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Best medical school loans for December 2024

Updated Nov 24, 2024

What to know first: 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.

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STUDENT LOAN

College Ave: Best for flexible repayment terms

4.4
Fixed APR from
3.47- 14.47%
Loan term
5-20 yrs
Loan amount
$1,000-$150,000
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Apply on partner site

STUDENT LOAN

Sallie Mae: Best for part-time students

4.6
Fixed APR from
3.49- 14.46%
Loan term
15-15 yrs
Loan amount
$1,000-100% cost of attendance
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Apply on partner site

STUDENT LOAN

Education Loan Finance: Best for Tennessee nursing students

4.2
Fixed APR from
3.69- 14.22%
Loan term
5-15 yrs
Loan amount
$1,000-100% cost of attendance
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STUDENT LOAN

PNC: Best for automatic payment discount

4.5
Fixed APR from
3.59- 13.99%
Loan term
5-15 yrs
Loan amount
$1,000-$225,000
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Apply on partner site

STUDENT LOAN

Citizens Bank: Best for multiyear approval

4.0
Fixed APR from
4.24- 12.32%
Loan term
5-15 yrs
Loan amount
$1,000-$400,000
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STUDENT LOAN

Custom Choice: Best for graduation discount

4.1
Fixed APR from
4.24- 14.02%
Loan term
7-15 yrs
Loan amount
$1,000-$180,000
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STUDENT LOAN

Ascent: Best for hardship forbearance

4.5
Fixed APR from
4.69- 14.41%
Loan term
5-20 yrs
Loan amount
$2,001-$400,000
See offersArrow Right

Apply on partner site

STUDENT LOAN

INvestED: Best for Indiana residents

Fixed APR from
5.04- 9.19%
Loan term
5-15 yrs
Loan amount
$1,001 - 100% cost of attendance
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STUDENT LOAN

Federal Student Loans: Best overall

4.6
Fixed APR from
6.53- 8.08%
Loan term
10-25 yrs
Loan amount
$1k- $500K
See offersArrow Right

Check with studentaid.gov

STUDENT LOAN

MEFA: Best for paying past-due tuition

Fixed APR from
7.15- 8.95%
Loan term
10-15 yrs
Loan amount
$1,500-100% cost of attendance
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Compare the best medical school loan rates of December 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: 3.47%-14.47% (with autopay) 5 - 20 years $1,000 $150,000
Education Loan Finance Fixed: 3.69%-14.22% 5 - 15 years $1,000 100% total cost of attendance
Sallie Mae Fixed: 3.49%-14.34% (with autopay) 15 years $1,000 100% total cost of attendance
PNC Fixed: 3.59%-13.99%; Variable: 4.59%-14.99% 5 - 15 years $1,000 $225,000
Citizens Bank Fixed: 4.24%-12.77% (with autopay) 5 - 15 years $1,000 $400,000
Custom Choice Fixed: 4.24%-14.52% (with autopay) 7 - 15 years $1,000 $180,000
INvestED Fixed: 4.80%-12.46% (with autopay) 5 - 15 years $1,001 100% total cost of attendance
Ascent Fixed: 4.69%-14.81% (with autopay) 5 - 20 years $2,001 $400,000
MEFA Fixed: 5.75%-8.95% 10 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 100% total cost of attendance

*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.

College Ave: Best for flexible repayment terms

College Ave
Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5
4.4

Overview: College Ave serves borrowers at many stages of their academic careers, including post-graduate education like medical school. It offers competitive starting rates and unusual flexibility during repayment.

Fixed APR
3.47%–14.47%
Loan amount
$1,000-$150,000
Loan term
5-20 yrs

Education Loan Finance: Best for Tennessee nursing students

Education Loan Finance
Rating: 4.2 stars out of 5
4.2

Overview: Education Loan Finance is a non-profit organization that focuses on personalized support for its borrowers. It is an especially good route for students in medical school as it has high loan amounts.

Fixed APR
3.69%–14.22%
Loan amount
$1,000-100% cost of attendance
Loan term
5-15 yrs

Sallie Mae: Best for part-time students

Sallie Mae
Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5
4.6

Overview: Sallie Mae is one of the most prominent lenders in the student loan industry. Unlike other lenders, it does not require borrowers to be full-time students, allowing anyone to borrow regardless of degree or loan type.

Fixed APR
3.49%–14.46%
Loan amount
$1,000-100% cost of attendance
Loan term
15-15 yrs

PNC: Best for autopay discount

PNC
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
4.5

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.

