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Best MBA student loans for November 2024

Updated Nov 13, 2024

What to know first: MBA loans are a type of student loan designed for students looking to earn a Master of Business Administration. MBA degrees are pricey, costing up to $120,00 per year at top-ranked programs. For many students, gift aid and savings aren’t enough to cover that cost. Student loans help people afford their degrees in those circumstances.

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STUDENT LOAN

Sallie Mae: Best for part-time students

4.6

Fixed APR from
3.49- 14.48%
Loan term
15-15 yrs
Loan amount
$1,000-100% cost of attendance
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STUDENT LOAN

College Ave: Best for low rates

4.4

Fixed APR from
3.59- 14.49%
Loan term
5-15 yrs
Loan amount
$1,000-100% cost of attendance
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STUDENT LOAN

Nelnet Bank: Best for faster repayment

4.4

Fixed APR from
3.69- 9.36%
Loan term
10-10 yrs
Loan amount
$1,000-$125,000
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STUDENT LOAN

ELFI: Best for personalized customer service

4.2

Fixed APR from
3.69- 14.22%
Loan term
5-15 yrs
Loan amount
$1,000-Varies
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STUDENT LOAN

Earnest: 2024 Bankrate Awards Winner

4.5

Fixed APR from
3.69- 14.30%
Loan term
5-15 yrs
Loan amount
$1,000-100% cost of attendance
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STUDENT LOAN

SoFi: Best for extra resources

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

Custom Choice: Best for graduation discount

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 multi-year loans

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 rewards

4.5

Fixed APR from
4.69- 14.56%
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 rates

Fixed APR from
7.15- 8.95%
Loan term
10-15 yrs
Loan amount
$1,500- 100% cost of attendance
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Compare MBA student loan rates in June 2024

Use this table to easily compare loan companies based on their annual percentage rates (APR) — that is, the extra percentage you pay the lender on top of the amount you borrow — loan amounts and credit requirements. Pay attention to the APR range and minimum credit score to compare how costly certain loans could be compared to other lenders.

LENDER CURRENT APR RANGE FOR MBA STUDENT LOANS* LOAN TERMS LOAN AMOUNT RANGE MINIMUM CREDIT SCORE
College Ave Fixed: 3.59%-14.49%; Variable: 5.34%-14.49% 5 - 15 years $1,000-$150,000 Not Specified
Education Loan Finance Fixed: 3.69%-14.22%; Variable: 5.00%-14.22% (with autopay) 5 - 15 years Starting at $1,000 680
Sallie Mae Fixed: 3.49%-14.48% (with autopay); Variable: 5.04%-14.98% (with autopay) 15 years $1,000-100% total cost of attendance Not Specified
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 640
Nelnet Bank Fixed: 3.69%-9.36%; Variable: 5.83%-10.32% (with autopay) 10 years $1,000-$125,000 Not Specified
Citizens Bank Fixed: 4.24%-14.11%; Variable: 5.50%-14.62% (with autopay) 5 - 15 years $1,000-$300,000 Not Specified
Custom Choice Fixed: 4.24%-14.02%; Variable: 4.97%-14.52% (with autopay) 7 - 15 years $1,000-$180,000 ($99,999 annually; $180,000 aggregate) Not Specified
Earnest Fixed: 3.69%-16.49% (with autopay); Variable: 5.62%-16.85% (with autopay) 5 - 15 years $1,000- 100% total cost of attendance 650
INvestED Fixed: 5.04%-9.19%; Variable: 8.00%-12.46% (with autopay) 5 - 15 years $1,001- 100% total cost of attendance 670
Ascent Fixed: 4.69%-14.56%; Variable: 7.51%-14.72% (with autopay) 5 - 20 years $2,001-$400,000 Varies
MEFA Fixed: 5.75%-8.95% 10 years $1,500- 100% total cost of attendance 670
*The rates in this table are for MBA student loans. The information on lenders below reflect the overall student loan rate range offered by each lender. 

** Minimum loan amount for borrowers with a Massachusetts permanent address is $6,001

A closer look at our top options for MBA student loans

Use the following lender deep dives to help you choose the lender that best fits your needs.

College Ave: Best for low rates

College Ave
Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5
4.4

Overview: College Ave lets you borrow from $1,000 to $150,000 to complete your MBA program, and you can choose to repay your loan over five, eight, 10 or 15 years. You can also choose among repayment options that include full principal and interest payments, interest-only payments while you're in school, a flat payment while you're in school or deferred payments until you graduate.

