Best Student Loans for Nursing Students in 2026

Nursing is one of the most in-demand careers in the country, but getting through a nursing program is not cheap. A traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) costs between $40,000 and $120,000. Accelerated BSN (ABSN) programs run $50,000 to $100,000 in as little as 12 to 18 months. Graduate programs like the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) can cost $60,000 to $160,000.

The average nursing student graduates with roughly $40,000 to $60,000 in student loan debt. The good news: nursing salaries are strong. The median registered nurse (RN) salary is between $80,000 and $95,000 per year, and nurse practitioners earn well above $120,000. That means nursing students are generally well-positioned to repay their loans, but choosing the right loan still matters.

With the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) capping annual Parent PLUS borrowing at $20,000 per year and eliminating Grad PLUS loans entirely, many nursing students now need private loans to cover the gap between federal aid and total program costs. This guide ranks the best private student loan options for nursing students in 2026.

Federal Loans First

Before you consider any private loan, always exhaust your federal student loan options. Federal loans offer income-driven repayment plans, potential loan forgiveness through Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), and borrower protections that private loans do not.

Here are the current federal student loan rates for the 2025-2026 academic year:

Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans (undergraduate): 6.39% fixed APR
Direct Unsubsidized Loans (graduate): 7.94% fixed APR
Direct PLUS Loans (parents only, post-OBBBA): 8.94% fixed APR, capped at $20,000 per year

Under the OBBBA, Grad PLUS loans have been eliminated. Graduate nursing students can only borrow up to the standard Direct Unsubsidized Loan limits ($20,500 per year). Parent PLUS loans are now capped at $20,000 per year.

Undergraduate nursing students may also qualify for a Federal Pell Grant of up to $7,395 per year, which does not need to be repaid.

Start by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to find out what federal aid you qualify for.

What Nursing Students Should Look For in a Private Loan

Not all private student loans are the same. Nursing students have specific needs that make certain loan features more valuable than others.

Grace period length. Nursing programs often include clinical rotations that can extend your time before you start earning a full salary. Look for lenders that offer 6 to 9 months of grace period after graduation. Some lenders offer extended grace periods specifically for health professions students.

Interest rate range. Private loan rates vary widely based on your credit score, cosigner, and the lender. In 2026, fixed rates for private student loans generally range from about 2.89% to 16.49% APR. The rate you receive depends on your creditworthiness.

Repayment flexibility. Features like the ability to skip a payment, switch between repayment plans, or make interest-only payments while in school can make a big difference during a demanding nursing program.

Cosigner release timeline. Many nursing students need a cosigner to qualify for the best rates. Look for lenders that offer cosigner release after 12 to 24 months of on-time payments. This protects both you and your cosigner long-term.

Fees. The best private student loan lenders charge zero origination fees, zero application fees, and zero prepayment penalties. Avoid any lender that charges origination fees.

Best Private Student Loans for Nursing Students

Rankings

Compare private student loan options

Compare College Ave, Earnest, and Sallie Mae — with Sallie's rate matched to this program where available.

