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Best student loan rates in April 2025

Updated Apr 01, 2025

What to know first: The best student loan rates vary depending on whether you're taking out federal or private student loans. Student loan funds are designed to cover college costs such as tuition, fees, books, supplies and housing. Rates for federal loans are set by Congress once a year and currently range between 6.53 percent and 9.08 percent, depending on your degree type and financial need. Private student loan rates range between about 3.39 percent and 17.99 percent based on your credit score, your cosigner's creditworthiness and type of education.

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Ascent: Bankrate 2025 Award Winner Best For Bootcamps And Vocational Programs

4.7
Fixed APR from
3.39- 14.85%
Loan term
5-15 yrs
Loan amount
$2,001-$400,000
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College Ave: Bankrate 2025 Award Winner Best For Multiyear Approval

4.5
Fixed APR from
3.47- 17.99%
Loan term
5-15 yrs
Loan amount
$1,000-100% cost of attendance
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STUDENT LOAN

Earnest: Best for extended-term options

4.4
Fixed APR from
3.47- 16.49%
Loan term
5-15 yrs
Loan amount
$1,000-100% cost of attendance
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Sallie Mae: Bankrate 2025 Award Winner Best For Graduate Students

4.6
Fixed APR from
3.49- 15.49%
Loan term
10-15 yrs
Loan amount
$1,000-100% cost of attendance
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SoFi: Bankrate 2025 Award Winner For Borrowers With Good Credit

4.8
Fixed APR from
3.54- 15.99%
Loan term
5-15 yrs
Loan amount
$1,000-100% cost of attendance
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STUDENT LOAN

ELFI: Best for customer service

4.4
Fixed APR from
3.69- 14.22%
Loan term
5-15 yrs
Loan amount
$1,000-100% cost of attendance
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Citizens Bank: Bankrate 2025 Award Winner Best For Parents

4.6
Fixed APR from
3.99- 15.59%
Loan term
5-15 yrs
Loan amount
$1,000-$225,000
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STUDENT LOAN

Custom Choice: Best for graduation rewards

4.2
Fixed APR from
4.24- 14.04%
Loan term
7-15 yrs
Loan amount
$1,000-$180,000
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STUDENT LOAN

INvestEd: Best for Indiana residents

Fixed APR from
4.62- 8.58%
Loan term
5-15 yrs
Loan amount
$1,001 - 100% total cost of attendance
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STUDENT LOAN

MEFA: Best for paying past-due tuition

Fixed APR from
5.75- 8.95%
Loan term
10-15 yrs
Loan amount
$1,500-100% cost of attendance
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A closer look at our top student loan lenders

The top lenders listed below are selected based on factors such as APR, loan amounts, fees, credit requirements and broad availability.

Ascent: Bankrate 2025 awards winner for bootcamps and vocational programs

Rating: 4.7 stars out of 5
4.7

Overview: Ascent offers undergraduate and graduate private student loans in all 50 states. Borrowers without a cosigner have their own loan option, which is a rarity in the private student loan space. If you don’t have a cosigner, you may be able to qualify for a loan based on your school, graduation date, major and cost of attendance.

Fixed APR
3.39%–14.85%
Loan amount
$2,001-$400,000
Loan term
5-15 yrs
Est. APR
3.39%–14.85%
Loan amount
$2,001-$400,000
Min credit score
Not specified
Loan term
5-15 yrs
Origination fee
Not specified

College Ave: Bankrate 2025 awards winner for multiyear approval

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
4.5

Overview: College Ave is an online lender that offers private student loans to undergraduate students, graduate students, parents and students attending community college and career programs.

Fixed APR
3.47%–17.99%
Loan amount
$1,000-100% cost of attendance
Loan term
5-15 yrs
Est. APR
3.47%–17.99%
Loan amount
$1,000-100% cost of attendance
Min credit score
Not specified
Loan term
5-15 yrs
Origination fee
Not specified

Sallie Mae: Bankrate 2025 awards winner for graduate students

Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5
4.6

Overview: Sallie Mae is one of the most recognized lenders on our list and serves borrowers at all stages of their academic experience. Most notably, borrowers who are only enrolled in part-time programs can secure funding.

Fixed APR
3.49%–15.49%
Loan amount
$1,000-100% cost of attendance
Loan term
10-15 yrs
Est. APR
3.49%–15.49%
Loan amount
$1,000-100% cost of attendance
Min credit score
Not specified
Loan term
10-15 yrs
Origination fee
Not specified

Education Loan Finance: Best for customer service

Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5
4.4

Overview: Education Loan Finance functions as a not-for-profit organization that is built on creating deep relationships with its borrowers. It awards scholarships the country and connects families with assistance when it comes to the complexities of student loans.

