Top-Rated Student Loan Lender for 2025: College Ave Review
Rating of 4.9 / 5 (from 21.5K Customers).
Best Choice 2025
🥇#1 Choice for Students and Cosigners
- Lowest Rates - APR starting at 2.99%1
- Best for those with cosigners and good credit
- Flexible repayment options and no fees
- 1-page application is easy to complete on phone
At ConsumersAdvocate.org, we’ve spent years tracking student loan rates across lenders—daily, not just seasonally. And one lender consistently stands out: College Ave.
If you're looking for a private student loan, College Ave almost always has the lowest rates available. In the rare case that they don’t, our historical data shows they tend to adjust rates within days—sometimes even hours—to stay ahead of competitors.
This level of responsiveness, paired with their transparent terms and user-friendly application process, makes College Ave the lender we recommend most often.
If you're comparing rates, start with College Ave. Based on our experience monitoring the student loan industry over multiple academic years, chances are high they’re offering the best deal available right now—or will be shortly.
Why Parents Trust College Ave for Student Loans:
- Close the Financial Gap
- Federal loans rarely cover the full cost of college. Private loans can help fill the gap for expenses like housing, laptops, meal plans, or even study abroad—essentials for your child’s education and experience.
- Fast, Easy Application
- Get a decision in under 3 minutes. The process is online, simple, and stress-free.
- Parent-Friendly Co-Signing
- Roughly 90% of private loans include a co-signer. By co-signing, you help your student qualify for better rates, but the loan remains in their name—not yours. Even better, co-signer release is available after a record of on-time payments, so you can step back financially without sacrificing your support.
- Protect Your Retirement
- Private student loans allow you to support your child’s dreams without dipping into your savings or 401(k).
Lowest Rates - APR starting at 2.99%*
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Full deferment while in school.
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Interest-only payments while in school.
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Flat $25/month payments while in school.
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Full principal and interest payments available immediately.
Cosigner Information
Most undergraduate borrowers will need a cosigner. College Ave offers cosigner release after more than half the repayment term is complete and the borrower meets credit requirements.
Lowest Rates - APR starting at 2.99%*
The online application takes about 3 minutes. You can prequalify without impacting your credit score, and get an instant credit decision. A loan calculator helps estimate monthly payments based on your choices.
HIGHLIGHTS
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Satisfaction
Above average in New England: J.D. Power (664/1,000: average is 637)
Complaints
Better than most: NAIC (index: 0.84; 1.0 is average)
Financial stability
Very superior (A.M. Best rating, A++)
Best For:
College Ave is ideal for students and parents looking for customizable private loans with flexible repayment plans, competitive rates, and a quick, digital-first application experience.