Discover the Best Student Loans of 2025
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🥇Our #1 Choice for Students and Parents
- Lowest Rates - APR starting at 3.24%1
- Cover up to 100% of school costs
- Offers instant credit decision
- Apply online in less than 3 minutes
- No origination or prepayment fees
Sallie Mae
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Rates starting at 3.45% APR1
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Option to fund entire year (if approved)
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Loans for part-time students are available
1Undergraduate Loan - Fixed rates 3.45% - 16.49% APR* with auto debit discount.
SoFi
- Fixed rates starting at 3.29% APR1
- No fees required
- No limit on covered expenses as long as they are school-certified
Companies listed above are sorted by required credit score to apply, lowest to highest.
Minimum credit score to apply (for students and co-signers):
- College Ave Student Loans: 620+
- Sallie Mae: 630+
- Nelnet Bank: mid to high 600s
- SoFi: 670+
College Ave Student Loans
About College Ave:
College Ave specializes in helping students and families access funding for higher education through flexible loan options. It has built a reputation for responsive customer service and user-friendly online tools. The lender provides clear information on rates, repayment plans, and borrower protections. College Ave offers loan products for undergraduate, graduate, and parent borrowers.
- What it covers
- Up to 100% of school-certified costs (tuition, fees, housing, books, and more).
- Rates
- Fixed and variable rate options available, with rates starting at 3.24% APR (with auto-pay discount).¹
- Terms
- 5, 8, 10, 15, or 20 years
- Fees
- No application, origination, or prepayment fees.
- Repayment Options
- Full deferment, interest-only payments, or flat $25/month payments while in school; 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.
Application Process:
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.
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.
Sallie Mae Student Loans
About Sallie Mae:
Sallie Mae stands out as a reputable private student loan lender, offering flexible financing solutions for undergraduate, graduate, and career training programs. With competitive interest rates and a range of repayment options, Sallie Mae empowers students and their families to tackle the cost of higher education with clarity and control.
- What it covers
- Up to 100% of school-certified expenses, including tuition, fees, housing, books, and supplies.
- Rates
- Fixed and variable rate options available, with rates starting at 3.45% APR.¹
- Terms
- 5 to 15 years, depending on the loan type and repayment plan selected.
- Fees
- No origination or prepayment fees.²
- Repayment Options
- Full deferment, interest-only payments, or flat $25/month payments while in school; Full principal and interest payments available immediately.
Cosigner Information:
Applying with a creditworthy cosigner may improve your chances of approval. Cosigner release is available after 12 consecutive, on-time principal and interest payments, pending credit review.
Application Process:
The application is quick and online, and you can view personalized rates and repayment options before you apply. Decisions are typically made within minutes.
Best For:
Sallie Mae is a strong choice for students and families looking for flexible loan options, competitive rates, and helpful features like cosigner release and automatic payment discounts.
SoFi Private Student Loans
About SoFi:
SoFi offers private student loans with competitive rates, no fees, and flexible repayment terms for undergraduate and graduate students. With a strong emphasis on member benefits and financial tools, SoFi supports borrowers beyond the loan, helping them achieve long-term financial success.
- What it covers
- Up to 100% of school-certified expenses, including tuition, room and board, books, and other related costs.
- Rates
- Offers fixed or variable rates, plus a 0.25% discount for enrolling in autopay.¹
- Terms
- 5, 7, 10, 15, 20 years
- Fees
- No fees for origination, prepayment, or late payments.
- Repayment Options
- Offers multiple repayment options, including deferred, interest-only, and immediate full payments.
Cosigner Information:
Students can apply with a creditworthy cosigner to enhance approval chances. SoFi offers a cosigner release option after a specified number of on-time payments, subject to credit review.
Application Process:
The application is entirely online and can be completed in minutes. Borrowers can check their rates and terms without impacting their credit score, facilitating informed decision-making.
Best For:
SoFi is ideal for students seeking flexible private student loans with competitive rates, diverse repayment options, and added member benefits to support their financial journey.