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Best refinance student loans in March 2025

Updated Feb 26, 2025

What to know first: Refinancing your student loans may land you a lower interest rate and a smaller monthly payment. However, refinancing isn't always a good idea. If you have federal student loans, refinancing comes with downsides you should consider. You'll also need to research student loan companies and their terms to find the best deal.

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STUDENT LOAN

RISLA: Best for financial benefits and resources

4.0
Fixed APR from
3.99- 8.54%
Loan term
5-15 yrs
Loan amount
$7.5k- $250K
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STUDENT LOAN

Earnest: Best for flexible repayment options

4.4
Fixed APR from
4.29- 9.89%
Loan term
5-20 yrs
Loan amount
$5k- $500K
See offersArrow Right

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SoFi: Bankrate 2025 Award Winner For Borrowers With Good Credit

4.8
Fixed APR from
4.49- 9.99%
Loan term
5-20 yrs
Loan amount
$5,000-100% amount borrowed
See offersArrow Right

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STUDENT LOAN

ELFI: Best for large loan amounts

4.4
Fixed APR from
4.88- 8.44%
Loan term
5-20 yrs
Loan amount
Starting at $10,000
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STUDENT LOAN

Lendkey: Best for getting matched with a community lender

4.0
Fixed APR from
4.89- 9.44%
Loan term
5-20 yrs
Loan amount
$5,000-100% of amount borrowed
See offersArrow Right

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Laurel Road: Bankrate 2025 Award Winner Best For Refinancing

4.6
Fixed APR from
4.99- 8.90%
Loan term
5-20 yrs
Loan amount
$5,000-100% amount borrowed

Citizens Bank: Best for available discounts

4.6
Fixed APR from
5.88- 11.69%
Loan term
5-20 yrs
Loan amount
$10k- $750K
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STUDENT LOAN

INvested: Best for Indiana residents

Fixed APR from
5.99- 10.14%
Loan term
5-20 yrs
Loan amount
$1k- $250K
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STUDENT LOAN

EDvestinU: Best for co-signer release

3.9
Fixed APR from
5.40- 9.74%
Loan term
5-20 yrs
Loan amount
$7.5k- $200K
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STUDENT LOAN

Mefa: Best for using a co-borrower

Fixed APR from
6.20- 8.99%
Loan term
7-15 yrs
Loan amount
From $10,000
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College Ave: Bankrate 2025 Award Winner Best For Multiyear Approval

4.5
Fixed APR from
6.99- 13.99%
Loan term
5-20 yrs
Loan amount
$5k- $300K

Find out how much you could save

Use this calculator to quickly determine if refinancing is worth it for you.

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A closer look at top student loan refinancing companies

The closer look section offers a detailed view of Bankrate’s top picks for student loan refinancing. This includes product perks and highlights, as well as drawbacks and who may benefit the most from applying with a particular lender.

LendKey: Best for large loan amounts 

Lendkey
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
4

Overview: LendKey pairs with multiple small student loan lenders to offer student loan refinancing. There are no origination fees.

Fixed APR
4.89%–9.44%
Loan amount
$5,000-100% of amount borrowed
Loan term
5-20 yrs

ELFI: Best for good credit

Education Loan Finance
Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5
4.4

Overview: ELFI is a Tennessee-based lender touted for its undergraduate and graduate loan products. It offers comprehensive support for its borrowers and pairs each applicant with an advisor.

Fixed APR
4.88%–8.44%
Loan amount
Starting at $10,000
Loan term
5-20 yrs

INvestEd: Best for Indiana residents

Invested

Overview: INvestEd has been in the student loans business for over 40 years and serves Hoosiers looking to secure financing for higher education or adjust their current loan. It offers competitive rates and a range of discounts for those residing in Indiana.

Fixed APR
5.99%–10.14%
Loan amount
$1k– $250k
Loan term
5-20 yrs

EDvestinU: Best for co-signer release

EDvestinU
Rating: 3.9 stars out of 5
3.9

Overview: EdVestinU is an online lender that specifically serves U.S. citizens and permanent residents who reside in New Hampshire. The lender offers refinance loans with low rates, almost no fees and even offers a 0.25 percent interest rate discount for enrolling in its autopay feature. It also offers one of the fastest timelines on the market — borrowers can apply for a refinance loan at any point after receiving their student loans.

Fixed APR
5.40%–9.74%
Loan amount
$7.5k– $200k
Loan term
5-20 yrs

MEFA: Best for using a co-borrower

mefa

Overview: According to MEFA, individuals who have refinanced with the lender have reduced their interest rate by an average of 28 percent. Borrowers who qualify, or who have a co-borrower who does, can take advantage of the low-cost loan that comes with fixed rates and no fees. To qualify, applicants must have a clean student loan repayment record, must have attended an eligible nonprofit school and need to meet the lender's credit approval standards.