Fixed APR
3.59%–13.99%
Loan amount
$1,000-$225,000
Loan term
5-15 yrs

Citizens Bank: Best for multiyear approval 

Citizens
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
4

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.

Fixed APR
4.24%–12.32%
Loan amount
$1,000-$400,000
Loan term
5-15 yrs

Custom Choice: Best for graduation discount

Custom Choice
Rating: 4.1 stars out of 5
4.1

Overview: Custom Choice loans are provided by Citizens Bank. The online loan company stands out for its lack of fees.

Fixed APR
4.24%–14.02%
Loan amount
$1,000-$180,000
Loan term
7-15 yrs

INvestED: Best for Indiana residents

Invested

Overview: INvestED is a fully online lender that serves only residents and students in the state of Indiana. While this is restrictive for most students, the available resources make it stand out in the Hosier state. It hosts events throughout the year to assist students with their academic experiences.

Fixed APR
5.04%–9.19%
Loan amount
$1,001 - 100% cost of attendance
Loan term
5-15 yrs

Ascent: Best for hardship forbearance

Ascent
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
4.5

Overview: A fully online loan company, Ascent serves borrowers attending medical school, including optometry, osteopathic, podiatric and veterinary medicine. It boasts a number of deferment options and very few fees.

Fixed APR
4.69%–14.41%
Loan amount
$2,001-$400,000
Loan term
5-20 yrs

MEFA: Best for paying past-due tuition

mefa

Overview: MEFA’s highest rate is among the lowest among lenders we’ve reviewed, though other lenders may offer a lower starting rate to those with truly stellar credit. The lender does not enforce any fees — meaning there’s no downside to repaying your loan early — and allows funds to be used to cover past semester balances.

Fixed APR
7.15%–8.95%
Loan amount
$1,500-100% cost of attendance
Loan term
10-15 yrs

Federal Student Loans: Best overall 

Federal Student Loans
Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5
4.6

Overview: With federal student loans, you can choose between federal Direct Unsubsidized graduate loans and federal grad Direct PLUS loans. All graduate students pay the same interest: 8.08 percent for Direct Unsubsidized Loans and 9.08 percent for grad PLUS loans.

Fixed APR
6.53%–8.08%
Loan amount
$1k– $500k
Loan term
10-25 yrs

What are medical student loans and how do they work?

Like student loans for undergraduate students, medical student loans are borrowed money students can use to finance their education, covering several medical schooling expenses. You repay your loan over five to 25 years, plus interest and possible fees. Federal medical school loans have fixed interest rates, while private loans have fixed or variable interest rates. Your private loan interest rate will depend on you or your co-signer’s credit score and history.

Healthcare 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.

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. Fill out the FAFSA: Completing FAFSA is the first step to seeing what financial aid you can receive and what federal loans you may qualify for before taking out private loans.
  2. Shop around with multiple lenders: Focus on which lender will accept your application based on requirements and available rates, terms and loan amounts. 
  3. Check your eligibility: Lenders carry varying requirements in order to determine eligibility. Look for lenders that work in your state and accept your credit.
  4. 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. 
  5. 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.

Ask the experts: Can you defer medical school loans through residency


Writer, Personal Loans and Debt Relief

"Federal student loans can be deferred through medical residency forbearance that's offered by the Education Department. Interest will continue to accrue for both subsidized and unsubsidized loans, so unless completely necessary, it's recommended that students make at least the minimum payments to avoid runaway interest accrual. For those with private student loans, it depends on the lender. Every company offers a different form of residency forbearance and some may not offer the option at all. Check to make sure your lender offers a forbearance period that works for you before signing the loan agreement."

Nationally recognized student financial aid expert

"After you graduate from medical school, your loans will enter repayment. There are two main options. Obtain a forbearance, where payments are suspended but interest continues to accrue. Some lenders offer a partial forbearance, where you make interest-only payments. Partial forbearances keep the loan balance from increasing, but are lower than fully amortized monthly payments. (Or,) choose an income-driven repayment plan, if available. Income-driven repayment plans base the loan payment on the borrower’s income, as opposed to the amount they owe. Suh repayment plans adjust the loan payment to match the borrower’s lower income during the residency, internship and fellowship. Payments made during an income-driven repayment plan, including a calculated payment of zero, can count toward Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) if you are working full-time for a public or private non-profit 501(c)(3) hospital."

FAQs about medical student loans

How we chose the best medical student loan providers

Bankrate's trusted personal loans industry expertise

48

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.