varying requirements in order to determine eligibility. Look for lenders that work in your state and accept your credit.
  3. Complete the application: The application process may take as little as a few minutes if you have your financial information handy. Be prepared to share credit and school-related details. 
  4. Wait for verification: Lenders may take between a few minutes and a few days to accept or reject your application. Then, they confirm your cost of attendance and send the funds to your school. Be sure to follow up with your school to verify they received the funding. 

Managing medical student loans

Becoming a medical professional requires significant time, effort and money. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, the average medical school debt for the 2023-24 academic year exceeded $200,000. That’s no surprise when students at public institutions spent an average of $40,493 for tuition, fees and health insurance. 

As you shop for loans, start thinking ahead to repayment strategies. Many private lenders offer the option to make payments toward your interest or principal while you’re still in school, which can help you get ahead. After you graduate, you may be able to refinance your student loans for a lower interest rate.

If you have federal student loans, you have even more options. 

An income-driven repayment plan might appeal to you if your initial salary is low. With an IDR plan, your payments are based on how much you earn and your household size. After 10 to 25 years of payments, your remaining balance is forgiven. 

Depending on your location and employer, you may be eligible for medical student loan forgiveness programs such as PSLF.

Additionally, you can seek an employer that offers student loan repayment assistance.

FAQs about medical student loans

How we chose the best medical student loan providers

Bankrate's trusted personal loans industry expertise

57

years in business

25

lenders reviewed

14

loan features weighed

350

data points collected

To find the best medical school loan lenders, Bankrate's team of experts evaluated over 20 lenders. Each lender was then rated on a 14-point scale. The scale is split into three main categories:

Editorial disclosure: All reviews are prepared by Bankrate.com staff. Opinions expressed therein are solely those of the reviewer and have not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. The information, including rates and fees, presented in the review is accurate as of the date of the review. Check the data at the top of this page and the lender’s website for the most current information.