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Best law school loans in December 2024

Updated Dec 12, 2024

What to know first: The costs of law school, including tuition, fees, housing and books, are difficult for most people to pay without additional financing. The average law school graduate owes over $100,000 in student loan debt. When borrowing that much money, finding the right loan for your needs and your financial future is essential.

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STUDENT LOAN

College Ave: Best for competitive rates

4.4
Fixed APR from
3.47- 14.47%
Loan term
5-20 yrs
Loan amount
$1,000-$150,000
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STUDENT LOAN

Sallie Mae: Best for part-time students

4.6
Fixed APR from
3.49- 14.47%
Loan term
15-15 yrs
Loan amount
$1,000-100% cost of attendance
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STUDENT LOAN

SoFi: Best overall private lender

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

ELFI: Best for customer service

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

Earnest: Best for flexible repayment options

4.5
Fixed APR from
3.47- 14.30%
Loan term
5-15 yrs
Loan amount
$1,000-100% cost of attendance
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STUDENT LOAN

Custom Choice: Best for rewards

4.1
Fixed APR from
4.24- 14.02%
Loan term
7-15 yrs
Loan amount
$1,000-$180,000
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STUDENT LOAN

Citizens Bank: Best for bank customers

4.0
Fixed APR from
4.24- 14.11%
Loan term
5-15 yrs
Loan amount
$1,000- $300,000
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STUDENT LOAN

Ascent: Best for a long grace period

4.5
Fixed APR from
4.69- 14.41%
Loan term
5-20 yrs
Loan amount
$2,001-$400,000
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STUDENT LOAN

INvestED: Best for Indiana residents

Fixed APR from
4.80- 9.19%
Loan term
5-15 yrs
Loan amount
$1k- $500K
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STUDENT LOAN

MEFA: Best for low maximum APR

Fixed APR from
7.15- 8.95%
Loan term
15-15 yrs
Loan amount
$1,500- 100% total cost of attendance
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STUDENT LOAN

Federal grad Plus loan: Best overall

Fixed APR from
9.08- 9.08%
Loan term
7-15 yrs
Loan amount
$1k- $500K
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Compare law school student loan rates from Bankrate’s top picks

Use this table to compare loan details from the top student loan lenders, paying attention specifically to the APR range, loan amount and superlative. 

LENDER BEST FOR APR FOR LAW STUDENT LOANS** LOAN TERMS MIN. LOAN AMOUNT MAX. LOAN AMOUNT
College Ave Competitive rates Fixed: 3.47%-14.47%; Variable: 4.99%-14.47% 5-20 years $1,000 $150,000
ELFI Customer service Fixed: 3.69%-14.22%; Variable: 5.00%-14.22% (with autopay) 5 - 15 years $1,000 Up to 100% cost of attendance
Sallie Mae Part-time students Fixed: 3.49%-14.47%; Variable: 4.92%-14.35% 15 years $1,000 100% total cost of attendance
SoFi Overall private loans Fixed: 3.54%-14.83%; Variable: 5.54%-15.86% 5 - 15 years $1,000 100% cost of attendance
Citizens Bank Bank customers Fixed: 4.24%-14.11%; Variable: 5.34%-14.46% 5 - 15 years $1,000 $300,000
Custom Choice Rewards Fixed: 4.24%-14.02%; Variable: 5.36%-14.84% (with autopay) 7 - 15 years $1,000 $99,999 annually; $180,000 aggregate
Earnest Flexible repayment options Fixed: 3.47%-14.30%; Variable: 4.99%-15.97% 5 - 15 years $1,000 100% cost of attendance
INvestED Indiana residents Fixed: 4.80%-9.19%; Variable: 7.77%-12.46% (with autopay) 5 - 15 years $1,001 100% total cost of attendance
Ascent Loans with a long grace period Fixed: 4.69%-14.41%; Variable: 7.35%-14.56% 5 - 20 years $2,001 $400,000
MEFA Low maximum APR Fixed: 7.15%-8.95% 15 years $1,500 100% cost of attendance
Federal grad PLUS loan Overall loans Fixed: 9.08% 10 - 25 years, depending on repayment plan Not specified 100% cost of attendance

*See offer details in rate table above
**The rates in this table are for international student loans. The information on lenders below reflect the overall student loan rate range offered by each lender.
†The minimum amount is $2,001 except for the state of Massachusetts. Minimum loan amount for borrowers with a Massachusetts permanent address is $6,001.

A closer look at top law student loan lenders

College Ave: Best for competitive rates 

College Ave
Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5
4.4

Overview: College Ave offers loans for U.S. residents and international students, including a Bar Study Loan, which covers exams and test prep fees. Borrowers will have five repayment terms to choose from and can defer payment during their clerkship.

