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Best graduate school loan rates in July 2024

Jul 22, 2024
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If you're searching for a graduate school loan, it's generally best to start with federal loans, as they offer flexible repayment options and you may qualify for forgiveness. However, private student loans can also be a good option to fill in the gaps. Many lenders don’t charge application or origination fees and borrowers with good credit could secure lower rates than those offered by federal loans.

Bankrate's ranking of the best student loan lenders for graduate school considers lender terms, interest rates and additional features to help you find a loan that is right for you.

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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

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Compare graduate student loan rates from Bankrate's top picks 

Use this table to compare our top graduate student loans. Make sure you consider every option before applying to make sure you end up with the best loan for your graduate studies.

LENDER APR FOR GRADUATE STUDENT LOANS* LOAN TERMS MIN. LOAN AMOUNT MAX. LOAN AMOUNT
College Ave Fixed: 4.22%-14.49%; Variable: 5.59%-14.49% 5-20 years $1,000 100% total cost of attendance ($150,000 maximum for some programs)
Sallie Mae Fixed: 4.15%-14.48% (with autopay); Variable: 5.37%-14.97% (with autopay) 15-20 years $1,000 100% total cost of attendance
Ascent Fixed: 4.79%-15.41% (with autopay); Variable: 7.74%-16.10% (with autopay) 5-20 years $2,001 $400,000
Citizens Bank Fixed: 4.24%-14.10% (with autopay); Variable: 5.99%-15.11% (with autopay) 5-15 years $1,000 $350,000
5.39%-15.57% (with autopay) variable; 4.43%- 14.04% (with autopay) fixed 7-15 years $1,000 $180,000
6.00%-14.22% (with autopay) variable; 4.50%-14.22% fixed 5-15 years $1,000 Varies
INvestEd As low as 7.75% (with autopay) variable; as low as 4.80% (with autopay) fixed 5-15 years $1,001 Up to total cost of attendance
MEFA 5.75%-8.95% fixed 10 or 15 years $1,001 Up to total cost of attendance
U.S. Department of Education: Direct Unsubsidized Loan 8.08% fixed Standard repayment term is 10 years Not specified $20,500 per year (lifetime limit $138,500)
U.S. Department of Education: Grad PLUS loan 9.08% fixed Standard repayment term is 10 years Not specified 100% total cost of attendance
SoFi Fixed: 4.74%-14.83% (with autopay); Variable: 5.74%-15.86% (with autopay) 5-15 years $1,000 100% total cost of attendance

*The rates in this table are the rate ranges given for graduate student loans. The information on lenders below reflect the overall student loan rate range offered by each lender.

A closer look at top graduate student loan lenders

Best overall

Federal Direct Unsubsidized and Subsidized Loans

Federal Direct Unsubsidized and Subsidized Loans

Min. credit score:
Not disclosed
Fixed APR From:
6.53% –8.08%
Loan amount:
$1– $57,500
Term lengths:
10 to 25 years
Min. annual income:
Not disclosed
Overview: Direct Unsubsidized Loans are originated by the U.S. Department of Education and are available to students seeking graduate degrees. Although loan amounts are lower and interest rates higher than those of some private lenders, the federal program offers the strongest borrower protections and most flexible repayment options available.
Why federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans are best overall: Federal student loans are often a better choice than private student loans because of their suite of repayment options, including some repayment plans that end in loan forgiveness. Direct Unsubsidized Loans are a particularly good choice, since they have lower interest rates than grad PLUS loans.

Best if you don’t have a co-signer

Min. credit score:
Not disclosed
Fixed APR From:
3.79% –15.41%
Loan amount:
$2,001– $400,000
Term lengths:
5 to 20 years
Min. annual income:
Not disclosed
Overview: Ascent is an online lender that offers student loans for borrowers with or without a co-signer. Ascent doesn't just look at your creditworthiness; it also considers your school, program, GPA and cost of attendance when approving you for a loan.

Why Ascent is best if you don't have a co-signer: Ascent claims that it considers factors like your school, program and GPA in addition to your credit score, so you may have a better chance of getting a lower rate without a co-signer than you would with other lenders.

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 is a traditional bank that offers private student loans for graduate students seeking master's, business, medical, law and health care degrees. Its unique multiyear approval process allows you to secure funding for each year of school with just one application.
Why Citizens Bank is best for multiyear approval: With Citizens Bank, you can get approved for several years of student loan funds, saving you a hard credit check each year of school.

Bankrate 2024 Awards Winner: Best student loan for graduate students

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 is an online lender that offers private student loans to graduate students earning postgraduate, master's, doctoral and professional degrees. The lender specializes in a simple application process with an instant decision.
Why College Ave is best for quick application process: While you'll need to go through a full application down the line, you can get prequalified with College Ave in three minutes.

Best low APR

Min. credit score:
640
Fixed APR From:
4.19% –14.83%
Loan amount:
$1,000– $500,000
Term lengths:
5 to 20 years
Min. annual income:
Not disclosed
Overview: SoFi is an online lender that offers private student loans for graduate degree programs, law school and business school.
Why SoFi is best for a low APR: In addition to offering some of the most competitive starting APRs on this list, SoFi also offers additional ways to lower your interest rate using autopay, member discounts and rewards. The company even has a cutting-edge program that allows borrowers to earn points by using its app and use them to pay off their student loan balances.

