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Best MBA student loans for April 2025

Updated Apr 07, 2025

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 $120,000 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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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
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STUDENT LOAN

Nelnet Bank: Best for faster repayment

4.0
Fixed APR from
3.47- 8.79%
Loan term
10-10 yrs
Loan amount
$1,000-$125,000
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STUDENT LOAN

Earnest: Best for repayment flexibility

4.4
Fixed APR from
3.47- 14.30%
Loan term
5-15 yrs
Loan amount
$1,000-100% cost of attendance
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Sallie Mae: Bankrate 2025 Award Winner Best For MBA 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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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
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STUDENT LOAN

ELFI: Best for personalized customer service

4.4
Fixed APR from
3.69- 14.22%
Loan term
5-15 yrs
Loan amount
$1,000-100% cost of attendance
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Citizens Bank: Bankrate 2025 Award Winner Best For Parents

4.6
Fixed APR from
4.24- 14.11%
Loan term
5-15 yrs
Loan amount
$1,000-$300,000
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STUDENT LOAN

Custom Choice: Best for graduation discount

4.2
Fixed APR from
4.24- 14.04%
Loan term
7-15 yrs
Loan amount
$1,000-$180,000
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Ascent: Bankrate 2025 Award Winner Best For Bootcamps And Vocational Programs

4.7
Fixed APR from
4.39- 13.76%
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
4.62- 8.58%
Loan term
5-15 yrs
Loan amount
$1,000-100% cost of attendance
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STUDENT LOAN

MEFA: Best for low rates

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

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
4.5

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
3.47%–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
Pros
  • Low starting APRs
  • Four repayment options and four term lengths
  • Intuitive initial application and prequalification tool
Cons
  • Loan amount limit of $150,000
  • Minimum credit and income requirement for borrowers without cosigners
  • Doesn't disclose many eligibility requirements
WHO'S IT FOR:
Borrowers with strong work histories and education but poor credit may benefit most from an College Ave loan. College Ave is also a good match for people who prefer access to customer service seven days a week.
Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5
4.4

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
$1,000-100% cost of attendance
Loan term
5-15 yrs
Est. APR
3.69%–14.22%
Loan amount
$1,000-100% cost of attendance
Min credit score
Not specified
Loan term
5-15 yrs
Origination fee
Not specified
Pros
  • No origination fee or prepayment penalty
  • Temporary forbearance due to financial or medical hardship
  • Co-signer is optional
Cons
  • Only available at some schools
  • No co-signer release
  • Strict eligibility requirements
WHO'S IT FOR:
Borrowers with strong work histories and education but poor credit may benefit most from an Education Loan Finance loan. Education Loan Finance is also a good match for people who prefer access to customer service seven days a week.
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
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
Pros
  • Covers up to full amount of attendance
  • 0.25 percent autopay discount
  • Even less-than-half-time students are eligible
Cons
  • Late payment fees
  • Limited repayment terms
  • Unclear credit score requirements
WHO'S IT FOR:
Borrowers with strong work histories and education but poor credit may benefit most from an Sallie Mae loan. Sallie Mae is also a good match for people who prefer access to customer service seven days a week.
Rating: 4.8 stars out of 5
4.8

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
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
Pros
  • Competitive starting interest rates and zero fees
  • Borrow up to the full cost of attendance
  • Access to career services and financial advisors
Cons
  • Short six-month grace period
  • Vague income eligibility requirement
  • Maximum term length of 15 years
WHO'S IT FOR:
Borrowers with strong work histories and education but poor credit may benefit most from an SoFi loan. SoFi is also a good match for people who prefer access to customer service seven days a week.

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
3.47%–8.79%
Loan amount
$1,000-$125,000
Loan term
10-10 yrs
Est. APR
3.47%–8.79%
Loan amount
$1,000-$125,000
Min credit score
Not specified
Loan term
10-10 yrs
Origination fee
Not specified
Pros
  • Co-signer release after 24 months
  • 0.25% automatic payment discount
  • No prepayment penalty
Cons
  • Low borrowing amounts
  • High credit score requirements
  • Grace period is just six months
WHO'S IT FOR:
Borrowers with strong work histories and education but poor credit may benefit most from an Nelnet Bank loan. Nelnet Bank is also a good match for people who prefer access to customer service seven days a week.
Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5
4.6

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
Est. APR
4.24%–14.11%
Loan amount
$1,000-$300,000
Min credit score
Not specified
Loan term
5-15 yrs
Origination fee
Not specified
Pros
  • Approves borrowers for multiple years of loans
  • Citizens scholarship sweepstakes
  • Loan limit higher for MBA loans
Cons
  • Credit requirements not disclosed
  • Grace period lasts just six months.
  • Must make 36 months of payments before applying for a co-signer release
WHO'S IT FOR:
Borrowers with strong work histories and education but poor credit may benefit most from an Citizens loan. Citizens is also a good match for people who prefer access to customer service seven days a week.
Rating: 4.2 stars out of 5
4.2

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%–14.04%
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
Pros
  • 0.25% autopay discount
  • Payment relief for unemployment and natural disasters
  • Soft credit prequalification
Cons
  • Undisclosed credit requirements
  • Grace period is just six months
  • Must make 36 months of payments before applying for a co-signer release
WHO'S IT FOR:
Borrowers with strong work histories and education but poor credit may benefit most from an Custom Choice loan. Custom Choice is also a good match for people who prefer access to customer service seven days a week.
Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5
4.4

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
3.47%–14.30%
Loan amount
$1,000-100% cost of attendance
Loan term
5-15 yrs
Est. APR
3.47%–14.30%
Loan amount
$1,000-100% cost of attendance
Min credit score
Not specified
Loan term
5-15 yrs
Origination fee
Not specified
Pros
  • Rate match guarantee
  • Skip one payment every 12 months without penalty
  • Nine-month grace period
Cons
  • No co-signer release
  • Strict requirements for non-cosigned loans
  • Not available to borrowers in Nevada
WHO'S IT FOR:
Borrowers with strong work histories and education but poor credit may benefit most from an Earnest loan. Earnest is also a good match for people who prefer access to customer service seven days a week.