Fixed APR
3.47%–14.47%
Loan amount
$1,000-$150,000
Loan term
5-20 yrs

ELFI: Best for customer service

Education Loan Finance
Rating: 4.2 stars out of 5
4.2

Overview: ELFI is a nonprofit organization that provides funding for undergraduate and graduate borrowers. It offers nationwide coverage and has a number of repayment terms.

Fixed APR
3.69%–14.22%
Loan amount
$1,000-100% cost of attendance
Loan term
5-15 yrs

Sallie Mae: Best for part-time students

Sallie Mae
Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5
4.6

Overview: Sallie Mae is one of the most well-known private student loan lenders, and provides funding for undergraduate and graduate students — even those going to school part time. It stands out for flexibility in repayment and range of loan amounts.

Fixed APR
3.49%–14.47%
Loan amount
$1,000-100% cost of attendance
Loan term
15-15 yrs

SoFi: Best overall private lender 

SoFi
Rating: 4.7 stars out of 5
4.7

Overview: SoFi offers a range of financing options for students and stands out for its available discounts and range of repayment terms.

Fixed APR
3.54%–14.83%
Loan amount
$1,000-100% cost of attendance
Loan term
5-15 yrs

Citizens Bank: Best for rewards

Citizens
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
4

Overview: Custom Choice awards borrowers for graduating with a 2 percent principal reduction discount. There is also a 0.25 percent discount for enrolling in autopay and the lender and does not charge any fees.

Fixed APR
4.24%–14.11%
Loan amount
$1,000- $300,000
Loan term
5-15 yrs

Custom Choice: Best for multiyear loans

Custom Choice
Rating: 4.1 stars out of 5
4.1

Overview: Custom Choice offers prequalification for students looking to fund their undergraduate and graduate educations. It awards borrowers for graduating and does not charge any fees.

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

Earnest: Best for flexible repayment options

Earnest
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
4.5

Overview: Earnest is a private student loan lender offering flexible repayment options, no late fees and competitive rates. Graduates in repayment can take advantage of a longer grace period and the ability to skip a payment without penalty once every year.

Fixed APR
3.47%–14.30%
Loan amount
$1,000-100% cost of attendance
Loan term
5-15 yrs

INvestED: Best for Indiana residents 

Invested

Overview: INvestED has a long history of serving students in Indiana. It functions as a financial resource and helps borrowers throughout the funding process and has scholarships available.

Fixed APR
4.80%–9.19%
Loan amount
$1k– $500k
Loan term
5-15 yrs

Ascent: Best for loans with a long grace period 

Ascent
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
4.5

Overview: Ascent is an online lender that offers competitive rates and puts financial literacy at the forefront. Its law school loans come with a variety of repayment terms and plenty of discount options.

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

MEFA: Best for low maximum APR

mefa

Overview: MEFA offers loans for students nationwide and has one of the lowest maximum APRs available. It can also be a good option for borrowers of any credit background.

Fixed APR
7.15%–8.95%
Loan amount
$1,500- 100% total cost of attendance
Loan term
15-15 yrs

Federal grad PLUS loan: Best overall

Federal Grad PLUS Loans

Overview: Federal student loans come with competitive interest rates and a number of repayment plans. There is also the option for six months of deferment once you drop below half time.

Fixed APR
9.08%–9.08%
Loan amount
$1k– $500k
Loan term
7-15 yrs

What is a law school student loan?

Law school loans are a type of graduate student loan designed for students pursuing a Juris Doctor degree. Students can take out both federal and private loans to finance their schooling, although they should be aware of the varying APRs and terms between lenders before applying.

Both federal and private law school loans can be used to finance tuition costs or related academic expenses. Plus, most private lenders allow students to apply with a co-signer to score better terms or increase their approval odds.

Private law school loans let you choose between fixed and variable interest, which begins accruing once you’re in school. Most lenders allow you to defer payments while in school and through a grace period after graduation, or make interest-only or small principal payments while in school.

Types of law school loans

There are two broad categories of law school loans: federal loans and private loans. Federal student loans include Direct PLUS student loans and Direct Unsubsidized student loans.

Choosing the right loan for law school

If you’ve earned all of the scholarships and grants you can, loans may be able to fund the rest of your journey through law school. The type of loans you choose will depend on your credit, eligibility and financial goals.

When to choose a federal student loan

Federal student loans are the best place to start for many borrowers. You may find them appealing if: 

  • You have bad credit: All borrowers pay the same interest rate for each type of federal student loan, regardless of credit score. You don’t need to pass a credit check to receive Direct Unsubsidized Loans. While you do need a credit check for grad PLUS loans, there is no minimum score required for approval.
  • You want to pursue loan forgiveness: Only federal Direct Loans can be forgiven through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. Additionally, if you work for the Department of Justice, you may qualify for the Department of Justice Attorney Student Loan Repayment Program.
  • You want varied repayment options: Federal student loans’ standard repayment term is 10 years. With an income-driven repayment plan, you can pay a percentage of your income for 10 to 25 years — any remaining debt after that term is forgiven.

