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Compare private student loans

Private loans are the last step, not the first. Use them only after grants, scholarships, appeals, and federal loans. Then compare carefully, because rates and terms vary a lot by lender and credit.

Do these first, they cost less

File the FAFSA, appeal your award, stack scholarships, and max your federal loans before any private loan.

See your real gap

Lenders to compare

A neutral starting list. We do not set these rates, so check each lender for your actual offer.

Sallie Mae

Large lender, multi-year borrowing option, no origination fee.

College Ave

Custom terms and cosigner release after meeting conditions.

Earnest

No fees and flexible payment schedules.

SoFi

No fees, member benefits, and refinancing later.

Ascent

Options for students with limited credit or no cosigner.

Some lender links may be paid placements, and we may earn a commission if you apply. We only list established lenders, federal loans usually come first, and your rate depends on your credit.

What to compare before you sign

Fixed vs variable APR. Fixed stays put; variable can rise. Compare both.
Cosigner and cosigner release. A cosigner lowers your rate; check if and when they can be released.
Term length. Longer terms mean lower payments but far more interest.
Fees. Look for no origination or prepayment fees.
Deferment and hardship options if you hit a rough patch.

Read our 2026 loan changes explainer and model payments with the loan calculator first.