Chase Bank stopped offering new private student loans to borrowers in 2013, only a year after introducing the program. However, Chase still serviced private and federal loans for four more years.
In 2017, Chase Bank sold its $6.9 billion student loan portfolio to Navient, the largest student loan servicer at that time. Of that portfolio, $3.7 billion of loans were federal, and $3.2 billion were private. Since then, Chase Bank has also pulled out of the personal lending arena and redirected its attention to other consumer products, such as credit cards.
| Lender | Best for | Our rating |
| Dept. of Education | Federal student loans | Not rated |
| College Ave | Private student loans | 5/5 |
| Sallie Mae | Cosigners | 4.8/5 |
| SoFi® | Member benefits | 4.7/5 |
| Earnest | Large loans | 4.7/5 |
What if I already have Chase Bank student loans?
Borrowers who had Chase student loans when transferred to Navient are still responsible for repaying their debt. However, some changes have occurred for borrowers who owe money to Navient over the years.
Initially, borrowers received a notice in their mail or email detailing the transfer, including information about how to contact Navient and make payments. If you had a Chase student loan, your interest rates, repayment terms, and monthly payments should have remained the same. The only entity that changed was who you owed money to.
But five years after Chase sold its student loans to Navient, borrowers who owed money to Navient faced a new plot twist: Federal loan borrowers serviced by Navient had their debt balances transferred to another servicer, once again.
In January 2022, Navient sold its federal loan portfolio to Maximus, a government loan servicing company that operates through its loan servicing division, Aidvantage. The loans retained their terms (including the interest rate and repayment period) through the transfer.
Who is servicing my old Chase student loan now?
You may need to research your current loan servicer (here’s how). There are two main servicers that may own your old Chase student loans:
- Maximus. In 2021, Maximus announced it was taking over Navient’s U.S. Department of Education-owned student loan accounts, originally federal loans that Chase serviced.
- MOHELA. Some Chase customers took on federal student loans through the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP), which were passed onto Navient and didn’t go to Maximus. But in early 2024, Navient shed those loans to MOHELA.
Making matters more confusing, many Chase private student loans were owned by Conduent Education Services, formerly known as American Education Services, until they sold them to a number of student loan servicers around the country.
What is MOHELA?
MOHELA is one of the largest student loan servicers in the United States. It stands for the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority, although it’s also known as the Higher Education Loan Authority of the State of Missouri.
MOHELA is a partner of the U.S. Department of Education and services federal loans, but its reputation has suffered over the years. Critics and lawmakers have accused the company of being mismanaged and acting like a predatory loan service.
MOHELA came to service Chase’s student loans in a circuitous way. In 2017, Chase sold their loans to Navient, and in early 2024, Navient sold those loans to MOHELA.
How do I make payments on my Chase student loan?
You’ll make payments on your Chase student loan similar to how you’ll make payments on anything else you owe, provided you know who now services your Chase student loans—Maximus, MOHELA, or Conduent Education Services.
If you don’t feel up to contacting the three servicers to see if they have you listed as a borrower, you may want to check with the U.S. Department of Education. If the Chase student loans were also federal, call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-433-3243 and ask who owns your loans.
You can check with the U.S. Department of Education if you don’t know which of the three services manages your loans. If the Chase student loans were federal, call the
From there, the steps are generally as follows:
- Log onto your student loan servicer’s app or website. Or if you prefer, and depending on how the servicer handles payments, you might want to send a check in the mail or pay over the phone with a debit card.
- On the student loan servicer’s app or website, look for tabs that say “payment.”
- Make the payment.
If you don’t know who owns your private student loans, and with all of the selling and buying of private student loans, it is certainly possible to lose track of that information, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau recommends that you request a free credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com. That’s because private student lenders or servicers may report your loans to credit reporting agencies—even if you’re in school or your loan is in deferment.
Has my loan interest rate or terms changed after the transfer?
Your loan’s interest rate—whether fixed or variable—and terms, such as the repayment period, are unchanged. Chase no longer owns your Chase student loans, but the lender’s name is the only difference.
Other than visiting a different website or app to pay or mailing a check to another mailing address, it’s still business as usual.
While Navient owned Chase student loans from 2017 to 2024, the loan servicers currently owning Chase student loans are split between Maximus, MOHELA, and Conduent Education Services.
What should I do if I’m having trouble with my new loan servicer?
