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Best graduate school loans for March 2025

Updated Mar 12, 2025

What to know first: 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 a forgiveness program. Private student loans can fill the gap if you need extra funds, and many don’t charge origination fees. Some even offer lower rates than federal graduate student loan lenders.

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College Ave: Bankrate 2025 Award Winner Best For Multiyear Approval

4.5
Fixed APR from
3.47- 14.49%
Loan term
5-15 yrs
Loan amount
$1,000-100% cost of attendance
See offersArrow Right

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Sallie Mae: Bankrate 2025 Award Winner Best For Graduate Students

4.6
Fixed APR from
3.49- 14.48%
Loan term
15-15 yrs
Loan amount
$1,000-100% cost of attendance
See offersArrow Right

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SoFi: Bankrate 2025 Award Winner For Borrowers With Good Credit

4.8
Fixed APR from
3.54- 14.83%
Loan term
5-15 yrs
Loan amount
$1,000-100% cost of attendance
See offersArrow Right

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STUDENT LOAN

Education Loan Finance: Best for personalized student advisor

4.4
Fixed APR from
3.69- 14.22%
Loan term
5-15 yrs
Loan amount
$1,000-Varies
See offersArrow Right

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Citizens Bank: Bankrate 2025 Award Winner Best For Parents

4.6
Fixed APR from
4.24- 14.09%
Loan term
5-15 yrs
Loan amount
$1,000-$225,000
See offersArrow Right

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STUDENT LOAN

Custom Choice: Best for discounts

4.2
Fixed APR from
4.24- 14.04%
Loan term
7-15 yrs
Loan amount
$1,000-$180,000
See offersArrow Right

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

4.7
Fixed APR from
4.39- 14.16%
Loan term
5-20 yrs
Loan amount
$2,001-$400,000
See offersArrow Right

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STUDENT LOAN

INvestEd: Best for Indiana-based students with good credit

Fixed APR from
4.95- 8.82%
Loan term
5-15 yrs
Loan amount
$1,001- 100% cost of attendance
See offersArrow Right

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STUDENT LOAN

MEFA: Best for low interest rate maximums

Fixed APR from
7.15- 8.95%
Loan term
15-15 yrs
Loan amount
$1,500-100% cost of attendance
See offersArrow Right

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Federal Student Loans: Best graduate student loan

4.4
Fixed APR from
8.08- 9.08%
Loan term
10-25 yrs
Loan amount
$1k-100% cost of attendance
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How the Fed rate cuts could affect your graduate student rates

The Federal Reserve’s unexpectedly large September rate cut may be good news if you need a new graduate student loan. The Fed cut the funds rate by a half percentage point in September, then again by quarter points in November and December. Keep an eye out for lower rates on federal and private loans if you need financing for your graduate school plans.
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A closer look at top graduate student loan lenders

College Ave: Bankrate 2025 award winner best 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 graduate students earning postgraduate, master's, doctoral and professional degrees. The lender specializes in a simple application process with an instant decision.

Fixed APR
3.47%–14.49%
Loan amount
$1,000-100% cost of attendance
Loan term
5-15 yrs
Est. APR
3.47%–14.49%
Loan amount
$1,000-100% cost of attendance
Min credit score
Not specified
Loan term
5-15 yrs
Origination fee
Not specified

ELFI: Best for personalized student advisor

Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5
4.4

Overview: ELFI graduate loans are only available for students who are attending one of the lender's approved schools. While it does have stricter eligibility requirements than some lenders, it allows for cosigners and offers extra help to weigh the pros and cons of different loan options.

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

Sallie Mae: Bankrate 2025 award winner best for graduate students

Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5
4.6

Overview: Sallie Mae was established in 1973 and is a well-known student loan lender for a reason. It has a number of features, including multiyear approval, scholarship opportunities and the ability to take out loans while attending part time.