Rank #1Editor's Pick
Undergrad
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
From 2.19% APR
2.19% - 15.99% fixed APR, 3.89% - 15.99% variable APR
Apply Now
Disclosures+
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 7/20/2026. 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.
Rank #2
Undergrad
Sallie Mae
Best for: Undergraduate and graduate students, and parents, comparing competitive fixed- and variable-rate private student loans
- Competitive variable and fixed rates
- Multiple repayment options
- Cosigner release available
- No origination fees
Rates
From 2.29% APR
2.29% - 14.99% fixed APR, 3.75% - 14.48% variable APR
Apply Now
Disclosures+
Graduate School Loan: Examples of typical transactions for a $10,000 Graduate School Loan with the most common fixed rate, Fixed Repayment Option, two disbursements, a 2-year in-school period, and a 6-month grace: For a borrower with the shortest loan term, it works out to 14.69% fixed APR, 27 payments of $25.00, 119 payments of $204.84 and one payment of $83.82, for a total loan cost of $25,134.78. For a borrower with the longest loan term, it works out to 14.78% fixed APR, 27 payments of $25.00, 178 payments of $178.22 and one payment of $98.65, for a total loan cost of $32,496.81. Loans that are subject to a $50 minimum principal and interest payment amount may receive a loan term that is less than 10 years. A variable APR may increase over the life of the loan. A fixed APR will not. Information advertised valid as of 07/02/2026. Rates: Advertised APRs for undergraduate students assume a $10,000 loan with a 4-year in-school period, a 6-month grace, and the longest loan term offered. Interest rates for variable rate loans may increase or decrease over the life of the loan based on changes to the 30-day Average Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) rounded up to the nearest one-eighth of one percent. Advertised variable rates are the starting range of rates and may vary outside of that range over the life of the loan. Interest is charged starting when funds are sent to the school. With the Fixed and Deferred Repayment Options, the interest rate is higher than with the Interest Repayment Option and Unpaid Interest is added to the loan's Current Principal at the end of the grace/separation period. To receive a 0.25 percentage point interest rate discount, the borrower or cosigner must enroll in auto debit through Sallie Mae. The discount applies only during active repayment for as long as the Current Amount Due or Designated Amount is successfully withdrawn from the authorized bank account each month. It may be suspended during forbearance or deferment. Cosigner Release: Only the borrower may apply for cosigner release. To do so, they must first meet the age of majority in their state and provide proof of graduation (or completion of certification program), income, and U.S. citizenship or permanent residency (if their status has changed since they applied). In the last 12 months, the borrower can't have been past due on any loans serviced by Sallie Mae for 30 or more days or enrolled in any hardship forbearances or modified repayment programs. In addition, the borrower must have paid ahead or made 12 on-time principal and interest payments on each loan requested for release. The loan can't be past due when the cosigner release application is processed. The borrower must also demonstrate the ability to assume full responsibility of the loan(s) individually and pass a credit review when the cosigner release application is processed that demonstrates a satisfactory credit history including but not limited to no: bankruptcy, foreclosure, student loan(s) in default or 90-day delinquencies in the last 24 months. Requirements are subject to change.
Rank #3
Undergrad
Earnest
Best for: Borrowers who want a zero-fee¹ lender with flexible repayment options² across undergrad, grad, and professional school programs
- 0.25% Auto Pay³ discount plus 0.25% Loyalty⁴ discount for eligible returning borrowers
- No origination fees, late fees, or prepayment penalties¹
- Borrow $1,000⁵ to $400,000 with 5, 7, 10, 12, or 15-year terms⁶
- Four repayment options², a 9-month grace period⁷, and cosigner release for eligible borrowers⁸
Rates
Lowest Rate 2.29%
2.29% - 16.24% fixed APR, 4.74% - 16.60% variable APR
Check Eligibility
Disclosures+
Earnest Private Student Loans are subject to credit approval. ¹Earnest does not charge fees for origination, late payments, returned check, or prepayments. Florida Stamp Tax: For Florida residents, Florida documentary stamp tax is required by law, calculated as $0.35 for each $100 (or portion thereof) of the principal loan amount, the amount of which is provided in the Final Disclosure. Lender will add the stamp tax to the principal loan amount. The full amount will be paid directly to the Florida Department of Revenue. Certificate of Registration No. 78-8016373916-1. ²Repayment terms and repayment options available vary based on loan type. ³You can take advantage of the Auto Pay interest rate reduction by setting up and maintaining active and automatic ACH withdrawal of your loan payment from a checking or savings account. The interest rate reduction for Auto Pay will be available only while your loan is enrolled in Auto Pay. Interest rate incentives for utilizing Auto Pay may not be combined with certain private student loan repayment programs that also offer an interest rate reduction. It is important to note that the 0.25% Auto Pay discount is not available when loan payments are deferred during the interim period as a result of selecting the deferred repayment option. ⁴To be eligible for the Loyalty Discount, applicants must have previously obtained an Earnest Private Student Loan and apply using the same email address associated with that loan. Only one Loyalty Discount may be applied per eligible Earnest Private Student Loan. Not all applicants may qualify. This offer cannot be combined with Earnest’s Rate Match program. Earnest may modify or discontinue this offer at any time and without notice, however, once a Loyalty Discount is earned, it will not be taken away. ⁵Residents of Hawaii must request a loan of at least $1,501. ⁶Available interest rates are subject to change. Interest rates as of 03/19/2026. Earnest’s Loan Cost Examples: 1.) These examples provide estimates based on principal and interest payments beginning immediately upon loan disbursement. Variable annual percentage rate ("APR"): A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $152.84) and a 16.85% interest rate without Auto Pay (16.85% APR) would result in a total estimated payment amount of $27,511.20. For a variable loan, after your starting rate is set, your rate will then vary with the market. Fixed APR: A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $150.30) and a 16.49% interest rate without Auto Pay (16.49% APR) would result in a total estimated payment amount of $27,054.10. 