If you’re having trouble with your new loan servicer, you generally have two options, depending on what the trouble is:
Talk to your loan servicer.
If you have a student loan problem—for instance, making payments every month—you should ask your servicer for suggestions on how to solve it. If you, for instance, contacted Chase Student Loans, your original lender, they have nothing to do with your loan now, having sold their loan portfolio.
If you are having trouble making payments, you might ask about an income-driven repayment plan that could lower what you give the lender every month. You might suggest a loan deferment or forbearance. They are both payment strategies that allow you to temporarily stop making payments, but interest will likely accrue in both situations.
Talk to the Federal Student Aid Ombudsman
If you have a problem with your loan servicer—to the point that you aren’t getting any satisfaction and aren’t sure what to do—you may want to go to the U.S. Department of Education’s website and file a complaint with the Ombudsman Group, a resource designed to help resolve problems with federal student aid.
What if your student loans are with a private lender? Try contacting the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau by going to their website or calling them at 855-411-CFPB.
Does Chase still offer student loan refinancing?
Refinancing is when you turn your old student into a new one: Your old loan is immediately paid off, and you instantly have a new loan replacing it, one with better terms and conditions.
Granted, you can refinance with far worse terms and conditions, but if that’s the case, don’t refinance. Borrowers tend to refinance to do the following:
- Get a lower monthly payment
- Pay less in interest throughout the loan
- Secure more time to pay off the loan. For instance, you may want to pay the loan over 15 years instead of 10.
In other words, refinancing can help improve your loan terms—whatever that means for you. For some, refinancing could mean saving on interest. Others may pay more interest on a refinanced loan but have more time to pay it off or have smaller payments.
Unfortunately, Chase doesn’t offer refinancing for Chase student loans, since they are out of the student lending business and have sold those loans. (If your Chase student loans are owned by a different lender, that lender may allow you to refinance.)
Chase does offer refinancing for other loans, like home loans.
Can I refinance or consolidate my student loans from Chase?
You won’t be able to refinance or consolidate your student loans from Chase with Chase (they’re out of the student loan business), but you may with another student loan servicer.
For those unsure of the difference, a refinance is essentially a new loan, with better terms (such as a lower interest rate) that replaces your current one. A consolidation is when you take several loans, and the lender pays them all off and then you’re left owing one big loan. Some people feel it’s easier to pay off debt when it’s one loan, rather than several.
To refinance or consolidate student loans, lenders consider your credit history and income when deciding your eligibility and rate terms.
The requirements vary by lender, but most refi loans require the following:
- Good credit
- A strong income
- Possibly a creditworthy co-signer
If you’re ready to compare lenders, check out our picks for the best student loan refinance companies.
Generally, if you have federal student loans, it’s not advisable to refinance those with a lender that offers private loans. The terms tend to be much better with federal loans, and you may have more protections, such as loan forgiveness with the government, which you would likely lose with a private lender.
You also want to be careful about refinancing and especially consolidating loans. Consolidating loans is taking several loans and turning them into one manageable loan. That may be appealing—but if you don’t read the details carefully, you may later learn that you’re paying more in interest over the length of the loan than you initially realized.
Alternatives to Chase student loans
Chase Bank may be long out of the student loan business, but new student borrowers searching for loans to help fund their educational expenses have plenty of other alternatives. It’s always wise to first check your eligibility for federal loans since they offer many government-backed benefits in addition to competitive fixed rates.
Turning to private funding is the next step if you’ve exhausted your federal loan options (or don’t qualify). Here are our top recommendations for alternatives to Chase student loans.
| Lender | Best for | Our rating |
| Dept. of Education | Federal student loans | Not rated |
| College Ave | Private student loans | 5/5 |
| Sallie Mae | Cosigners | 4.8/5 |
| SoFi | Member benefits | 4.7/5 |
| Earnest | Large loans | 4.7/5 |
Federal student loans
When you’re trying to decide how to pay for college, federal student loans are always the first place to start. They generally have better interest rates and terms than what you’ll find with private student loans.
There are four different types of federal student loans:
- Direct Subsidized Loans. These are for undergraduate students with a clear financial need as determined by the FAFSA (The Free Application for Federal Student Aid). The government pays the interest while you are enrolled in school.
- Direct Unsubsidized Loans. These aren’t need-based. The government doesn’t pay any interest accrued during deferment and while you’re in school.