Fixed APR
3.49%–14.48%
Loan amount
$1,000-100% cost of attendance
Loan term
15-15 yrs
Est. APR
3.49%–14.48%
Loan amount
$1,000-100% cost of attendance
Min credit score
Not specified
Loan term
15-15 yrs
Origination fee
Not specified

SoFi: Bankrate 2025 award winner for borrowers with good credit

Rating: 4.8 stars out of 5
4.8

Overview: 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.

Fixed APR
3.54%–14.83%
Loan amount
$1,000-100% cost of attendance
Loan term
5-15 yrs
Est. APR
3.54%–14.83%
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 award winner best for parents

Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5
4.6

Overview: Founded in 1828, Citizens Bank is among the oldest institutions on our list.  Its unique multiyear approval process allows you to secure funding for each year of school with just one application.

Fixed APR
4.24%–14.09%
Loan amount
$1,000-$225,000
Loan term
5-15 yrs
Est. APR
4.24%–14.09%
Loan amount
$1,000-$225,000
Min credit score
Not specified
Loan term
5-15 yrs
Origination fee
Not specified

Custom Choice: Best for discounts

Rating: 4.2 stars out of 5
4.2

Overview: Custom Choice offers smaller loans that can be used for both undergraduate and graduate studies. Its loans don't come with any fees and the lender offers flexible co-signer options, including a release option after 36 consecutive on-time payments.

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-based students with good credit

Overview: INvestEd is an Indiana-based student loan lender and financial aid resource that caters only to residents of and students in the state. Along with offering a 0.25 percent rate reduction, the lender offers a short co-signer release after the first 12 consecutive months of payments.

Fixed APR
4.95%–8.82%
Loan amount
$1,001- 100% cost of attendance
Loan term
5-15 yrs
Est. APR
4.95%–8.82%
Loan amount
$1,001- 100% cost of attendance
Min credit score
670
Loan term
5-15 yrs
Origination fee
Not specified

Ascent: Bankrate 2025 award winner best for bootcamps and vocational programs

Rating: 4.7 stars out of 5
4.7

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.

Fixed APR
4.39%–14.16%
Loan amount
$2,001-$400,000
Loan term
5-20 yrs
Est. APR
4.39%–14.16%
Loan amount
$2,001-$400,000
Min credit score
Not specified
Loan term
5-20 yrs
Origination fee
Not specified

MEFA: Best for low interest rate maximums

Overview: MEFA's loans have flexible enrollment requirements and, unlike some lenders, are available to graduate students in all 50 states. Plus, it carries one of the lowest fixed interest rate maximums out of the lenders on our list.

Fixed APR
7.15%–8.95%
Loan amount
$1,500-100% cost of attendance
Loan term
15-15 yrs
Est. APR
7.15%–8.95%
Loan amount
$1,500-100% cost of attendance
Min credit score
Not specified
Loan term
15-15 yrs
Origination fee
Not specified

Federal student loans: Best graduate student loan

Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5
4.4

Overview: Although federal loans can come with higher rates than some private lenders, the federal program offers the strongest borrower protections and most flexible repayment options available.

Fixed APR
8.08%–9.08%
Loan amount
$1k-100% cost of attendance
Loan term
10-25 yrs
Est. APR
8.08%–9.08%
Loan amount
$1k-100% cost of attendance
Min credit score
Not specified
Loan term
10-25 yrs
Origination fee
Not specified

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 graduate student loans

Federal student loans are backed by the U.S. Department of Education, which gives students extra repayment flexibility, access to specialized programs and more lenient qualifying requirements than private loans. Graduate students can choose between a Direct Unsubsidized student loan and a grad PLUS loan to finance their schooling.

A Direct Unsubsidized student loan allows you to borrow up to $20,500 each school year, with a $138,500 aggregate limit for most degrees. While a grad PLUS loan allows you to get a loan for the full cost of a graduate education, the credit qualifying standards are more strict.

Experts recommend maximizing your unsubsidized loan options first since the interest rates are lower than grad PLUS loan programs and no credit check is required. If you have any credit issues, you may not qualify for grad PLUS financing.

To apply for a federal graduate loan type, you'll have to complete the FAFSA process, which starts 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.