Fixed APR
3.69%–14.22%
Loan amount
$1,000-100% cost of attendance
Loan term
5-15 yrs
Est. APR
3.69%–14.22%
Loan amount
$1,000-100% cost of attendance
Min credit score
Not specified
Loan term
5-15 yrs
Origination fee
Not specified

Citizens Bank: Bankrate 2025 awards winner for best for parent loans

Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5
4.6

Overview: Citizens Bank offers private student loans to undergraduate students, graduate students and parents. Borrowers can get a 0.25 percent discount for signing up for automatic payment and existing Citzens Bank customers get a bonus 0.25 percent loyalty discount.

Fixed APR
3.99%–15.59%
Loan amount
$1,000-$225,000
Loan term
5-15 yrs
Est. APR
3.99%–15.59%
Loan amount
$1,000-$225,000
Min credit score
Not specified
Loan term
5-15 yrs
Origination fee
Not specified

SoFi: Bankrate 2025 awards winner for best for good credit

Rating: 4.8 stars out of 5
4.8

Overview: SoFi is an online lender that offers private student loans for undergraduate students, graduate students and parents. Among its perks, SoFi doesn’t charge any fees, which cuts down on the overall cost of borrowing.

Fixed APR
3.54%–15.99%
Loan amount
$1,000-100% cost of attendance
Loan term
5-15 yrs
Est. APR
3.54%–15.99%
Loan amount
$1,000-100% cost of attendance
Min credit score
Not specified
Loan term
5-15 yrs
Origination fee
Not specified

Earnest: Best for long repayment terms

Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5
4.4

Overview: Online lender Earnest funds private student loans to undergraduate and graduate students and offers unique repayment options. Earnest's grace period is nine months long, which is three months longer than what most lenders offer. Borrowers are also allowed to skip one payment every 12 months.

Fixed APR
3.47%–16.49%
Loan amount
$1,000-100% cost of attendance
Loan term
5-15 yrs
Est. APR
3.47%–16.49%
Loan amount
$1,000-100% cost of attendance
Min credit score
Not specified
Loan term
5-15 yrs
Origination fee
Not specified

Custom Choice: Best for graduation rewards

Rating: 4.2 stars out of 5
4.2

Overview: Custom Choice has been in business for over 30 years and serves students in all 50 states. It lends up to $99,999 per school year or $180,000 in total.

Fixed APR
4.24%–14.04%
Loan amount
$1,000-$180,000
Loan term
7-15 yrs
Est. APR
4.24%–14.04%
Loan amount
$1,000-$180,000
Min credit score
Not specified
Loan term
7-15 yrs
Origination fee
Not specified

INvestEd: Best for Indiana residents

Overview: INvestEd is a student loan option tailored for students who reside or are attending school in Indiana. The lender is unusually engaged in bringing resources and information to students — it hosts FAFSA filing events and provides financial aid resources directly to school counselors in the state.

Fixed APR
4.62%–8.58%
Loan amount
$1,001 - 100% total cost of attendance
Loan term
5-15 yrs
Est. APR
4.62%–8.58%
Loan amount
$1,001 - 100% total cost of attendance
Min credit score
670
Loan term
5-15 yrs
Origination fee
Not specified

MEFA: Best for paying past-due tuition

Overview: MEFA serves borrowers across the country with competitive rates and comprehensive support. It also allows borrowers to use funds to pay for summer sessions or repay past-due balances from other academic semesters.

Fixed APR
5.75%–8.95%
Loan amount
$1,500-100% cost of attendance
Loan term
10-15 yrs
Est. APR
5.75%–8.95%
Loan amount
$1,500-100% cost of attendance
Min credit score
Not specified
Loan term
10-15 yrs
Origination fee
Not specified

Federal Student Loans: Best overall

Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5
4.4

Overview: The federal government offers student loans with fixed rates to undergraduates, graduates and parents. Borrowers have access to income-driven payments, forgiveness programs and other perks you almost certainly won’t find with a private lender.

Fixed APR
6.53%–9.08%
Loan amount
$5,500- $12,500 per year (up to $57,500 in total)
Loan term
10-25 yrs
Est. APR
6.53%–9.08%
Loan amount
$5,500- $12,500 per year (up to $57,500 in total)
Min credit score
Not specified
Loan term
10-25 yrs
Origination fee
Not specified

Calculate your student loans payment

Use Bankrate's calculator to find the perfect loan repayment plan for you. Enter different loan amounts, terms and interest rates to compare estimated monthly payments and see how much total interest you'll pay.

