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What to know first: Federal student loans are almost always a better first choice than private student loans, but they have borrowing limits and qualification requirements. When federal loans aren't enough, private student loans can cover tuition, room and board, fees and other costs of higher education once you've reached your federal limit.

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College Ave: Bankrate 2025 Award Winner Best For Multiyear Approval

4.5
Fixed APR from
3.47- 17.99%
Loan term
5-15 yrs
Loan amount
$1k – 100% cost of attendance
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Sallie Mae: Bankrate 2025 Award Winner Best For Graduate Students

4.6
Fixed APR from
3.49- 15.49%
Loan term
10-15 yrs
Loan amount
$1k -100% total cost of attendance
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SoFi: Bankrate 2025 Award Winner For Borrowers With Good Credit

4.8
Fixed APR from
3.54- 15.99%
Loan term
5-15 yrs
Loan amount
$1k -100% total cost of attendance
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STUDENT LOAN

ELFI: Best for customer service

4.4
Fixed APR from
3.69- 14.22%
Loan term
5-15 yrs
Loan amount
$1k -100% total cost of attendance
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Ascent: Bankrate 2025 Award Winner Best For Bootcamps And Vocational Programs

4.7
Fixed APR from
3.39- 16.16%
Loan term
5-15 yrs
Loan amount
$2k - $200,000
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STUDENT LOAN

Earnest: Best for flexible repayment terms

4.4
Fixed APR from
3.72- 16.74%
Loan term
5-15 yrs
Loan amount
$1,000 - 100% total cost of attendance
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Citizens Bank: Bankrate 2025 Award Winner Best For Parents

4.6
Fixed APR from
3.99- 15.60%
Loan term
5-15 yrs
Loan amount
$1k- $225K
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STUDENT LOAN

Custom Choice: Best for graduation rewards

4.2
Fixed APR from
4.24- 14.02%
Loan term
7-15 yrs
Loan amount
$1,000 to $99,999
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STUDENT LOAN

INvested: Best for Indiana residents

Fixed APR from
4.95- 8.82%
Loan term
5-15 yrs
Loan amount
$1k - 100% total cost of attendance
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STUDENT LOAN

Mefa: Best for low rates

Fixed APR from
5.75- 8.95%
Loan term
10-15 yrs
Loan amount
$1.5k-100% cost of attendance
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STUDENT LOAN

3.6
Fixed APR from
8.49- 25.96%
Loan term
5-7 yrs
Loan amount
$5,000-$15,000
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College Ave
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
4.5
Fixed APR
3.47%–17.99%
Loan amount
$1k – 100% cost of attendance
Loan term
5-15 yrs

Sallie Mae
Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5
4.6
Fixed APR
3.49%–15.49%
Loan amount
$1k -100% total cost of attendance
Loan term
10-15 yrs

Ascent
Rating: 4.7 stars out of 5
4.7
Fixed APR
3.39%–16.16%
Loan amount
$2k - $200,000
Loan term
5-15 yrs

Education Loan Finance
Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5
4.4
Fixed APR
3.69%–14.22%
Loan amount
$1k -100% total cost of attendance
Loan term
5-15 yrs

Citizens
Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5
4.6
Fixed APR
3.99%–15.60%
Loan amount
$1k– $225k
Loan term
5-15 yrs

Earnest
Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5
4.4
Fixed APR
3.72%–16.74%
Loan amount
$1,000 - 100% total cost of attendance
Loan term
5-15 yrs

SoFi
Rating: 4.8 stars out of 5
4.8
Fixed APR
3.54%–15.99%
Loan amount
$1k -100% total cost of attendance
Loan term
5-15 yrs

Custom Choice
Rating: 4.2 stars out of 5
4.2
Fixed APR
4.24%–14.02%
Loan amount
$1,000 to $99,999
Loan term
7-15 yrs

Invested
Fixed APR
4.95%–8.82%
Loan amount
$1k - 100% total cost of attendance
Loan term
5-15 yrs

mefa
Fixed APR
5.75%–8.95%
Loan amount
$1.5k-100% cost of attendance
Loan term
10-15 yrs
Green circle with a checkmark inside

Pros

  • Higher borrowing limits than federal loans
  • Low interest rates for good credit
  • More flexible enrollment options than federal loans allow
  • Fixed and variable rate options
Red circle with an X inside

Cons

  • No federal protections or benefits like standardized forbearance
  • Standard requirement for scores in the mid-600s compared to no minimum required by federal loans
  • High rates for bad credit borrowers
  • Income-driven repayment plans generally not available
Federal student loans Private student loans
Where do they come from? The U.S. Department of Education Banks, credit unions, online lenders
How much can you borrow? Up to $31,000 for dependent undergraduates, up to $57,500 for independent undergraduates, up to the full cost of attendance for graduates Varies by lender; often up to the full cost of attendance
What are the interest rates? 6.53% for undergraduates, 8.08% or 9.08% for graduate students; all fixed rates 3.39% to 17.99%; may be fixed or variable
What are the benefits? Income-driven repayment plans, loan forgiveness options, extensive deferment and forbearance Low interest rates for borrowers with good credit, potential discounts and rewards, larger loan amounts
What are the drawbacks? Limited loan amounts for undergraduates, only one interest rate option Credit check required, high interest rates for borrowers with poor credit
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BANKRATE EXPERT FAQ

Ask the experts: When should you choose a private student loan over a federal one?


Nationally recognized student financial aid expert

"Students should borrow federal first, because federal student loans are cheaper, more available and have better repayment terms. Private student loans are an option when a borrower exhausts the federal loan limits, which range from $5,500 to $7,500 for dependent students, depending on the year in school (and $9,500 to $12,500 for independent students). If a borrower reaches these loan limits, their main options are private or parent loans. But, needing to borrow more than the federal student loan limits may be a sign that you are borrowing too much money. You should aim to borrow no more than your annual starting salary for your entire education. If total student debt is less than annual income, you should be able to repay your student loans in ten years or less. If you do need to borrow parent or private loans, compare the interest rates, fees and other benefits on both types of loans. Shop around for the lowest interest rate. If you have an excellent credit score, or a cosigner with excellent credit, you may be able to qualify for a lower rate on a private student loan than a Federal Parent PLUS loan."

Writer, Personal Loans and Debt Relief

"There are very few instances in which you would want to choose a private student loan over a federal loan right off the bat. Unlike private loans, federal student loans aren't credit-based and come with hardship repayment and forgiveness options. Plus, they have the same, fixed rates for every borrower. However, they do come with maximum borrowing amounts that often don't cover the entire cost for the semester. Borrowers often turn to private loans after maximizing their federal aid to fill any financing gaps — this is the recommended route for most individuals. The only time a private loan is recommended over a federal loan is for those who have excellent credit and qualify for a lower rate with a private loan."

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