Green circle with a checkmark inside

Pros

  • Flexible repayment options, including income-driven repayment plans
  • Rates are the same regardless of credit score
  • Borrower benefits, including deferment, forgiveness programs and forbearance options
Red circle with an X inside

Cons

  • Origination fees typically charged
  • Potential for garnishment of wages or tax refunds if in default
  • Higher rates than excellent credit private student loan lenders

Private graduate student loans

Private graduate student loans are offered through private financial institutions, such as banks, credit unions and online lenders. There are dozens of lenders to choose from, and each lender sets its own rates, terms and eligibility requirements.

Rates are commonly anywhere from just below 4 percent to 15 percent and can be fixed or variable. The exact rate you're quoted generally depends on your credit, field of study and loan term. Most require a hard credit check for approval.

You'll generally have a wider range of repayment terms compared to federal student loans with private lenders, usually between five and 20 years. Private student loan lenders may also offer degree-specific loans focused on the graduate borrowing needs of law school, medical school and business school students.

Green circle with a checkmark inside

Pros

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

Cons

  • Less hardship flexibility
  • Income-driven repayment not typically available
  • Harder to qualify with poor credit

When to get a graduate student loan

Once you've exhausted your federal aid options, you should apply for a private loan before your school's tuition due date. Figure out your school's tuition payment deadline, then give yourself enough time to shop around for the best loan option, choose a lender, apply and get approved. The student loan application and approval process can take a few days to several weeks, depending on your financial situation and the lender you choose.

To help the process go smoothly, talk to your lender about their approval process and the average time it takes to get the loan. Ask what documents they'll require and gather that information before applying.

How to choose a graduate student loan

  1. Look at federal student loan options first: With low rates, benefit programs and more repayment assistance options, federal loans are the best place to start for student loan borrowers.
  2. Compare graduate loan rate offers with several private lenders: If you need funding from private loans, get prequalified with at least three lenders to compare rates. Check for discounts offered by each lender for even lower rates. 
  3. Make sure your school is on the lender’s approved list: Private lenders will have an online list or tool you can use to confirm they will finance your graduate school expenses.
  4. Consider interest rates and terms: With offers in hand, determine which interest rate and repayment term works best for your budget. Pay close attention to in-school repayment options — they can vary significantly between lenders.
  5. Look into unique features: If a lender offers a long grace period or deferment options after you graduate, it may be worth it to choose that lender over one with a slightly lower interest rate. You’ll end up with more time to find the best job without the pressure of a looming monthly student loan payment.
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BANKRATE EXPERT FAQ

Ask the experts: Should you look for graduate loans designed specifically for your major?


Writer, Personal Loans and Debt Relief

"For most graduate programs, it doesn't really matter if your student loan is made specifically for your field of study. But there are instances where it could be helpful. For example, medical loans or law school loans may offer forbearance or deferment periods for resident programs. If you're going into a career path that has unique equipment requirements, it may be better to look into major-specific loans. Otherwise, the necessary equipment and learning materials required for your field of study may not be approved with a generic graduate loan."

Contributor, Insurance, Loans

"The primary difference between private student loans for a specific academic major and other private student loans is in the loan limit. The loan limit may be matched to the typical cost of attendance for that major. You should also consider interest rates, fees, in-school deferment or forbearance periods, grace periods and repayment plans."

Alternatives to graduate student loans

If a graduate loan isn't in the cards for you, or you prefer to minimize the amount of money you borrow, there are a few alternative options.

  • Find out about scholarships and grants: Once you’ve maxed out your needs-based aid potential, move to scholarships and grants. Your school may offer departmental scholarships available or career-specific aid opportunities.
  • Check with your career development counselor: Find out if there are any graduate apprenticeship-type opportunities. These programs often allow academically strong students to receive free or reduced tuition in exchange for student teaching or working in a research lab.
  • Look into employer sponsorships: Some employers may provide reimbursement for some or all education costs that relate to your job function, including graduate programs.

FAQs about graduate student loans

How we choose our best graduate school loan lenders   

Bankrate uses two methodologies to score lenders that have new student loans and refinance products.

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.