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Best refinance student loans in June 2025

Updated Jun. 26, 2025

What to know first: Refinancing your student loans may land you a lower interest rate and a smaller monthly payment. However, refinancing isn't always a good idea. If you have federal student loans, refinancing comes with downsides you should consider. You'll also need to research student loan companies and their terms to find the best deal.

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STUDENT LOAN

Earnest: Best for flexible repayment options

4.4
Fixed APR from
3.99- 10.49%
Loan term
5-20 yrs
Loan amount
$5k-$500K
See offersArrow Right

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STUDENT LOAN

RISLA: Best for financial benefits and resources

4.0
Fixed APR from
3.99- 8.29%
Loan term
5-15 yrs
Loan amount
$7.5k-$250K
See offersArrow Right

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SoFi: Bankrate 2025 Award Winner For Borrowers With Good Credit

4.8
Fixed APR from
4.49- 9.99%
Loan term
5-20 yrs
Loan amount
$5k-100% amount borrowed
See offersArrow Right

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STUDENT LOAN

ELFI: Best for large loan amounts

4.4
Fixed APR from
4.88- 8.44%
Loan term
5-20 yrs
Loan amount
Starting at $10,000
See offersArrow Right

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STUDENT LOAN

Lendkey: Best for getting matched with a community lender

4.0
Fixed APR from
4.89- 9.44%
Loan term
5-20 yrs
Loan amount
$5k-100% of amount borrowed
See offersArrow Right

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Laurel Road: Bankrate 2025 Award Winner Best For Refinancing

4.6
Fixed APR from
4.99- 8.90%
Loan term
5-20 yrs
Loan amount
$5k-100% amount borrowed

STUDENT LOAN

EDvestinU: Best for co-signer release

3.9
Fixed APR from
5.40- 9.74%
Loan term
5-20 yrs
Loan amount
$7.5k-$200K
See offersArrow Right

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STUDENT LOAN

INvested: Best for Indiana residents

Fixed APR from
5.58- 9.89%
Loan term
5-20 yrs
Loan amount
$5k-$250k
See offersArrow Right

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Citizens Bank: Best for available discounts

4.6
Fixed APR from
5.90- 11.09%
Loan term
5-20 yrs
Loan amount
$10k-$750K
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STUDENT LOAN

Mefa: Best for using a co-borrower

Fixed APR from
6.20- 8.99%
Loan term
7-15 yrs
Loan amount
From $10,000
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College Ave: Bankrate 2025 Award Winner Best For Multiyear Approval

4.5
Fixed APR from
6.99- 13.99%
Loan term
5-20 yrs
Loan amount
$5k-$300K

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A closer look at top student loan refinancing companies

The closer look section offers a detailed view of Bankrate’s top picks for student loan refinancing. This includes product perks and highlights, as well as drawbacks and who may benefit the most from applying with a particular lender.

RISLA: Best for financial benefits and resources

Rating: 4 stars out of 5
4

Overview: RISLA allows current students the option of refinancing their student loans while still enrolled through a unique benefit — its 'pay-later' loan. Although repayment will begin a short six months after graduating, the lender will defer your payments while still in school, which can help you save on interest accrual.  

Fixed APR
3.99%–8.29%
Loan amount
$7.5k– $250k
Loan term
5-15 yrs

Earnest: Best for flexible repayment options

Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5
4.4

Overview: Earnest lets you refinance your student loans with the potential for a low APR and flexible repayment options. With repayment terms from five to 20 years, it's easy to find a repayment timeline that works for your budget.

Fixed APR
3.99%–10.49%
Loan amount
$5k– $500k
Loan term
5-20 yrs

SoFi: Bankrate 2025 Award winner for borrowers with good credit

Rating: 4.8 stars out of 5
4.8

Overview: SoFi is one of the most popular lenders for borrowers looking to refinance their student loans, and it’s easy to see why. The lender has a wide range of repayment options and benefits to its members. Along with that, this lender offers loans with competitive interest rates and no hidden fees, including no origination fees. 

Fixed APR
4.49%–9.99%
Loan amount
$5k-100% amount borrowed
Loan term
5-20 yrs

ELFI: Best for large loan amounts

Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5
4.4

Overview: ELFI is a Tennessee-based lender touted for its undergraduate and graduate loan products. It offers comprehensive support for its borrowers and pairs each applicant with an advisor.

Fixed APR
4.88%–8.44%
Loan amount
Starting at $10,000
Loan term
5-20 yrs

LendKey: Best for getting matched with a community lender

Rating: 4 stars out of 5
4

Overview: LendKey pairs with multiple small student loan lenders to offer student loan refinancing. There are no origination fees.

Fixed APR
4.89%–9.44%
Loan amount
$5k-100% of amount borrowed
Loan term
5-20 yrs

Laurel Road: Bankrate 2025 award winner best for refinancing

Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5
4.6

Overview: Laurel Road is a lender with low rates and a robust online experience. Borrowers can choose a term of five, seven, 10, 15 or 20 years.

