Private loan research

Asking a Parent vs. Grandparent to Cosign

Apr 21, 2026 · By Sravani Atluri

Best Private Student Loans for Graduate Students

Compare private student loan lenders for graduate students with higher borrowing limits, deferred repayment options, and competitive rates.

Apr 21, 2026 · By Sravani Atluri

Can You Use Private Loans for Living Expenses?

Apr 21, 2026 · By Sravani Atluri

Documents You Need to Apply for a Private Student Loan

Get the complete checklist of documents needed to apply for a private student loan, from school certification to income verification.

Apr 21, 2026 · By Sravani Atluri

How Private Student Loan Disbursement Works

Understand the timeline from private student loan approval to disbursement, including the 30-day first-time borrower delay.

Apr 21, 2026 · By Sravani Atluri

How to Use a Student Loan Marketplace to Compare Offers

Apr 21, 2026 · By Sravani Atluri

In-School Repayment Options for Private Student Loans

Apr 21, 2026 · By Sravani Atluri

Private Loan Certification: What Your School's Role Is

Apr 21, 2026 · By Sravani Atluri

Private Loans for Community College Students

Apr 21, 2026 · By Sravani Atluri

Private Student Loan Fees You Might Not Expect

Apr 21, 2026 · By Sravani Atluri

Private Student Loan Forgiveness: Does It Exist?

Apr 21, 2026 · By Sravani Atluri

Private Student Loan Repayment Plans After Graduation

Apr 21, 2026 · By Sravani Atluri

Private Student Loans for International Students

Find private student loan lenders that accept non-U.S. citizens, visa requirements, cosigner expectations, and rates for international students.

Apr 21, 2026 · By Sravani Atluri

Private Student Loans for Part-Time Students

Apr 21, 2026 · By Sravani Atluri

What Happens If You Default on a Private Student Loan

Learn the timeline from missed payment to default on a private student loan, including collections, lawsuits, and recovery options.

Apr 21, 2026 · By Sravani Atluri

When to Refinance a Private Student Loan

Know the right time to refinance your private student loan based on rate drops, credit score improvements, and cosigner release goals.

Apr 21, 2026 · By Sravani Atluri

How to Prequalify for a Private Student Loan (Soft Pull)

Apr 20, 2026 · By Sravani Atluri

How Your Credit Score Affects Private Loan Rates

Apr 20, 2026 · By Sravani Atluri

Private Student Loans Without a Cosigner: Your Options

Apr 20, 2026 · By Sravani Atluri

Earnest vs. SoFi Private Student Loans Compared

Earnest and SoFi both offer competitive private student loans with unique perks — here is how they compare on rates, flexibility, and borrower benefits.

Apr 15, 2026 · By Sravani Atluri

Fixed vs. Variable Student Loan Rates: How to Choose

Fixed rates stay the same. Variable rates start lower but can rise. Here is how to decide which type is right for your student loan.

Apr 15, 2026 · By Sravani Atluri

How Cosigner Release Works on Private Student Loans

Most private student loan cosigners can apply for release after 12 to 48 months of on-time payments — here is how the process works and what each lender requires.

Apr 15, 2026 · By Sravani Atluri

How Much Should You Borrow in Private Student Loans?

Private student loans should only cover the gap after grants, scholarships, and federal loans — here is how to calculate exactly how much you need to borrow.

Apr 15, 2026 · By Sravani Atluri

Parent Loans: Private Parent Loan vs. Parent PLUS

Parent PLUS loans and private parent loans serve the same purpose but differ in rates, credit requirements, and repayment options — here is how to choose.

Apr 15, 2026 · By Sravani Atluri

Private Student Loan Interest Rates in 2026

Private student loan rates range from 4.5% to 14% in 2025-26. Your credit score, cosigner, and lender choice determine your rate.

Apr 15, 2026 · By Sravani Atluri

Sallie Mae vs. College Ave: Private Loan Comparison

Sallie Mae and College Ave are two of the most popular private student loan lenders — this side-by-side comparison covers rates, fees, repayment options, and perks.

Apr 15, 2026 · By Sravani Atluri

What Cosigners Risk on a Private Student Loan

Cosigning a private student loan means taking on full legal responsibility for the debt — here is what that means for your credit, finances, and future borrowing.

Apr 15, 2026 · By Sravani Atluri

How to Compare APR, Cosigners, and Repayment on Private Student Loans

Rate comparisons are a starting point, not the whole picture. Here's how to read a private loan offer the right way.

Apr 9, 2026 · Resource guide

Questions to Ask Before You Compare Student Lenders

Before you open a single lender comparison page, make sure you can answer these questions — they'll save you from comparing the wrong things.

Apr 9, 2026 · Resource guide

What to Look for Before Applying for a Private Student Loan

Most students focus on getting approved. The smarter focus is on what happens after — and whether these terms work for you long-term.

Apr 9, 2026 · Resource guide