Lender reviews

· 6 guides

Lender reviews

Read straightforward reviews of student loan lenders, product terms, and borrower tradeoffs.

Articles in this topic

6 articles

Citizens Bank Student Loan Review 2026

A factual review of Citizens Bank student loans for 2026, covering interest rates, the 0.50% combined loyalty and autopay discount, multi-year approval, medical residency refinancing, and how Citizens compares to other private lenders.

Apr 23, 2026 · By CollegeLens Team

Ascent Student Loan Review 2026

A factual review of Ascent student loans for 2026, covering the unique Outcomes-Based Loan, DACA eligibility, zero-fee policy, 12-month cosigner release, and how Ascent compares to other private lenders.

Apr 23, 2026 · By CollegeLens Team

College Ave Student Loan Review 2026

A factual review of College Ave student loans for 2026, covering interest rates, fees, the industry-leading 36-month medical school grace period, cosigner release policy, and how College Ave compares.

Apr 23, 2026 · By CollegeLens Team

Earnest Student Loan Review 2026

A factual review of Earnest student loans for 2026, covering interest rates, zero-fee policy, 9-month grace period, skip-a-payment feature, and how Earnest compares to other private lenders.

Apr 23, 2026 · By CollegeLens Team

SoFi Student Loan Review 2026

A factual review of SoFi student loans for 2026, covering interest rates, zero-fee policy, loan types, cosigner release, career coaching benefits, and how SoFi compares to other private lenders.

Apr 23, 2026 · By CollegeLens Team

Sallie Mae Student Loan Review 2026

A factual review of Sallie Mae student loans for 2026, covering current interest rates, fees, loan types, cosigner release policy, repayment options, and how Sallie Mae compares to other private lenders.

Apr 23, 2026 · By CollegeLens Team

Compare schools

Compare aid offers, net cost, and borrowing pressure across schools more clearly.

Start with: How to Compare College Financial Aid Offers Without Getting Overwhelmed →

Reduce your gap

Find the next non-borrowing move that can reduce what you still need to cover.

Start with: What to Do When Your Financial Aid Package Isn't Enough →

Understand borrowing

Learn how federal and private borrowing work before you make a decision.

Start with: Federal vs. Private Student Loans: What Every Student Should Understand Before Choosing →

Private loan research

Research lender features, rates, and borrower protections when you are ready.

Start with: Questions to Ask Before You Compare Student Lenders →