- Direct PLUS Loans. These are for parents of dependent undergraduate-level students enrolled at least half-time at an eligible school.
- Direct Consolidation Loans. This is a type of loan that typically comes later in the college borrowing experience after you’ve been paying loans for a while. It’s for borrowers who have several federal student loans and feel it would be easier to manage if they were all combined into one.
If you max out the amount of money you can borrow from the federal government and still find yourself coming up short, that’s when you should turn to private lenders.
College Ave
Why it’s a top Chase alternative
College Ave is an excellent alternative to Chase student loans, particularly for borrowers seeking flexibility and competitive rates. Known for its straightforward application process and customizable loan options, College Ave offers private student loans that allow you to tailor your repayment terms to fit your budget and financial goals.
Borrowers can choose between various repayment plans, including interest-only or deferred in-school payments and loan terms ranging from five to 15 years.
What sets College Ave apart is its commitment to transparency and customer service, much like what Chase customers might have appreciated. With a strong reputation for ease of use and flexible terms, College Ave is a top choice for those looking for a reliable and adaptable student loan provider.
Loan details
| Rates (APR) | 4.22% – 17.99% |
| Loan amounts | $1,000 – 100% of certified costs |
| Repayment terms | 5, 8, 10, or 15 years |
Sallie Mae
Why it’s a top Chase alternative
Sallie Mae is a terrific alternative for those who were considering Chase student loans, particularly for borrowers who may need a cosigner to qualify for the best rates.
Sallie Mae offers a wide range of private student loans with competitive interest rates and flexible repayment options. Adding a cosigner can benefit students or parents who need to boost their approval chances or secure a lower interest rate. Sallie Mae also offers a cosigner release option, allowing the cosigner to be removed from the loan after 12 consecutive on-time payments.
In addition to strong cosigner options, Sallie Mae provides resources and support similar to what Chase customers might expect, including financial tools and customer service, to help borrowers manage their loans. This makes Sallie Mae a strong contender for those seeking a familiar and supportive loan experience.
Loan details
| Rates (APR) | 3.99% – 15.70% |
| Loan amounts | $1,000 – 100% of certified costs |
| Repayment terms | 10 – 15 years |
SoFi
Why it’s a top Chase alternative
SoFi stands out as a strong alternative to Chase student loans, especially for borrowers interested in more than just a loan—those looking for a full-service bank offering financial and career benefits.
SoFi provides competitive student loan refinancing and private student loans with no fees, but the extensive member benefits set SoFi apart. These include access to financial planning and networking events, which can be valuable for recent graduates starting their careers. SoFi’s commitment to customer service and its user-friendly platform makes it an excellent choice for those who value Chase’s customer support and banking features.
SoFi also provides a seamless online application process and a range of repayment options, making it easy for borrowers to find a plan that works for them. The combination of financial products and extra perks makes SoFi an appealing option for those who want more than just a student loan.
Loan details
| Fixed Rates (APR) | 4.19% – 15.86% w/ all discounts |
| Loan amounts | $1,000 – 100% of certified costs |
| Repayment terms | 5, 7, 10, or 15 years |
Earnest
Why it’s a top Chase alternative
Earnest is a standout alternative for borrowers needing to take out large student loans or seeking maximum repayment flexibility.
Unlike many lenders, Earnest allows borrowers to customize their monthly payments and loan terms to match their financial situation and repayment goals, benefiting those with significant loan amounts. This customization is complemented by competitive interest rates and the ability to refinance federal and private student loans.
For those who appreciate Chase’s financial flexibility and customer-centric approach, Earnest offers a modern and responsive alternative. Earnest’s focus on large loan amounts, user-friendly platform, and strong customer service make it ideal for borrowers who need significant funding for their education and want to manage their repayment on their terms.
Loan details
| Rates (APR) | 4.17% – 16.85% |
| Loan amounts | $1,000 – 100% of certified costs |
| Repayment terms | 5, 7, 10, 12, or 15 years |
FAQ
Does Chase offer student loans?
No, Chase no longer offers student loans. In 2013, Chase exited the student loan business and transferred its student loans to other loan servicers, primarily Navient. If you had a student loan with Chase, another servicer is now managing it.
Can I still apply for Chase student loans?
No, you cannot apply for Chase student loans anymore. Because Chase discontinued its student loan program in 2013, the bank no longer provides new student loans. If you’re looking for student loan options, we recommend considering federal student loans and our list of the best private student loans.