2.) These examples provide estimates based on interest-only payments while in school. Variable interest rate: A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $152.84) and a 16.85% interest rate without Auto Pay (16.85% APR) would result in a total estimated payment amount of $35,515.14. For a variable loan, after your starting rate is set, your rate will then vary with the market. Your actual repayment terms may vary. Other repayment options are available. The calculation assumes that the “in-school” period is 4 years (48 months) and includes our 9 month grace period, during which the monthly payment will be $140.42 for 57 months. Fixed interest rate: A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $150.30) and a 16.49% interest rate without Auto Pay (16.49% APR) would result in a total estimated payment amount of $34,886.94. Your actual repayment terms may vary. Other repayment options are available. The calculation assumes that the “in-school” period is 4 years (48 months) and includes our 9 month grace period, during which the monthly payment will be $137.42 for 57 months. 3.) These examples provide estimates based on fixed $25 payments while in school. Variable interest rate: A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $253.39) and a 16.85% interest rate without Auto Pay (14.92% APR) would result in a total estimated payment amount of $47,035.20. For a variable loan, after your starting rate is set, your rate will then vary with the market. Fixed interest rate: A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $246.61) and a 16.49% interest rate without Auto Pay (14.65% APR) would result in a total estimated payment amount of $45,814.80. Your actual repayment terms may vary. Other repayment options are available. The calculation assumes that the “in-school” period is 4 years (48 months) and includes our 9 month grace period, during which the monthly payment will be $25.00. 4.) These examples provide estimates based on deferred payments. Variable interest rate: A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $275.17) and a 16.85% interest rate without Auto Pay (14.67% APR) would result in a total estimated payment amount of $49,530.60. For a variable loan, after your starting rate is set, your rate will then vary with the market. Fixed interest rate: A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $268.03) and a 16.49% interest rate without Auto Pay (14.39% APR) would result in a total estimated payment amount of $48,245.40. Your actual repayment terms may vary. Other repayment options are available. It is important to note that the 0.25% Auto Pay discount is not available when the deferred repayment option has been selected and the loan is in the interim period. The calculation assumes that the “in-school” period is 4 years (48 months) and includes our 9 month grace period, during which the monthly payment will be $0. ⁷Nine-month grace period is not available for borrowers who choose our Principal and Interest Repayment plan while in school. ⁸To qualify for automatic cosigner release, the outstanding principal balance of your loan must be paid down to 50% or less of the original principal balance. The primary borrower must have made 36 months of required payments after the end of the Interim Period. The primary borrower must meet our eligibility and minimum credit requirements. Additional terms and conditions may apply. To request cosigner release, the primary borrower must have made 12 consecutive, monthly on-time principal and interest payments (or an amount equal thereto) immediately preceding the cosigner release application. The primary borrower must satisfy certain eligibility and credit criteria at the time of application. Additional terms and conditions may apply. ⁹Includes 0.50% combined Auto Pay and Loyalty discounts. Actual rate and available repayment terms will vary based on your financial profile. Fixed annual percentage rates (APR) range from 2.79% to 16.74% (2.29% - 16.24% with Auto Pay and Loyalty discounts). Variable annual percentage rates (APR) range from 5.24% to 17.1% (4.74% - 16.6% with Auto Pay and Loyalty discounts). Earnest variable interest rate student loans are based on a publicly available index, the 30-day Average Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The variable rate is based on the rate published on the 25th day, or the next business day, of the preceding calendar month, rounded to the nearest hundredth of a percent plus a margin and will change on the 1st of each month. The rate will not increase more than once a month, but there is no limit on the amount that the rate could increase at one time. Our lowest rates are only available for our most credit qualified existing cosigned loan borrowers who receive the 0.25% Loyalty discount and requires selection of our shortest term offered, full principal and interest payment while in school, and enrollment in our 0.25% Auto Pay discount. Enrolling in Auto Pay is not required as a condition for approval. Interest rates are subject to change. Earnest Private Student Loans are made by FinWise Bank, Member FDIC. FinWise Bank, 756 East Winchester, Suite 100, Murray, UT 84107. Earnest student loans are serviced by Earnest Operations LLC, 300 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Suite 340, Oakland, CA 94612. NMLS #1204917, with support from Higher Education Loan Authority of the State of Missouri (MOHELA) (NMLS# 1442770). FinWise Bank and Earnest LLC and its subsidiaries, including Earnest Operations LLC, are not sponsored by agencies of the United States of America. © 2026 Earnest LLC. All rights reserved.