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Total Principal Paid: $5,000
Total Interest Paid: $799.84
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How to compare student loans

Different lenders can offer very different loan terms. To find the best student loan for you, consider the following factors:

  • Interest rates: The lowest advertised rates generally go to borrowers who have strong credit scores or a cosigner. You will need to prequalify with a private lender to determine what rate they are willing to offer you.
  • Repayment terms: Repayment terms usually range from five to 15 years, although some lenders require borrowers to start repayment while they are still in school. Available terms may depend on your program and the amount you are borrowing.
  • Borrowing limits: Lenders commonly require students to borrow a minimum of $1,000. While many lenders will cover up to 100 percent of the cost of your degree minus any financial aid you are already receiving, some set borrowing caps that may not cover more expensive programs. Before applying, make sure a lender will loan you enough money to cover your costs.
  • Fees: Many lenders offer fee-free student loans, but you should ask potential lenders whether they charge application, origination, or pre-payment fees that could increase the cost of your loan.
  • Qualification requirements: Most lenders will require that you are enrolled in a qualifying degree or certificate program. Qualification may also be based on factors such as U.S. citizenship or residency, creditworthiness, and income.
  • Cosigner options: You may increase your chance of approval and a lower rate by adding a cosigner with good credit to your loan. If you plan to use a cosigner, consider your lender's conditions for cosigner release.
  • Discounts and incentives: Some lenders offer discounts for repeat customers, earning good grades or setting up autopay. Others offer scholarships or sweepstakes for their borrowers.

Student loan interest rates

Current private fixed-rate student loans range from 3.39 percent to 17.99 percent, depending on your credit scores and the strength of your cosigner's financials. You may also find variable rates as low as 4.09 percent or as high as 17.99 percent.  

Federal student loans, aside from Perkins loans, disbursed after July 1, 2006, have fixed rates that change once a year based on an act of Congress. The current federal student loan interest rates apply to loans disbursed between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025.

What are student loans? 

Student loans are a type of installment loan. Each month, a portion of your payment is applied to the interest and the balance due on your loan until the balance is completely paid off. 

You choose the repayment schedule, generally between 5 and 15 years for federal loans. It can be as long as 20 years for federal consolidation or private student refinance loans

Pros and cons of student loans

Student loans help many people pay for school who otherwise would not have the money to do so. But like any loan, they have financial consequences you should consider.

Pros

  • Checkmark Icon

    Allows you to spread out the cost of your education over many years

  • Checkmark Icon

    Offer higher borrowing limits than federal student loans or personal loans

  • Checkmark Icon

    Offer lower rates compared to other types of loans

  • Checkmark Icon

    Provide the option of fixed or variable rates

  • Checkmark Icon

    Potentially tax-deductible if you are enrolled at least half-time

  • Checkmark Icon

    Come with unique discounts and perks other types of loans don't provide

Cons

  • Approval and interest rates for private student loans are based on creditworthiness of the borrower

  • Usually cannot be discharged through bankruptcy

  • Deferment and forbearance options can be limited

  • Monthly payments can be difficult to manage for large loans

  • Take years to pay off

How to get a student loan

Applying for federal student loans first will allow you to find out if you're eligible for grants, which don't need to be repaid. If you need more financial assistance, you can then opt for private student loans.

  1. Fill out the FAFSA: You'll need information from your parents or guardian such as their tax returns or other financial documents.
  2. Get prequalified with private lenders: If you need more funding, make sure you choose lenders that offer prequalification to avoid damage to your credit report from hard credit pulls. Check with each lender for additional rate discounts for autopayment or customer loyalty.
  3. Submit an application: Once you've chosen a private student lender, you'll send in a formal application online, over the phone or in person. Most private lenders require cosigners, and their information will need to be vetted for final approval.
  4. Sign loan documents: After being approved by a lender, you'll sign your loan documents to finalize the transaction. Your student loan funds will be sent directly to your school.

Should you get a student loan? 

A student loan might be the right option for you if you have career goals that require a degree. A typical four-year degree from an in-state school can cost over $100,000, so it is important to research the cost of the degree you want and the anticipated income that degree will earn you so that you can calculate the ROI of your degree before taking out loans.

Student loans are not the only option for paying for school. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) first to determine if you are eligible for scholarships or grants. Federal student loans are usually preferable to private student loans because of their lower, fixed interest rates, flexible repayment plans and generous deferment and forbearance options. You can also apply for private scholarship to reduce the amount you need to borrow.

If you do not qualify for federal loans or you need to borrow more than the maximum amount federal loans offer, private student loans may be a good choice for you. It is also something to consider if interest rates have fallen and you can refinance at a better rate. Keep in mind that refinancing can only be done through private lenders, so you will lose options for income-driven repayment or loan forgiveness that are offered with federal loans.

FAQs about student loans

How we chose the best student loan providers 

Bankrate's trusted student loans industry expertise

48

years in business

25

lenders reviewed

16

loan features weighed

400

data points collected

The Bankrate team evaluated over two dozen lenders to select our top picks for the best student loans. To do this, Bankrate uses a 16-point system to evaluate student loan lenders. 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.