Recap of Chase student loan alternatives
| Company | Best for… | Rating (0-5) |
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Terms & Disclosures
Information advertised valid as of 06/15/2026. Variable interest rates may increase after consummation. Approved interest rate will depend on creditworthiness of the applicant(s). All rates shown 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. College Ave Student Loan Servicing, LLC, NMLS#1263410 NMLS Consumer Access 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 |
Best for private student loans |
Terms & Disclosures
Information advertised valid as of 06/15/2026. Variable interest rates may increase after consummation. Approved interest rate will depend on creditworthiness of the applicant(s). All rates shown 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. College Ave Student Loan Servicing, LLC, NMLS#1263410 NMLS Consumer Access 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 |
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Terms & Disclosures
Borrow responsibly Loans for Undergraduate & Career Training Students are not intended for graduate students and are subject to credit approval, identity verification, signed loan documents, and school certification. Student must attend a participating school. Student or cosigner must meet the age of majority in their state of residence. Students who are not U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents must reside in the U.S., attend school in the U.S., and apply with a creditworthy cosigner (who must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident). Requested loan amount must be at least $1,000. 1. Loan application must be submitted to see available rates. 2. Although we do not charge you a penalty or fee if you prepay your loan, any prepayment will be applied as provided in your promissory note — first to Unpaid Fees and costs, then to Unpaid Interest, and then to Current Principal. 3. Based on a comparison of the percentage of students who were approved with a cosigner to the percentage of students who were approved without a cosigner from October 1, 2023 to September 30, 2024. 4. The borrower or cosigner must enroll in auto debit through Sallie Mae to receive a 0.25 percentage point interest rate reduction benefit. This benefit 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. 5. 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. 6. Savings comparison assumes a freshman student receives a $10,000 Smart Option Student Loan with the most common variable rate as of January 2025 and the longest loan term offered. 7. Examples of typical transactions for a $10,000 Smart Option Student Loan with the most common fixed rate, Fixed Repayment Option, two disbursements, a 4-year in-school period, and a 6-month grace: For a borrower with the shortest loan term, it works out to 16.16% fixed APR, 51 payments of $25.00, 119 payments of $296.32 and one payment of $41.82, for a total loan cost of $36,578.90. For a borrower with the longest loan term, it works out to 16.38% fixed APR, 51 payments of $25.00, 177 payments of $265.54 and one payment of $173.00, for a total loan cost of $48,448.58. 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 05/26/2026. ALLIE MAE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS, SERVICES, AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. CHECK SALLIEMAE.COM FOR THE MOST UP-TO-DATE PRODUCT INFORMATION. Sallie Mae loans are made by Sallie Mae Bank. |
Best for cosigners |
Terms & Disclosures
Borrow responsibly Loans for Undergraduate & Career Training Students are not intended for graduate students and are subject to credit approval, identity verification, signed loan documents, and school certification. Student must attend a participating school. Student or cosigner must meet the age of majority in their state of residence. Students who are not U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents must reside in the U.S., attend school in the U.S., and apply with a creditworthy cosigner (who must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident). Requested loan amount must be at least $1,000. 1. Loan application must be submitted to see available rates. 2. Although we do not charge you a penalty or fee if you prepay your loan, any prepayment will be applied as provided in your promissory note — first to Unpaid Fees and costs, then to Unpaid Interest, and then to Current Principal. 3. Based on a comparison of the percentage of students who were approved with a cosigner to the percentage of students who were approved without a cosigner from October 1, 2023 to September 30, 2024. 4. The borrower or cosigner must enroll in auto debit through Sallie Mae to receive a 0.25 percentage point interest rate reduction benefit. This benefit 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. 5. 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. 6. Savings comparison assumes a freshman student receives a $10,000 Smart Option Student Loan with the most common variable rate as of January 2025 and the longest loan term offered. 7. Examples of typical transactions for a $10,000 Smart Option Student Loan with the most common fixed rate, Fixed Repayment Option, two disbursements, a 4-year in-school period, and a 6-month grace: For a borrower with the shortest loan term, it works out to 16.16% fixed APR, 51 payments of $25.00, 119 payments of $296.32 and one payment of $41.82, for a total loan cost of $36,578.90. For a borrower with the longest loan term, it works out to 16.38% fixed APR, 51 payments of $25.00, 177 payments of $265.54 and one payment of $173.00, for a total loan cost of $48,448.58. 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 05/26/2026. ALLIE MAE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS, SERVICES, AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. CHECK SALLIEMAE.COM FOR THE MOST UP-TO-DATE PRODUCT INFORMATION. Sallie Mae loans are made by Sallie Mae Bank. |
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Best for member benefits |
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Terms & Disclosures
In-School Loans Disclosures
Earnest Private Student Loans are subject to credit approval. Before applying for private student loans, it’s best to maximize your other sources of financial aid first. It’s recommended to use a 3-step approach to assembling the funds you need: 1) Look for funds you don’t have to pay back, like scholarships, grants, and work-study opportunities. 2) Next, fill out a FAFSA® form to apply for federal student loans options. 3) Finally, consider a private student loan to cover any difference between your total cost of attendance and the amount not covered in steps 1 and 2. For more information, visit the Department of Education website at studentaid.gov.