1. Sallie Mae: Best Overall for Nursing Students

Sallie Mae offers a dedicated Health Professions Loan product designed specifically for students in nursing, medical, dental, and other health programs. This makes it the top pick for nursing students in 2026.

Why it stands out for nursing students: Sallie Mae's Health Professions Loan is built for students in clinical programs. It covers up to 100% of school-certified costs and offers multiple in-school repayment options, including deferred, interest-only, and fixed payment options.

Fixed APR range (graduate): 2.89% to 14.99%
Key feature: Health Professions Loan product tailored for nursing and medical students
Cosigner release: Available after 12 consecutive months of on-time principal and interest payments
Fees: No origination fees, no application fees, no prepayment penalties
Notable downside: Some borrowers report that customer service response times can be slower during peak periods

Read our full Sallie Mae Student Loan Review for more details.

2. College Ave: Best Grace Period for Health Professions

College Ave offers one of the longest grace periods available, which is especially valuable for nursing students who may need extra time to pass the NCLEX and start working after graduation.

Why it stands out for nursing students: College Ave provides a 9-month grace period for health professions students. That extra time beyond the standard 6 months can help new nurses get settled into their first position before loan payments begin.

Fixed APR range: 2.39% to 15.99%
Key feature: 9-month grace period for qualifying health professions students
Cosigner release: Available after 24 consecutive months of on-time principal and interest payments
Fees: No origination fees, no application fees, no prepayment penalties
Notable downside: The 24-month cosigner release timeline is longer than some competitors

College Ave also covers 100% of the cost of attendance (COA), so you can borrow enough to fill any gap left after federal aid.

Read our full College Ave Student Loan Review for more details.

3. Earnest: Best for Repayment Flexibility

Earnest stands out for its flexibility features, making it a strong choice for nursing students who want more control over their repayment schedule.

Why it stands out for nursing students: Earnest offers a skip-a-payment feature that lets you pause one payment every 12 months (after making at least your first 6 payments on time). For nurses who may face income fluctuations early in their careers, this is a meaningful safety net.

Fixed APR range: 2.89% to 16.49%
Key feature: Skip-a-payment option (once every 12 months) and a 9-month grace period
Cosigner release: Not available (cosigner remains on the loan for the full term)
Fees: Zero fees of any kind, including no origination, application, or late fees
Notable downside: No cosigner release option, which means your cosigner is committed for the life of the loan

Read our full Earnest Student Loan Review for more details.

4. SoFi: Best Member Benefits

SoFi pairs competitive rates with a suite of member benefits that go beyond the loan itself, making it appealing for nursing students who want long-term career and financial support.

Why it stands out for nursing students: SoFi offers career coaching, financial planning services, and unemployment protection at no extra cost. If you lose your job, SoFi may pause your payments and help you find a new position. For new nurses entering a competitive job market, these benefits add real value.

Fixed APR range: 3.23% to 15.99%
Key feature: Free career coaching, financial planning, and unemployment protection for all members
Cosigner release: Available after a minimum of 24 consecutive on-time payments (additional requirements apply)
Fees: No origination fees, no application fees, no late fees, no prepayment penalties
Notable downside: Autopay discount is required to access the lowest advertised rates

Read our full SoFi Student Loan Review for more details.

5. Ascent: Best for Borrowers Without a Cosigner

Ascent is the standout option for nursing students who do not have a cosigner. Its Outcomes-Based Loan uses your school, major, and graduation date to determine eligibility rather than requiring a cosigner or strong credit history.

Why it stands out for nursing students: Nursing students at accredited programs are strong candidates for Ascent's Outcomes-Based Loan because nursing graduates have high employment rates and solid starting salaries. This means even students without a cosigner or established credit may qualify.

Fixed APR range: 3.23% to 15.99%
Key feature: Outcomes-Based Loan that does not require a cosigner or credit history
Cosigner release: Available after 12 consecutive months of on-time payments (on cosigned loans)
Fees: Zero fees, including no origination fees, no application fees, and no late fees
Notable downside: The Outcomes-Based Loan is only available at select schools and for select majors

Read our full Ascent Student Loan Review for more details.

How to Choose the Right Loan for Your Nursing Program

The best loan for you depends on the type of nursing program you are in.

BSN students (4-year programs). You will likely rely heavily on federal Direct Loans for the first four years. If you need additional funding, Sallie Mae or College Ave are strong options because they cover 100% of school-certified costs and offer health-professions-specific terms.

ABSN students (accelerated 12-18 month programs). Accelerated programs are expensive per semester and often exceed federal loan limits quickly. Private loans become essential. Look at Earnest or SoFi for flexible repayment options, since you will be entering the workforce quickly and want a loan that works with your transition timeline.