Fixed APR
4.99%–8.90%
Loan amount
$5k-100% amount borrowed
Loan term
5-20 yrs

EDvestinU: Best for co-signer release

Rating: 3.9 stars out of 5
3.9

Overview: EdVestinU is an online lender that specifically serves U.S. citizens and permanent residents who reside in New Hampshire. The lender offers refinance loans with low rates, almost no fees and even offers a 0.25 percent interest rate discount for enrolling in its autopay feature. It also offers one of the fastest timelines on the market — borrowers can apply for a refinance loan at any point after receiving their student loans.

Fixed APR
5.40%–9.74%
Loan amount
$7.5k– $200k
Loan term
5-20 yrs

INvestEd: Best for Indiana residents

Overview: INvestEd has been in the student loans business for over 40 years and serves Hoosiers looking to secure financing for higher education or adjust their current loan. It offers competitive rates and a range of discounts for those residing in Indiana.

Fixed APR
5.58%–9.89%
Loan amount
$5k-$250k
Loan term
5-20 yrs

Citizens Bank: Best for available discounts

Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5
4.6

Overview: Citizens Bank offers student loan refinancing for borrowers who need to refinance up to $750,000 in student loans, although maximums vary based on your degree type, and come with repayment options between five and 20 years.

Fixed APR
5.90%–11.09%
Loan amount
$10k– $750k
Loan term
5-20 yrs

MEFA: Best for using a co-borrower

Overview: According to MEFA, individuals who have refinanced with the lender have reduced their interest rate by an average of 28 percent. Borrowers who qualify, or who have a co-borrower who does, can take advantage of the low-cost loan that comes with fixed rates and no fees. To qualify, applicants must have a clean student loan repayment record, must have attended an eligible nonprofit school and need to meet the lender's credit approval standards.

Fixed APR
6.20%–8.99%
Loan amount
From $10,000
Loan term
7-15 yrs

College Ave: Bankrate 2025 Award winner best for multiyear approval

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
4.5

Overview: College Ave is a lender that serves borrowers in both undergraduate and graduate programs and is backed by Firstrust Bank, First Citizens Community Bank and M.Y. Safra Bank. It offers competitive interest rates and offers tools to help consumers understand the lending process. 

Fixed APR
6.99%–13.99%
Loan amount
$5k– $300k
Loan term
5-20 yrs

Splash Financial: Best for refinance with low minimum rate

Rating: 4 stars out of 5
4

Overview: Splash Financial is a lending marketplace that lets you refinance your loans starting from $5,000. It doesn't lend money itself, but it partners with lenders to match you with one that meets your requirements and financial situation.

Fixed APR
4.45%–10.74%
Loan amount
Starting at $5,000
Loan term
5-25 yrs

Find out how much you could save

Use this calculator to quickly determine if refinancing is worth it for you.

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BASED ON MY NEW LOAN...

My est. monthly payment would be

$
1,163.25/mo
Monthly savings
$53.63
Total interest savings
$1,930.65
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How to compare student loan refinance options

Shopping around and comparing lenders is the best way to make sure you're getting the best student loan rate and terms that match what you need. Get prequalified with at least three lenders to see offers based on your specific financial information. When comparing lenders, consider the following:

  • Rates and fees: APRs, origination fees and prepayment penalties can add thousands of dollars to the cost of borrowing money. The lower the APR and the fewer additional fees you incur, the less expensive it is to borrow money.
  • Terms: You want to make sure the lender has the repayment term you want or need. If you're forced into a shorter term, you may not be able to afford the monthly payment.
  • Qualification requirements: Some lenders may have qualification requirements, like a credit score, that make it difficult to get the loan. If you don't want to use a co-signer, you may not want to go with that lender.
  • Customer service: Is the lender difficult to reach for assistance? What do borrower reviews tell you about their experience with the lender? If the lender has lower rates, but terrible ratings, it may not be worth it to work with them.

Student loan refinance rates

Student loan refinance rates range from just under 4 percent to about 14 percent, but these rates can change often, depending on whether you get a fixed or variable rate

If you refinance, you'll work with a private lender as the government only offers loan consolidation for federal loans. And private lenders are more affected by Fed rate changes than federal governments. If you have a variable rate refinance or have yet to refinance your loans, your loan's interest rate may be affected by the most recent rate change.

What is student loan refinancing?

Student loan refinancing is the process of taking out a new loan to pay off your existing student loans. When you refinance your student loans, you may qualify for a lower interest rate and a different repayment timeline. The best time to refinance your student loans is when it saves you money on interest or lowers your monthly payments.

Borrowers with good credit, in particular, will qualify for the best student loan rates. You can refinance both federal and private student loans, though it's usually best to avoid refinancing federal loans since they come with a number of perks that aren't available through private lenders.