Auto Pay Discount
You 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.
Cosigner Release
To 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.
Grace Period
Nine-month grace period is not available for borrowers who choose our Principal and Interest Repayment plan while in school.
Loan Cost Examples
Available 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.
Loan Minimum
Residents of Hawaii must request a loan of at least $1,501.
Repayment Terms and Options
Repayment terms and repayment options available vary based on loan type.
Skip a Payment
Earnest clients may skip a payment through a single, one-month forbearance during a 12 month period. Your first request to skip a pay can be made once you’ve made at least 6 months of consecutive on-time full principal and interest payments, and your loan is in good standing. The interest accrued during the skipped month will result in an increase in your remaining minimum payment. The final payoff date on your loan will be extended by the length of the skipped payment periods. Any unpaid accrued interest may capitalize (added to the principal balance) at the end of the forbearance period by adding unpaid accrued interest to the outstanding principal as permitted by law and the terms of the loan agreement. Please note that skipping a payment is not guaranteed and is at Earnest’s discretion. Your monthly payment and total loan cost may increase as a result of postponing your payment and extending your term.
No Fees
Earnest 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.
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.
Interest Rates Disclosure: |
Best for large loans |
Terms & Disclosures
In-School Loans Disclosures
Earnest Private Student Loans are subject to credit approval. Before applying for private student loans, it’s best to maximize your other sources of financial aid first. It’s recommended to use a 3-step approach to assembling the funds you need: 1) Look for funds you don’t have to pay back, like scholarships, grants, and work-study opportunities. 2) Next, fill out a FAFSA® form to apply for federal student loans options. 3) Finally, consider a private student loan to cover any difference between your total cost of attendance and the amount not covered in steps 1 and 2. For more information, visit the Department of Education website at studentaid.gov.
Auto Pay Discount
You 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.
Cosigner Release
To 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.
Grace Period
Nine-month grace period is not available for borrowers who choose our Principal and Interest Repayment plan while in school.
Loan Cost Examples
Available 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.
Loan Minimum
Residents of Hawaii must request a loan of at least $1,501.
Repayment Terms and Options
Repayment terms and repayment options available vary based on loan type.
Skip a Payment
Earnest clients may skip a payment through a single, one-month forbearance during a 12 month period. Your first request to skip a pay can be made once you’ve made at least 6 months of consecutive on-time full principal and interest payments, and your loan is in good standing. The interest accrued during the skipped month will result in an increase in your remaining minimum payment. The final payoff date on your loan will be extended by the length of the skipped payment periods. Any unpaid accrued interest may capitalize (added to the principal balance) at the end of the forbearance period by adding unpaid accrued interest to the outstanding principal as permitted by law and the terms of the loan agreement. Please note that skipping a payment is not guaranteed and is at Earnest’s discretion. Your monthly payment and total loan cost may increase as a result of postponing your payment and extending your term.
No Fees
Earnest 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.
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.
Interest Rates Disclosure: |
About our contributors
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Written by Geoff WilliamsGeoff Williams is a personal finance journalist specializing in all things personal finance, from cash flow to credit cards. An author of several books and a father of two daughters, Geoff especially enjoys exploring how good or bad money choices can affect your life.
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Edited by Amanda HankelAmanda Hankel is a managing editor at LendEDU. She has more than seven years of experience covering various finance-related topics and has worked for more than 15 years overall in writing, editing, and publishing.