MSN students. With Grad PLUS loans eliminated under the OBBBA, MSN students face a bigger gap between federal aid and total costs. Sallie Mae's Health Professions Loan is designed for this situation. Ascent's Outcomes-Based Loan is also worth exploring if you lack a cosigner.

DNP students. DNP programs can cost $100,000 to $160,000 and last 3 to 4 years. You may need to combine federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans with private loans from multiple lenders. Prioritize lenders with the lowest rates and longest grace periods, like College Ave.

For all program types, compare at least three lenders before borrowing. Use rate comparison tools to see your personalized rates without affecting your credit score. Create your free CollegeLens plan to see how student loans fit into your full college funding picture.

Nursing-Specific Loan Repayment Programs

Private student loans are not the only way to manage nursing school debt. Several repayment assistance programs exist specifically for nurses.

NURSE Corps Loan Repayment Program. Run by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), the NURSE Corps program pays up to 85% of qualifying nursing education debt in exchange for two years of service at a Critical Shortage Facility or as nursing faculty. This is one of the most generous repayment programs available.

State nursing loan repayment programs. Many states offer loan repayment assistance for nurses who work in underserved areas or at qualifying facilities. Programs vary by state, but some cover $10,000 to $40,000 or more in exchange for a service commitment. Check with your state's department of health or higher education agency for current offerings.

Hospital and employer repayment programs. Some hospitals and health systems offer student loan repayment assistance as an employment benefit. Amounts typically range from $2,000 to $10,000 per year. This is becoming more common as hospitals compete to recruit and retain nurses.

These programs are not private loans. They are complementary tools that can reduce your total repayment burden after graduation, regardless of which loans you use to pay for school.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can nursing students get special student loan rates?

Some lenders, like Sallie Mae, offer loan products specifically designed for health professions students, including nursing. These may come with features like extended grace periods or tailored repayment options. However, the interest rate you receive is still based on your credit profile and cosigner status, not your major.

How much can I borrow in private student loans for nursing school?

Most private lenders allow you to borrow up to 100% of the school-certified cost of attendance (COA). This includes tuition, fees, room and board, books, supplies, and other living expenses. The exact amount depends on the lender and your school's certification.

Do I need a cosigner for a nursing student loan?

Most undergraduate nursing students will need a cosigner to qualify for competitive rates. Ascent's Outcomes-Based Loan is an exception that does not require a cosigner. Graduate nursing students with established credit and income may qualify on their own with some lenders.

What is the best grace period for nursing student loans?

College Ave and Earnest both offer 9-month grace periods for qualifying borrowers. This is longer than the standard 6-month grace period offered by most lenders and gives new nurses more time to pass the NCLEX, find a job, and start earning before payments begin.

Can I use private student loans for an accelerated nursing program (ABSN)?

Yes. Private student loans can be used for any accredited nursing program, including accelerated BSN programs. Since ABSN programs are often more expensive per semester than traditional BSN programs, private loans are commonly used to fill the gap after federal aid.

Will taking out student loans affect my nursing license?

No. Student loan debt does not affect your ability to obtain or maintain a nursing license. However, defaulting on student loans can affect your credit score, which some employers may check during the hiring process.

Should I choose a fixed or variable rate for my nursing student loan?

Fixed rates stay the same for the life of the loan, which makes budgeting predictable. Variable rates may start lower but can increase over time. For nursing students who plan to repay loans over 5 to 15 years, a fixed rate is generally the safer choice because it protects you from rising interest rates.

Can I refinance my nursing student loans later?

Yes. Many of the lenders listed in this guide, including SoFi and Earnest, also offer student loan refinancing. Once you are working as a nurse with a steady income and good credit, refinancing can help you lower your interest rate. Be aware that refinancing federal loans into a private loan means you lose access to federal benefits like income-driven repayment and PSLF.

The Bottom Line

Nursing students have strong options for financing their education in 2026. Start with federal student loans and free aid like Pell Grants. When you need additional funding, compare private lenders based on rates, grace periods, cosigner release policies, and fees.

Sallie Mae is the best overall choice for nursing students because of its dedicated Health Professions Loan. College Ave offers the best grace period. Earnest provides the most repayment flexibility. SoFi adds valuable member benefits. Ascent is the best option if you do not have a cosigner.

After graduation, look into NURSE Corps and state loan repayment programs that can significantly reduce your debt in exchange for service.

Create your free CollegeLens plan to compare your federal and private loan options and build a complete funding strategy for your nursing program.

Sravani at CollegeLens