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Best graduate school loans for December 2024

Updated Nov 17, 2024

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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STUDENT LOAN

College Ave: Best for half-time graduate students

4.4
Fixed APR from
3.47- 14.49%
Loan term
5-20 yrs
Loan amount
$1,000-100% cost of attendance
See offersArrow Right

Apply on partner site

STUDENT LOAN

Sallie Mae: Best for low rates

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

Apply on partner site

STUDENT LOAN

SoFi: Best for graduate refinance loans

4.7
Fixed APR from
3.54- 14.83%
Loan term
5-15 yrs
Loan amount
$1,000-100% cost of attendance
See offersArrow Right

Apply on partner site

STUDENT LOAN

Education Loan Finance: Best for personalized student advisor

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

Check rate on Credible

STUDENT LOAN

Custom Choice: Best for discounts

4.1
Fixed APR from
4.24- 14.02%
Loan term
7-15 yrs
Loan amount
$1,000-$180,000
See offersArrow Right

Check rate on Credible

STUDENT LOAN

Citizens Bank: Best for multiyear approval

4.0
Fixed APR from
4.24- 14.11%
Loan term
5-15 yrs
Loan amount
$1,000-$225,000
See offersArrow Right

Check rate on Credible

STUDENT LOAN

Ascent: Best for outcome-based loans

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-based students with good credit

Fixed APR from
4.80- 9.19%
Loan term
5-15 yrs
Loan amount
$1,001- 100% cost of attendance
See offersArrow Right

Check rate on Credible

STUDENT LOAN

Federal Student Loans: Best graduate student loan

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 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

Check rate on Credible

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 after raising it 11 consecutive times and then plateauing for several months. 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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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: 3.47%-14.49%; Variable: 4.99%-14.49% 5-15 years $1,000 100% total cost of attendance
ELFI Fixed: 3.69%-14.22% (with autopay); Variable: 5.00%-14.22% (with autopay) 5-15 years $1,000 Varies
Sallie Mae Fixed: 3.49%-14.48% (with autopay); Variable: 4.92%-14.35% (with autopay) 15-20 years $1,000 100% total cost of attendance
SoFi Fixed: 3.54%-14.83% (with autopay); Variable: 5.54%-15.86% (with autopay) 5-15 years $1,000 100% total cost of attendance
Citizens Bank Fixed: 4.24%-14.11% (with autopay); Variable: 5.34%-14.46% (with autopay) 5-15 years $1,000 $350,000
Custom Choice Fixed: 4.24%-14.02% (with autopay); Variable: 4.97%-14.52% (with autopay) 7-15 years $1,000 $180,000
INvestEd Fixed: 4.80%-9.19% (with autopay); Variable: 7.77%-12.46% (with autopay) 5-15 years $1,001 Up to total cost of attendance
Ascent Fixed: 4.69%-14.41% (with autopay); Variable: 7.35%-14.56% (with autopay) 5-20 years $2,001 $400,000
MEFA Fixed: 5.75%-8.95% (with autopay) 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

*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

College Ave: Best for half-time graduate students

College Ave
Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5
4.4

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
5-20 yrs

ELFI: Best for personalized student advisor

Education Loan Finance
Rating: 4.2 stars out of 5
4.2

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
$1,000-100% cost of attendance
Loan term
5-15 yrs

Sallie Mae: Best for low rates

Sallie Mae
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

SoFi: Best for graduate refinance loans

SoFi
Rating: 4.7 stars out of 5
4.7

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

Citizens Bank: Best for multiyear approval

Citizens
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
4

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%–14.11%
Loan amount
$1,000-$225,000
Loan term
5-15 yrs

Custom Choice: Best for discounts

Custom Choice
Rating: 4.1 stars out of 5
4.1

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 35 consecutive on-time payments. 

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

INvestEd: Best for Indiana-based students with good credit

Invested

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
4.80%–9.19%
Loan amount
$1,001- 100% cost of attendance
Loan term
5-15 yrs

Ascent: Best for outcome-based loans

Ascent
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
4.5

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

MEFA: Best for low interest rate maximums

mefa

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

Federal student loans: Best graduate student loan

Federal Student Loans
Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5
4.6

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

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

What is a graduate student loan?

A graduate school loan can help you pay for graduate school expenses including tuition, fees, books, housing and more. These loans often have higher borrowing limits than undergraduate student loans, since the current cost of graduate school is over $20,000 per year.

Graduate student loan rates are often different from undergrad rates, so check the fine print to confirm which rates you’re looking at. Because they're designed specifically for graduate programs, they feature longer repayment terms, higher loan amount maximums and more flexible repayment options.

Both private and federal options are available and eligibility requirements and usage restrictions may vary between lenders. You'll apply for your intended amount like undergraduate loans and can use those funds on academic-related expenses.

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 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

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 school 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.

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."

Nationally recognized student financial aid expert

"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."

Getting a graduate student loan

Most lenders will have similar application processes. The steps may vary, but always take your time and fully research your options.

  1. Get graduate loan specific rate quotes: Many comparison sites and main lender pages display undergraduate rates. Be sure to confirm you’re getting graduate loan rates before applying.
  2. Prequalify: Check your eligibility and potential rates and terms by prequalifying. Make sure the school you’re applying to is on its approved list if you’re considering private loans. Doing so won't affect your credit.
  3. Apply: Most lenders offer online applications. Some will also provide phone support. Others may offer in-person assistance at physical locations.
  4. 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.

Take advantage of longer repayment or deferment periods if you need more time to find the right employment or plan to join a medical or law practice. If your income is lower than you expected, be sure to apply for income-based repayment options on any federal loans you currently have.

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, 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 maximize aid potential, then 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

Methodology

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.