To qualify for federal student loans, you’ll need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. U.S. citizens and eligible noncitizens can apply for federal student aid — including need-based financial aid — through the FAFSA. Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients aren't eligible for federal need-based aid or loans. DACA students can fill out the FAFSA to be considered for state and institutional aid.

All graduate students are considered independent, so you will need to provide your own financial and personal details to meet the FAFSA requirements. Be prepared to lay out your portfolio, including your annual income and total assets. If you experience a major financial change — like total and permanent disability — after you've submitted it, you may be able to correct your FAFSA later on.

When to choose a private student loan

Generally, it’s wise to use federal loans before applying for private student loans due to the protections and forgiveness options federal student loans offer. But private student loans might be a good choice for you if you meet a few criteria:

  • You have excellent credit: The lowest private student loan rates are often lower than federal student loan rates. You may qualify for these rates if you have an excellent credit score, solid income and a low debt-to-income ratio. Additionally, many private lenders do not charge fees.
  • You want variable rates: Private lenders offer you the choice between fixed rates — which remain the same throughout your repayment term — and variable rates, which change to reflect market forces. Variable rates, however, may not be the best option as they will go up if economic conditions worsen.
  • You do not qualify for federal student loans: If you’re in the U.S. attending school on a nonimmigrant student or Exchange Visitor Visa, you are ineligible for federal loans. However, some private U.S. lenders allow international students to apply for loans if they meet eligibility requirements.

How to get a law school loan

Qualification requirements for law school loans depend on the type of loan and the lender. Most lenders will require at least half-time enrollment and a nonadverse credit history. 

Typically, you must also be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident or have a co-signer who meets the requirement and must attend a school in the U.S. If you meet the requirements, there are a few steps to take to receive your loan.

  1. Fill out the FAFSA: If you want to take out a federal student loan for law school, you'll need to fill out the FAFSA. Applications for the 2025-2026 FAFSA opened on October 1, 2024, and close on June 30, 2025. Some institutions and states have individual deadlines, so be aware of every deadline so you don't leave financial aid on the table.
  2. Get prequalified with private lenders: Prequalification lets you see what interest rates and terms you’re eligible for without a hard credit check. After prequalifying with several lenders, compare offers and choose the best.
  3. Apply: After choosing your lender or lenders, apply online, over the phone or in person. You’ll undergo a credit check. You’ll also have to provide documentation on your school, citizenship, employer and co-signer, if relevant.
  4. Sign loan documents: If the lender approves your application, you’ll sign loan documents to complete the agreement. Your lender will confirm your cost of attendance with your school and will typically release the funds directly to it.

Repaying a law school loan

The time it takes to pay off your student loan will vary based on the amount you finance, your student loan interest rate and the agreed-upon repayment terms. If you've deferred payment or opted for interest-only or small fixed payments while in school, many private lenders have a six-month grace period. That means you won't have to start making full payments until six months after you graduate, leave school or (in some cases) drop below half-time enrollment.

However, many lenders let you instead choose to begin making full payments while in school. This shortens your overall repayment timeline and lessens the amount of interest that accumulates. 

Alternatives to law school loans

There are many ways to finance law school — some of which you have to pay back and some of which are "free" money. Here are a few alternative ways to pay for law school:

  • Federal and state grants: The federal government, many states and some organizations offer grants that do not need to be repaid.
  • Scholarships: Some scholarships are based on financial need, while others are merit-based or law school-specific. Scholarships do not need to be repaid.
  • Personal Savings: Save up for school and pay in cash. If you can, save your law school funds in a high-yield savings account to earn higher interest.
  • Income share agreements: An income share agreement funds your schooling, and then you repay it with a percentage of your income over a set number of years.

Ask the experts: Should you take out a bar exam loan?


Nationally recognized student financial aid expert

"When you are studying for the bar exam, you may not have any income, but still need to pay for living expenses. A bar study loan can be used to pay for these costs. While the cost may be lower than using a credit card to pay for groceries, interest will still accrue. Either way, you should try to minimize the amount you borrow. Note that some bar study loans may be dischargeable in bankruptcy, so if you don’t pass the bar, you may be able to get the bar study loan discharged. (Education loans used to pay for law school, on the other hand, are more difficult to discharge in bankruptcy.)"

Writer, Personal Loans and Debt Relief

"It's generally recommended that students avoid bar exam loans at all costs. They typically carry high rates and inflexible repayment terms, especially when compared to federal student loans. If taking out a bar exam loan is necessary, maximize your federal student loans first (if you're attending a qualifying university at least half-time) and try to pay them down as quickly as possible. Also, make sure to borrow only what you need — otherwise, you'll be paying unnecessary interest and fees."

FAQs about law school loans

How we chose the best law school student loan lenders 

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 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.