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Private student loans

Compare private student loans

Compare private student loan rates, repayment flexibility, and borrower protections side by side in June 2026, then estimate how much of your funding gap you may still need to cover.

Rankings

Compare private student loans

Compare private student loan rates, repayment flexibility, and borrower protections side by side.

  1. Rank

    #1

    Editor's Pick
    College Ave logo

    College Ave

    Best for: Students who want flexible repayment options and no origination fees

    • 0.25% rate reduction with auto-pay
    • Four in-school repayment options
    • No application, origination, or prepayment fees
    • Borrow from $1,000 up to 100% of cost of attendance

    Rates

    Lowest Rate 2.59%1

    2.59% - 17.99% fixed APR, 3.89% - 17.99% variable APR

    Apply Now

  2. Rank

    #2

    FundingU logo

    FundingU

    Best for: Students seeking no-cosigner undergraduate loans with merit-based approval

    • Approval based on academic achievement, not income or a cosigner
    • Annual loan amounts between $3,000 and $20,000
    • Fixed rates starting at 7.99% APR with autopay discount
    • For full-time bachelor's students attending in person at not-for-profit schools

    Rates

    Lowest Rate 7.99%2

    Fixed APRs starting at 7.99% with autopay discount

    Apply Now

  3. Rank

    #3

    Earnest logo

    Earnest

    Best for: Borrowers who want a zero-fee lender with flexible repayment across undergrad, grad, and professional school programs

    • 0.25% Auto Pay discount plus 0.25% Loyalty discount for eligible returning borrowers
    • No origination fees, late fees, or prepayment penalties
    • Borrow $1,000 to $400,000 with 5, 7, 10, 12, or 15-year terms
    • Four repayment options, a 9-month grace period, and cosigner release for eligible borrowers

    Rates

    Lowest Rate 2.84%3

    2.84% - 16.49% fixed APR, 4.99% - 16.85% variable APR

    Check EligibilityNo Credit Impact
Featured offer

Featured lender: College Ave student loans

Low starting fixed APRs, flexible in-school repayment options, and no application, origination, or prepayment fees.

College Ave logo
Apply Now

Calculator

Estimate your funding gap

See average national funding gaps or switch to your personalized CollegeLens numbers if you're signed in.

Estimate your funding gap

Choose a school type to see national averages informed by College Scorecard-style benchmarks and federal undergraduate loan limits.

Select a school type to see average costs

Avg. Total Cost of Attendance (4yr)

$90,000

Avg. Institutional + Federal Grants

-$43,200

Federal Student Loan Limit (4yr)

-$27,000

Average Estimated Funding Gap

$19,800

Grants & AidFederal LoansFunding Gap

Funding gap insight

The average student at a In-State Public may need about $19,800 in additional funding.

Create a free CollegeLens account to see your personalized gap with your actual schools, scholarships, and aid factored in.

Sign Up Free — See Your Personalized GapCompare Rates Above ↑

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is a private student loan?

A private student loan is education financing offered by a bank, credit union, or specialty lender rather than the federal government. It is typically used to cover any funding gap left after grants, scholarships, and federal student loans.

How does CollegeLens calculate my funding gap?

CollegeLens calculates your funding gap by comparing estimated cost of attendance against grants, aid, federal loan limits, and available scholarship offsets. The result is the amount you may still need to cover through savings, income, or private borrowing.

Will checking my rate affect my credit score?

Many lenders let you check your rate with a soft credit inquiry, which does not affect your credit score. You should always verify the lender’s current credit inquiry policy before submitting an application.

What is the difference between fixed and variable interest rates?

A fixed rate stays the same over the life of the loan, while a variable rate can rise or fall over time. Fixed rates offer predictability, while variable rates may start lower but can change with market conditions.

Do I need a cosigner for a private student loan?

Some borrowers can qualify on their own, but many students receive better odds or better pricing with a cosigner. Cosigner requirements vary by lender, credit profile, and school year.

Disclosures

Advertiser disclaimers

1College Ave

College Ave's student loan products are made available through Firstrust Bank, member FDIC, First Citizens Community Bank, member FDIC, or BTG Pactual Bank, N.A., member FDIC. All loans are subject to individual approval and adherence to underwriting guidelines. Program restrictions, other terms, and conditions apply. (1) All rates include the auto-pay discount. The 0.25% auto-pay interest rate reduction applies as long as a valid bank account is designated for required monthly payments. If a payment is returned, you will lose this benefit. Variable rates may increase after consummation. (2) As certified by your school and less any other financial aid you might receive. Minimum $1,000. (3) This informational repayment example uses typical loan terms for a freshman borrower who selects the Deferred Repayment Option with a 10-year repayment term, has a $10,000 loan that is disbursed in one disbursement and a 8.35% fixed Annual Percentage Rate (APR): 120 monthly payments of $179.18 while in the repayment period, for a total amount of payments of $21,501.54. Loans will never have a full principal and interest monthly payment of less than $50. Your actual rates and repayment terms may vary. Information advertised valid as of 5/04/2026. Variable interest rates may increase after consummation. Approved interest rate will depend on creditworthiness of the applicant(s), lowest advertised rates only available to the most creditworthy applicants and require selection of the Flat Repayment Option with the shortest available loan term.

2FundingU

FundingU offers no-cosigner undergraduate loans with approval based on academic achievement rather than income or a cosigner. Annual loan amounts range from $3,000 to $20,000. Fixed APRs start at 7.99% with autopay discount. Borrowers must be enrolled full-time in person and pursuing a bachelor's degree at an eligible not-for-profit institution. Rates, terms, and eligibility are subject to change. Review FundingU's site for current details.

3Earnest

Rates shown include the 0.50% combined Auto Pay and Loyalty discounts. Actual rate and available repayment terms vary based on your financial profile. Fixed APRs range from 3.09% to 16.74% before Auto Pay and Loyalty discounts and 2.84% to 16.49% with those discounts. Variable APRs range from 5.24% to 17.10% before Auto Pay and Loyalty discounts and 4.99% to 16.85% with those discounts. Loyalty discounts require a prior Earnest Private Student Loan with the same email address and may not be combined with Rate Match. Nine-month grace period is not available for borrowers who choose principal and interest repayment while in school. Residents of Hawaii must request at least $1,501. Earnest Private Student Loans are made by FinWise Bank, Member FDIC, and serviced by Earnest Operations LLC with support from MOHELA. Terms, repayment options, and borrower benefits may vary by loan type.

4GradBridge

GradBridge loans are second-look private student loans and are not affiliated with the federal student loan program. They are designed for undergraduate juniors and seniors plus graduate/postgraduate students enrolled at least half time at participating schools. Minimum loan amount is $5,000 and all loans are school certified. APR ranges currently span 17.07%-21.94% variable and 18.06%-23.07% fixed, including a 0.25% ACH discount. A 5% origination fee applies. Additional eligibility, state availability, rates, and terms may vary. GradBridge Student Loans are originated by Hatch Bank.

Some lender placements on CollegeLens are paid placements. Review the advertiser disclosure for details on how compensation may affect where offers appear.