Fixed APR
3.59%–14.49%
Loan amount
$1,000-100% cost of attendance
Loan term
5-15 yrs

Education Loan Finance: Best for personalized customer service

Education Loan Finance
Rating: 4.2 stars out of 5
4.2

Overview: Sallie Mae is a recognized name in the student loan industry and is a strong option for MBA students. It offers a range of loan payment options and can accommodate students attending school for less than part-time, which is uncommon.

Fixed APR
3.69%–14.22%
Loan amount
$1,000-Varies
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 a recognized name in the student loan industry and is a strong option for MBA students. It offers a range of loan payment options and can accommodate students attending school for less than part-time, which is uncommon.

Fixed APR
3.49%–14.48%
Loan amount
$1,000-100% cost of attendance
Loan term
15-15 yrs

SoFi: Best for extra resources

SoFi
Rating: 4.7 stars out of 5
4.7

Overview: Some lenders impose borrowing caps on graduate school loans, but SoFi lets borrowers take out a loan up to the full cost of attendance. SoFi also offers more repayment terms than their competitors, making it a more flexible option.

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

Nelnet Bank: Best for fair credit

Nelnet Bank
Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5
4.4

Overview: Online lender Nelnet Bank offers private, parent and refinance loans, though refinance applications are currently on pause. Plus, it caters to a wide range of borrowers — while most require a good to excellent credit score, Nelnet Bank applicants only need fair credit to qualify.

Fixed APR
3.69%–9.36%
Loan amount
$1,000-$125,000
Loan term
10-10 yrs

Citizens Bank: Best for multi-year loans

Citizens
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
4

Overview: Citizens Bank lets you borrow up to $225,000 for your MBA. Repayment terms last for up to 15 years. You can choose to make interest-only payments while you’re still in school or defer payments until after you graduate.

Fixed APR
4.24%–14.11%
Loan amount
$1,000-$300,000
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 two major discounts that student loan borrowers can benefit from. As with many lenders, you can get a 0.25 percent rate discount when signing up for autopay. But Custom Choice stands out for its graduation rewards. Once you have proof of graduation, you can request a 2 percent principal reduction discount.

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

Earnest: Bankrate 2024 awards winner for best student loan for MBA students

Earnest
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
4.5

Overview: Earnest was Bankrate's 2024 winner for best MBA loan and for a good reason. The lender offers its borrowers a stellar online application process, an autopay discount and unique benefits, like a longer grace period or the ability to skip a payment once a year.

Fixed APR
3.69%–14.30%
Loan amount
$1,000-100% cost of attendance
Loan term
5-15 yrs

INvestED: Best for Indiana residents

Invested

Overview: INvestED offers competitive rates and an easy online application process to Indiana residents and students. It also connects students across the Hoosier state with events that provide assistance with applying to school and even choosing the right career.

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

Ascent: Best for rewards

Ascent
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
4.5

Overview: Ascent is an online lender that serves students at many stages of their academic careers. The lender offers very flexible co-signing options that can make it easier for students to gain loan acceptance. In addition, Ascent has competitive rates and a long repayment timeline.

Fixed APR
4.69%–14.56%
Loan amount
$2,001-$400,000
Loan term
5-20 yrs

MEFA: Best for low maximum APR

mefa

Overview: While MEFA's APR minimum isn't stellar, the maximum APR is one of the lowest on our list. And while they only list a single repayment term — 15 years — with no prepayment penalty, there’s no drawback to paying your debts off early.

Fixed APR
7.15%–8.95%
Loan amount
$1,500- 100% cost of attendance
Loan term
10-15 yrs

What is an MBA student loan?

MBA student loans are loans that can help you pay for the cost of your Master of Business Administration (MBA). They typically have flexible repayment terms and can be used for tuition, fees, housing, books, supplies and more. Some lenders allow you to defer payments during your degree and internship. Rates range from about 4 percent to 16 percent.

How do MBA loans work?

MBA student loans can come from either the federal government or private lenders. You may be able to borrow up to your full cost of education, minus other aid. Most lenders let you choose among making payments while in school or making interest-only payments or partial payments until you graduate.

Many MBA loans also let you defer payments until six months or longer after you graduate, which can give you time to find a job before you have to worry about your student loan debt. Most MBA loans are repaid over a term of five to 20 years.

Types of MBA student loans

When looking for a loan for your MBA degree, you have two options: federal or private. 

It’s typically best to opt for federal student loans before taking out private ones. Federal loans come with robust borrower protections, repayment programs such as income-driven repayment and forgiveness programs such as Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you have bad credit, federal loans will likely offer you better rates than private lenders.

There are some circumstances when private student loans might be a better choice. If you have excellent credit and reliable income, you may qualify for lower rates with private lenders. Private student loans may also be your only option if you’re an international student.