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
4.62%–8.58%
Loan amount
$1,000-100% cost of attendance
Loan term
5-15 yrs
Est. APR
4.62%–8.58%
Loan amount
$1,000-100% cost of attendance
Min credit score
670
Loan term
5-15 yrs
Origination fee
Not specified
Pros
  • Financial literacy events for Indiana families
  • Co-signer release after 12 months
  • Clear eligibility requirements
Cons
  • Only available for Indiana students and residents
  • Limited repayment terms
  • Steep credit requirements
WHO'S IT FOR:
Borrowers with strong work histories and education but poor credit may benefit most from an Invested loan. Invested is also a good match for people who prefer access to customer service seven days a week.
Rating: 4.7 stars out of 5
4.7

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
4.39%–13.76%
Loan amount
$2,001-$400,000
Loan term
5-20 yrs
Est. APR
4.39%–13.76%
Loan amount
$2,001-$400,000
Min credit score
Not specified
Loan term
5-20 yrs
Origination fee
Not specified
Pros
  • International students can apply with a creditworthy U.S. citizen as a co-signer
  • Generous deferment terms
  • Robust incentive programs
Cons
  • Limited repayment terms available
  • No co-signer release
  • High rates
WHO'S IT FOR:
Borrowers with strong work histories and education but poor credit may benefit most from an Ascent loan. Ascent is also a good match for people who prefer access to customer service seven days a week.

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
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
Pros
  • No fees
  • Covers up to full cost of attendance
  • Competitive maximum APR
Cons
  • Co-borrower release only available after 48 payments
  • No prequalification
  • No autopay discount
WHO'S IT FOR:
Borrowers with strong work histories and education but poor credit may benefit most from an mefa loan. mefa is also a good match for people who prefer access to customer service seven days a week.

Calculate your MBA student loans payment

Use Bankrate's calculator to find the perfect loan repayment plan for you. Enter different loan amounts, terms and interest rates to compare estimated monthly payments and see how much total interest you'll pay.

How to compare MBA student loans

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:

  • APR: Your annual percentage yield (APR) reflects the cost of interest and fees on your loan for one year. Look for lenders who don't charge application or origination fees and waive late fees and prepayment penalties.
  • Repayment options: Lenders offer a range of repayment options, including making regular or partial payments in school, making interest-only payments while in school or deferring all payments until after graduation. Lenders also offer a range of terms, usually from five to fifteen years. Choose a lender whose repayment options fit your needs.
  • Grace period: Some lenders offer periods of between three and six months after graduation before you must start repaying your loan. Ask your lender if there are requirements to qualify.
  • Discounts: Some lenders offer discounts for things like registering for autopay, earning good grades, completing your degree or bundling other services with your loan.
  • Conditions for cosigners: Adding a cosigner to your loan can lower your interest rate, but not every lender allows cosigners. Their conditions for cosigner release can also vary, with some allowing you to release your cosigner after a few payments.
  • Hardship programs: Ask your lender if they have policies in place for borrowers who experience financial difficulties or disasters. This could be a lifesaver in the case of the unexpected.

MBA student loan interest rates

Current MBA student loan interest rates start as low as 3.47 percent fixed with excellent credit and get as high as 14.83 percent fixed.

Every borrower gets the same interest rate with federal student loans, but your interest rate on private student loans is based on factors such as your credit score, income and other existing debts. You can affect your interest rate by changing the amount you borrow, as well as the repayment term you choose, adding a cosigner, and choosing between a fixed or variable interest rate.

Keep in mind that long repayment terms offer lower monthly payments, but you will have to pay on your loan for longer. That means paying more overall for your loan.

What are MBA student loans?

MBA student loans are private student loans that can help you pay for the cost of your MBA. They can be used for tuition, fees, housing, books, supplies and more. 

Pros and cons of MBA student loans

It is important to weigh the pros and cons of MBA student loans so you can make the best financial decision.

Green circle with a checkmark inside

Pros

  • Make education more attainable for students without the financial resources to cover their degree.
  • Can open doors for career advancement and higher earning potential.
  • Allow students to borrow up to the full cost of their degree.
  • May offer special rates and incentives for students.
Red circle with an X inside

Cons

  • Borrowers graduate with significant debt.
  • Take many years to repay.
  • Defaulting carries serious credit and legal consequences.
  • Can be more difficult to qualify for than federal student loans.

How to get an MBA student 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. 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.

Expert insight: "What features should you look for in an MBA-specific student loan?"

"Many of the features that you'd consider for undergraduate student loans are also critical for MBA-specific financing: basics like interest rate, fees and repayment term options. But because pursuing an MBA is different than getting your bachelor's, there are other key loan features to consider. You could prioritize lenders that offer large enough loan amounts to cover your funding gaps; multiple in-school repayment options in case you want to get a head start on your debt; and deferments during your enrollment or post-graduate internship. You might also look for lenders that cater to your unique situation: If you're planning on attending school part-time, for example, you might shop around with lenders that have more flexible eligibility criteria."

Andrew Pentis, Writer and Consumer Lending Analyst

Frequently asked questions

How we chose the best MBA loan lenders

Bankrate's trusted personal 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 MBA 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.