Fixed APR
6.20%–8.99%
Loan amount
From $10,000
Loan term
7-15 yrs

RISLA: Best for financial benefits and resources

RISLA
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
4

Overview: RISLA allows current students the option of refinancing their student loans while still enrolled through a unique benefit — its 'pay-later' loan. Although repayment will begin a short six months after graduating, the lender will defer your payments while still in school, which can help you save on interest accrual.  

Fixed APR
3.99%–8.54%
Loan amount
$7.5k– $250k
Loan term
5-15 yrs

Citizens Bank: Best for available discounts

Citizens
Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5
4.6

Overview: Citizens Bank offers student loan refinancing for borrowers who need to refinance up to $750,000 in student loans, although maximums vary based on your degree type, and come with repayment options between five and 20 years.

Fixed APR
5.88%–11.69%
Loan amount
$10k– $750k
Loan term
5-20 yrs

SoFi: Best overall student loan refinance company

SoFi
Rating: 4.8 stars out of 5
4.8

Overview: SoFi is one of the most popular lenders for borrowers looking to refinance their student loans, and it’s easy to see why. The lender has a wide range of repayment options and benefits to its members. Along with that, this lender offers loans with competitive interest rates and no hidden fees, including no origination fees. 

Fixed APR
4.49%–9.99%
Loan amount
$5,000-100% amount borrowed
Loan term
5-20 yrs

Earnest: Best for flexible repayment options

Earnest
Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5
4.4

Overview: Earnest lets you refinance your student loans with the potential for a low APR and flexible repayment options. With repayment terms from five to 20 years, it's easy to find a repayment timeline that works for your budget.

Fixed APR
4.29%–9.89%
Loan amount
$5k– $500k
Loan term
5-20 yrs

College Ave: Best student loan refinance company for no fees

College Ave
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
4.5

Overview: College Ave is a lender that serves borrowers in both undergraduate and graduate programs and is backed by Firstrust Bank, First Citizens Community Bank and M.Y. Safra Bank. It offers competitive interest rates and offers tools to help consumers understand the lending process. 

Fixed APR
6.99%–13.99%
Loan amount
$5k– $300k
Loan term
5-20 yrs

Laurel Road: Bankrate 2025 award winner best for refinancing

Laurel Road
Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5
4.6

Overview: Laurel Road is a lender with low rates and a robust online experience. Borrowers can choose a term of five, seven, 10, 15 or 20 years.

Fixed APR
4.99%–8.90%
Loan amount
$5,000-100% amount borrowed
Loan term
5-20 yrs

Splash Financial: Best student loan refinance company for low rates

Splash Financial
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
4

Overview: Splash Financial is a lending marketplace that lets you refinance your loans starting from $5,000. It doesn't lend money itself, but it partners with lenders to match you with one that meets your requirements and financial situation.

Fixed APR
4.29%–10.24%
Loan amount
Starting at $5,000
Loan term
5-25 yrs

What is student loan refinancing?

Student loan refinancing is the process of taking out a new loan to pay off your existing student loans. When you refinance your student loans, you may qualify for a lower interest rate and a different repayment timeline. The best time to refinance your student loans is when it saves you money on interest or lowers your monthly payments.

Borrowers with good credit, in particular, will qualify for the best student loan rates. You can refinance both federal and private student loans, though it's usually best to avoid refinancing federal loans since they come with a number of perks that aren't available through private lenders.

Student loan refinancing requirements

Once you find a lender that best suits your financial situation, check its specific eligibility requirements. Though exact ones may vary, there are a few common requirements for refinancing student loans to be aware of.

  • Debt-to-income ratio: Your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) is a measurement of how much debt you've accumulated compared to your monthly earnings. You have a better chance of getting approved if your debt-to-income ratio is below 50 percent.
  • Credit score: When you apply for any loan, your credit score matters. Check your lender's credit score requirements before applying. If your credit score is in the mid-600s or lower, you may need to add a cosigner to your loan to qualify.
  • Income: Lenders may impose a minimum income threshold, and they will likely want to see proof of employment — this tells them that you have the cash to make your monthly payments. Come prepared with recent paystubs, W2 forms or recent bank statements, as most lenders require documentation. 
  • Refinancing amount: You will likely need to owe a minimum of $5,000 in student loans if you'd like to refinance. If you have less than that, most lenders won't work with you.
  • Degree: You'll typically need a completed college degree to be eligible for student loan refinancing, though some lenders accept borrowers regardless of degree status.

If the lender you're considering offers a prequalification tool, you can see your estimated rate based on your general financial history with a soft credit inquiry, which won't hurt your credit score.

Should I refinance my student loans?