What is a graduate student loan?

A graduate school loan is a type of student loan that can help pay for graduate school tuition, fees, books, housing and more. These loans often have higher borrowing limits than undergraduate student loans, since graduate school costs more. They may also have perks specific to your degree — for instance, extended deferment during a clerkship or fellowship opportunities.

How graduate student loans work

Graduate student loans function similarly to undergraduate private student loans. They're designed specifically for graduate programs, like master's degrees, an MBA or a Ph.D. They come in both private and federal options and nearly every lender has a different set of eligibility requirements and usage restrictions. 

Like undergraduate loans, you'll apply for your intended amount and can use those funds on academic-related expenses. Depending on your field of study, some lenders offer extended deferment periods. For example, a lender may offer an option of a six week deferment period while you study for the bar or begin a medical residency.

Private vs. federal graduate school student loans 

When you need to borrow money to pay for graduate school, you have three main options: federal Direct Unsubsidized student loans, federal grad PLUS student loans and private student loans. 

Federal and graduate student loans

Federal student loans are backed by the U.S. Department of Education and are loaded with borrower protections and flexibility. Within this program, graduate students can choose between a Direct Unsubsidized student loan and a grad PLUS loan.

You can borrow up to $20,500 each school year with a Direct Unsubsidized student loan, with a $138,500 aggregate limit for most degrees. A grad PLUS loan allows you to borrow more — up to 100 percent of the cost of attendance. 

In general, it's best to maximize your unsubsidized loan options first, as interest rates are lower than those of grad PLUS loans. Additionally, you must go through a credit check for grad PLUS loans, which is not the case for Direct Unsubsidized Loans.

To apply for either of these loans, you'll have to complete the FAFSA, which opens on Oct. 1 each year. If you're applying for a grad PLUS loan, you'll also have to fill out a separate application once the FAFSA is complete. If this is

Green circle with a checkmark inside

Pros

  • Flexible repayment options, including income-driven repayment plans.
  • The same fixed rates for all borrowers, regardless of credit score.
  • Borrower protections, including deferment and forbearance options and potential loan forgiveness.
Red circle with an X inside

Cons

  • Origination fees.
  • Potential for garnishment of wages or tax refunds if you default.
  • Potentially higher interest rates than private lenders offer if you have excellent credit.

Private student loans 

Private student loans are originated by private financial institutions, such as banks, credit unions and online lenders. You have dozens of options to choose from, but each lender sets its own rates, terms and eligibility requirements. 

Rates are commonly anywhere from about 4 percent to 17 percent and can be fixed or variable. The exact rate you're quoted depends on your credit score and financial profile. As such, you'll have to go through a hard credit check in order to be approved for a loan.

Unlike with federal student loans, you'll generally have a range of repayment terms to choose from with private lenders, usually between five and 20 years. Private student loan lenders also often offer degree-specific loans that are tailored to the needs of law school, medical school, business school and more.

Green circle with a checkmark inside

Pros

  • Zero fees with many lenders.
  • Usually fixed and variable interest rates available.
  • High loan limits.
Red circle with an X inside

Cons

  • Hardship plans are rare.
  • Income-driven repayment or forgiveness plans are rare.
  • Harder to qualify with poor credit.

Getting a graduate student loan

Most lenders will have similar application processes. Here's what you can expect when you apply for a graduate student loan: 

  1. Prequalify: Check your eligibility and potential rates and terms by prequalifying. Doing so won't affect your credit.
  2. Apply: Most lenders offer online applications. Some will also provide phone support. Others may offer in-person assistance at physical locations. 
  3. Accept the loan terms: Funds will be sent to your school once the application is approved and cost of attendance is certified. It may take a few weeks to get certified. Any remaining amount after tuition and fees will be sent to you directly. 

Repaying a graduate student loan 

Graduate student loans generally have a six-month grace period before you need to start making payments. However, certain lenders offer longer periods for specific career paths. If you're not sure when repayment starts, check the loan agreement that you signed when you took the loan. 

When it comes time to start making the payments, you'll most likely get an email or text reminder letting you know when your grace period is ending. Depending on your repayment term, you could start repayment during your school year or after you graduate. Make the monthly payments on-time consistently and if a prepayment penalty isn't charged, make more than one payment a month to pay down your balance faster.

Alternatives to graduate student loans 

If a graduate loan isn't in the cards for you, there are a few alternative options at your disposal that can help lessen the overall cost of your graduate degree. Start first with need-based federal aid to maximize your aid potential and then move to scholarships and grants. Check with your school to see if there are any departmental scholarships available; oftentimes there are career-specific aid opportunities given to students within a certain field of study.

Check with your career development counselor within your department to see if there are any graduate apprenticeship-type opportunities. Often awarded on educational merit, these programs allow students to receive a free or reduced tuition in exchange for student teaching or working in a research lab.

FAQ about graduate student loans

How we chose our best graduate school loan lenders 

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 graduate 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.