Pros and cons of refinancing your student loans

Before choosing a lender, consider whether refinancing your student loans is the best move for your current situation.

Green circle with a checkmark inside

Pros

  • Consolidate several student loans into one loan with one payment each month.
  • Possibly secure a lower interest rate.
  • Extend your repayment period for a lower monthly payment
Red circle with an X inside

Cons

  • Private lenders usually require good or excellent credit (or a cosigner to qualify).
  • You lose opportunities for deferment, forbearance and income-driven repayment plans if you refinance federal loans.
  • You lock yourself into another repayment plan.

How to refinance your student loans with Bankrate

The student loan refinancing process requires you to apply for a new loan. Knowing how to refinance your student loans before you apply can help save you some frustration during the process.

To refinance your student loan, follow these 5 steps: 

  1. Determine if refinancing is the best option.

    First and foremost, you must consider if this is the right financial move. Will you truly save money in the long run or will your monthly payment just reduce slightly?

  2. Research lenders.

    There are many options available when it comes to refinancing your loan. Compile a list of potential lenders so you can compare features and rates. 

  3. Shop for the best loan options.

    Every lender has its own acceptance criteria based on your credit score and loan. Shop around with many lenders to ensure you are getting the best new loan for your needs.

  4. Submit a loan application.

    To apply for a loan you will likely need to share information on your current student loan, personal contact information and any cosigner documents. 

  5. Transfer payments to your new lender.

    Make sure that your old loan closes so you can begin making payments on your new loan. Be on the lookout for a payoff letter from your old lender to confirm the process has been completed. 

How to refinance a student loan in 5 steps

Get more details about how to refinance your student loan to best fit your situation

Learn more

Should you refinance your student loans?

Whether you should refinance your student loans depends on your financial goals and the types of loans you have. If you want to extend your payment term to lower your monthly payments or better manage your loans by consolidating several into one loan, a refinance may be a good option. 

If you have federal student loans, you may want to avoid refinancing as you'll lose federal benefits such as income-driven repayment plans and potential student loan forgiveness. Before deciding to refinance your student loans, make sure it's the right move for you. Do your research and use a student loan refinance calculator to run the numbers and so you can be sure it will help you save money.

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BANKRATE EXPERT FAQ

Ask the experts: When should you refinance a student loan?


Bankrate Expert Contributor, Student Loans

"There are two ways of refinancing a student loan. For federal loans, you can obtain a Federal Direct Consolidation Loan. This combines multiple federal education loans into a single loan, making it easier to repay. You may be able to qualify for alternate repayment plans by consolidating. Consolidation doesn't really change the cost of the loan, since the interest rate on a consolidation loan is the weighted average of the interest rates on the loans included in the consolidation loan, rounded up to the nearest 1/8th of a percentage point. If you choose a longer repayment term, the monthly payment may decrease, but you will be in debt for longer and pay more interest over the life of the loan. For federal and private student loans, you can obtain a private refi, which pays off the old loans with a new private student loan. The interest rate on the private refi is based on your credit score, and the credit score of your cosigner if any. If your credit scores have improved a lot, you may be able to qualify for a lower interest rate. A private refi can also change the repayment term, which can affect the size of the monthly student loan payment. Thus, there are several possible reasons to refinance a student loan, such as changing the loan servicer, changing the repayment plan or repayment term, changing the monthly payment, and obtaining a different interest rate."

Senior writer, Loans

The best time to refinance a student loan is when you can reduce your interest rate significantly without a lot of fees. Private student loan refinance lenders offer significantly lower minimum rates than federal student loans, if you have excellent credit and solid income. You also don’t have a true refinance option with federal student loans – only a consolidation loan option with a slightly higher rate. Make sure you understand the hardship repayment options for the private refinance lender you choose – they’re not as flexible as the protections offered under most federal student loan programs.

Student loan refinancing requirements

Qualification requirements will vary by lender, but you'll typically need to meet the following requirements to be eligible to refinance your student loans.

  • Have a good-to-excellent credit score: Most lenders require a credit score in the mid-to-high 600s.
  • Stable income: Lenders want to see that you'll be able to make your monthly payment.
  • Low debt-to-income ratio (DTI): This shows the lender that you can handle taking on more debt.
  • Degree: Many lenders require you to have at least an associate's degree.
  • Refinancing amount: Many lenders have a minimum loan amount of $5,000 and some have maximum amounts that may be capped below your total amount owed.

If you do not meet some or all of these requirements, you may need to have a cosigner on the loan to qualify. The lender will use their information as well as yours to approve you for the loan. 

FAQs about refinancing student loans

How we chose the best student loan refinancing lenders

Bankrate's trusted personal loans industry expertise

48

years in business

15

lenders reviewed

13

loan features weighed

195

data points collected

The Bankrate team evaluated over a dozen lenders to select our top picks for the best student refi loans. To do this, Bankrate uses a 13-point system to evaluate student loan refinance products. This scoring criteria measures how lenders perform across 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.