Federal student loans

Federal student loans are offered by the federal government and managed by private servicers. Interest rates and standard term lengths are the same for all borrowers, regardless of financial profile.

Graduate students can choose between Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Direct grad PLUS loans. Direct Unsubsidized Loans allow you to borrow up to $20,500 annually and $138,500 total with an interest rate of 8.08 percent for graduate loans. Students need to be enrolled at least half-time and be in good academic standing to qualify.

Grad PLUS loans allow you to borrow up to the total cost of attendance, as certified by the school, with an interest rate of 9.08 percent. Although these loans don’t have a minimum credit score requirement, if you have an adverse credit history you may need to add a co-signer or prove your poor credit report is due to circumstances beyond your control.

What to know about the FAFSA

The FAFSA is the only way to apply for federal student loans. Here's what to know:

  • All MBA students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents can receive federal student loans through the FAFSA. While DACA recipients may submit the FAFSA to qualify for state and other forms of aid, they aren’t eligible to receive federal student loans.
  • For the 2024-25 school year, the FAFSA opens on Oct. 1, 2024, and closes on June 30, 2025. Earlier deadlines may apply in some states or colleges.
  • MBA students are considered independent and do not have to submit financial details about their parents. The FAFSA will ask for details about the student's income, assets and family size.
  • Students must submit a new FAFSA every year for which they need funding.

Private student loans

Private student loans, on the other hand, are offered by private lenders that set their own interest rates, terms and eligibility requirements. Generally, you'll find lower rates and more flexible repayment timelines with private lenders if you have good credit. Your interest rate will be determined by your credit history and debt-to-income ratio, among other things. However, you'll miss out on federal protections like forbearance, income-driven repayment plans and loan forgiveness programs.

Things to consider before applying for an MBA student loan

Whether you opt to max out your federal loan options or go with a private lender, here are the most important factors you should consider:

  • Overall loan cost: In addition to interest rates, some lenders charge upfront application or origination fees, which you should try to avoid if you can. Ideally, you’ll wind up with an MBA loan with no fees and the lowest interest rate you can qualify for.
  • Repayment options: Your repayment period determines what your monthly payment might be; choose a repayment period that allows you to pay off your loan as quickly as you can afford. Additionally, make sure to ask if the lender offers some type of hardship program for borrowers experiencing financial difficulties. This could be a lifesaver in case of the unexpected.
  • Grace period: If you want the option to defer payments until after you graduate, researching lenders ahead of time is critical. Some offer short grace periods of three to six months, while others let you defer your payments for a year or longer after you graduate if you meet their requirements.

It's usually best to start your student loan search with federal student loans. Federal loans come with protections you can’t get with private student loans, such as income-driven repayment plans and loan forgiveness programs. Even private lenders encourage you to exhaust federal options first — you can always use private loans to supplement what a federal loan won't cover.

If you've decided to take out a private student loan, take the time to compare lenders in terms of the rates they offer, their repayment options and other perks you can qualify for. It can be helpful to find a lender that offers a discount for autopay, for example, and one that will let you borrow up to the cost of attendance for school.

How to apply for an MBA loan

  1. Fill out the FAFSA: U.S. citizens and permanent residents may take out federal student loans by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA. There's a new FAFSA cycle each school year; for 2024-25, students may begin filling out the form on Oct. 1, 2023, and submit through June 30, 2025. Be sure to note that you’ll be in graduate school.
  2. Prequalify with private lenders: If your federal aid package doesn’t cover your needs, or you don’t qualify for federal loans, you should compare private lenders to ensure you get the best deal. Prequalification lets you see the interest rates and terms lenders will offer you without hurting your credit.
  3. Apply for loans: Once you’ve chosen your lender or lenders, apply in person, over the phone or online. You’ll have to send income verification documentation, and you will also undergo a hard credit check.
  4. Sign loan documents: After being approved, you’ll sign documents to finalize the loan. The lender will send your student loan funds to your school. If there’s any amount left over after your tuition is paid, your school will disburse those funds to you.
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Expert insight: "What features should you look for in an MBA-specific student loan?"

"The most important features to look for when it comes to MBA loans are flexible repayment options, competitive APR ranges and financial hardship options. At the end of the day, you never know what could happen in your collegiate career and it's important to prepare for unexpected financial hiccups. You should also look for a lender that provides exactly what you need. For example, some lenders allow the funds to be used for any academic-related expenses, like technology and housing costs, while others restrict usage to tuition and fees only."

Hanneh Bareham, Bankrate student and personal loans writer

FAQ about MBA student loans

How we chose the best MBA loan lenders

Bankrate's trusted personal loans industry expertise

48

years in business

25

lenders reviewed

14

loan features weighed

350

data points collected

To find the best MBA 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.