Refinancing your student loans makes financial sense only if the loan you apply for has a lower interest rate than the current interest rate of your student loans. You can use a loan calculator to determine your current monthly payment versus that of the loan you're considering. 

If you decide to refinance to a longer term to lower your monthly payments, keep in mind that you'll likely increase the overall cost of your loan through interest accrual.

Whether you should refinance also depends on what type of loans you have. Refinancing could be smart if you have private loans, but you'll lose benefits if you refinance federal loans. These benefits include:

  • Income-driven repayment plans (IDRs): An IDR can create lower monthly payments based on your income and family size and any remaining balance after your repayment term ends could be forgiven.
  • Loan forgiveness programs: These programs forgive loan balances for those in qualifying careers, like public service, those with permanent disabilities and those whose schools engaged in misconduct or fraud.
  • Deferment and forbearance options: Borrowers in a temporary financial bind may be able to suspend their payments until they get their footing. However, interest will continue to accrue, and they won't be able to make progress toward forgiveness during this time.

Pros and cons of refinancing student loans

Before choosing a lender, consider whether refinancing your student loans is the best move for your current situation.

Green circle with a checkmark inside

Pros

  • Consolidate several student loans into one loan with one payment each month.
  • Possibly secure a lower interest rate.
  • Extend your repayment period for a lower monthly payment.
Red circle with an X inside

Cons

  • Private lenders usually require good or excellent credit (or a co-signer) to qualify.
  • You lose opportunities for deferment, forbearance and income-driven repayment plans if you refinance federal loans.
  • You lock yourself into another repayment plan.
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BANKRATE EXPERT FAQ

Ask the experts: When should you refinance a student loan?


Nationally recognized student financial aid expert

"There are two ways of refinancing a student loan. For federal loans, you can obtain a Federal Direct Consolidation Loan. This combines multiple federal education loans into a single loan, making it easier to repay. You may be able to qualify for alternate repayment plans by consolidating. Consolidation doesn't really change the cost of the loan, since the interest rate on a consolidation loan is the weighted average of the interest rates on the loans included in the consolidation loan, rounded up to the nearest 1/8th of a percentage point. If you choose a longer repayment term, the monthly payment may decrease, but you will be in debt for longer and pay more interest over the life of the loan. For federal and private student loans, you can obtain a private refi, which pays off the old loans with a new private student loan. The interest rate on the private refi is based on your credit score, and the credit score of your cosigner if any. If your credit scores have improved a lot, you may be able to qualify for a lower interest rate. A private refi can also change the repayment term, which can affect the size of the monthly student loan payment. Thus, there are several possible reasons to refinance a student loan, such as changing the loan servicer, changing the repayment plan or repayment term, changing the monthly payment, and obtaining a different interest rate."

Writer, Personal Loans and Debt Relief

"Refinancing is only a good idea if you fit within the two categories: you have a hard time organizing your student loan payments and you'd qualify for a lower interest rate with a new loan. Most lenders offer a prequalification tool that allows you to see what your predicted rates would be if you were to qualify. If you have fairly high rates on your existing loans, it may be a good option to refinance. However, be certain you’re scoring a lower rate with a refinance loan. Due to the current high-rate environment, unless you have sky-high rates and a stellar credit score, it may not make sense to refinance until rates cool off."

How to refinance a student loan

Just as you did when initially borrowing for your education, the student loan refinancing process requires you to apply for a new loan. This loan will pay off your remaining student loan balance and have new terms and rates. Borrowers often choose to refinance to lower their rate or extend their term. However, while a longer term may lower your monthly payment, it can cause you to pay more in total interest.

The process to refinance your student loan requires the following 5 steps: 

  1. Determine if refinancing is the best option: First and foremost, you must consider if this is the right financial move. Will you truly save money in the long run or will your monthly payment just reduce slightly?
  2. Research lenders: There are many options available when it comes to refinancing your loan. Compile a list of potential lenders so you can compare features and rates. 
  3. Shop for the best loan options: Every lender has its own acceptance criteria based on your credit score and loan. Shop around with many lenders to ensure you are getting the best new loan for your needs. 
  4. Submit a loan application: To apply for a loan you will likely need to share information on your current student loan, personal contact information and any cosigner documents. 
  5. Transfer payments to your new lender: Make sure that your old loan closes so you can begin making payments on your new loan. Be on the lookout for a payoff letter from your old lender to confirm the process has been completed. 

FAQs about refinancing student loans

How we chose the best student loan refinancing lenders 

Bankrate's trusted personal loans industry expertise

48

years in business

15

lenders reviewed

13

loan features weighed

195

data points collected

The Bankrate team evaluated over a dozen lenders to select our top picks for the best student refi loans. To do this, Bankrate uses a 13-point system to evaluate student loan refinance products. 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.