If you’re comparing College Ave vs. SoFi student loans, you’ll find that both lenders offer competitive rates, flexible repayment options, and refinancing. But the better option depends on what you need.
Below, we compare rates, eligibility requirements, repayment features, and borrower benefits to help you decide which lender is the better fit.
Quick answer:
College Ave is generally better for private student loans, while SoFi is stronger for refinancing and borrower benefits. Both lenders offer competitive rates, flexible repayment options, and soft credit checks to preview rates.
Information advertised valid as of 05/04/2026. 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
Interest Rates: Eligibility and Important Details. Fixed rates range from 2.98% APR to 15.99% APR with 0.25% autopay discount. Variable rates range from 4.39% APR to 15.99% APR with a 0.25% autopay discount. Unless required to be lower to comply with applicable law, Variable Interest rates are capped at 17.95%. SoFi rate ranges are current as of 5/21/2026 and are subject to change at any time. Your actual rate will be within the range of rates listed above and will depend on the term and type of repayment option you select, evaluation of your creditworthiness, income, presence of a co-signer (if applicable) and a variety of other factors. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. Check out our eligibility criteria at https://www.sofi.com/eligibility-criteria/. For the SoFi variable-rate product, the variable interest rate for a given month is derived by adding a margin to the 30-day average SOFR index, published two business days preceding such calendar month, rounded up to the nearest one hundredth of one percent (0.01% or 0.0001). APRs for variable-rate loans may increase after origination if the SOFR index increases. Autopay Discount: The SoFi 0.25% autopay interest rate reduction requires you to agree to make monthly payments as outlined in your loan agreement by an automatic monthly deduction from a savings or checking account. This benefit will discontinue and be lost for periods in which you do not pay by automatic deduction from a savings or checking account. When the autopay interest rate deduction is added or removed, the next time the loan is re-amortized (quarterly for fixed rate loans; monthly for variable rate loans),the principal balance of your loan will be spread over the remaining loan term, and your monthly payment amount will change. This benefit is suspended during periods of deferment, grace period, or forbearance. Autopay is not required to receive a loan from SoFi.
Autopay Discount: The SoFi 0.25% autopay interest rate reduction requires you to agree to make monthly payments as outlined in your loan agreement by an automatic monthly deduction from a savings or checking account. This benefit will discontinue and be lost for periods in which you do not pay by automatic deduction from a savings or checking account. When the autopay interest rate deduction is added or removed, the next time the loan is re-amortized (quarterly for fixed rate loans; monthly for variable rate loans),the principal balance of your loan will be spread over the remaining loan term, and your monthly payment amount will change. This benefit is suspended during periods of deferment, grace period, or forbearance. Autopay is not required to receive a loan from SoFi.
0.125% Continuing Scholar Discount: Terms and conditions apply. Offer good for private student loan customers who have previously borrowed a private student loan from SoFi and are taking out a subsequent loan only, select a term and repayment type that is eligible for the discount, and is subject to lender approval. To receive the offer, you must: (1) complete a loan application with SoFi; and (2) meet SoFi’s underwriting criteria. Once conditions are met and the loan has been disbursed, the interest rate shown in the Final Disclosure Statement will include an additional 0.125% rate discount because you have borrowed a private student loan from SoFi in the past. Offer good for existing private student loan borrowers only. Offer cannot be combined with other rate discounts, with the exception of the 0.25% autopay rate discount. SoFi reserves the right to change or terminate the Rate Discount Program to unenrolled participants at any time with or without notice.
See link for more repayment examples, https://www.sofi.com/undergraduate-student-loans-rates/
The SoFi 0.25% autopay interest rate reduction requires payments by an automatic monthly deduction from a savings or checking account. This benefit is suspended during periods of non-payment through ACH, deferment and forbearance. Autopay is not required to receive a loan from SoFi.
SoFi Bank, N.A. and its lending products are not endorsed by or directly affiliated with any college or university unless otherwise disclosed.
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. We encourage you to evaluate all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs.
Terms and Conditions Apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. SoFi Private Student loansare subject to program terms and restrictions, such as completion of a loan application and self-certification form, verification of application information, thestudent’s at least half-time enrollment in a degree program at a SoFi-participating school, and, if applicable, a co-signer. In addition, borrowers must be U.S. citizens or other eligible status, be residing in the U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, or American Samoa, and must meet SoFi’s underwriting requirements, including verification of sufficient income to support your ability to repay. Not all repayment options may be available for all loans.Minimum loan amount is $1,000. See
SoFi.com/eligibility for more information. View payment examples. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers.SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is current as of 3/4/2026 and is subject to change. SoFi Private Student loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891. (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).
All bonuses will be paid to a SoFi Checking and Savings account. SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. Terms and conditions apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. Please note that any friend whom you’d like to refer must use your specific referral link to sign-up or apply for the product they want. Employees of Social Finance, LLC and its affiliates are not eligible to receive referral bonuses under the Bank Referral Program. Only one referral reward and one Welcome Bonus per new customer: you will not receive multiple referral bonuses for the same friend taking out multiple loans or products, nor will your friend receive multiple welcome bonuses for taking out multiple loans or products. Eligibility: SoFi Mortgage Loans are never eligible for the SoFi Referral Program. The Program is open to all members who reside outside of Vermont, who are of the legal age of majority in the state in which they reside. SoFi employees are not eligible to participate in this Program. See additional eligibility requirements per product in the Official Referral Program Rules <https://www.sofi.com/referral-program#official-rules>. Referral Cap: In no event will any person be entitled to receive more than $10,000 in cumulative referrals or welcome bonuses under The Referral Program within any calendar year. Referral Bonuses and Welcome Bonuses are each considered miscellaneous income and may be reportable to the IRS on Form 1099-MISC (or Form 1042-S, if applicable). Recipient is responsible for any applicable federal, state, or local taxes associated with receiving the bonus offer; consult your tax advisor to determine applicable tax consequences. Additional terms and conditions apply. See the Official Referral Program Rules <https://www.sofi.com/referral-program#official-rules> for details.
fixed apr
4.07% – 16.49%
4.44% – 14.88%ⓘ
w/ autopayvariable apr
5.59% – 16.85%
5.99% – 14.88%ⓘ
w/ autopayloan amounts
$1K – 100% of costs
$1K – 100% of costs
terms (yrs.)
5, 8, 10, or 15
5, 7, 10, or 15
cosigner release
After half the term
After 12 on-time payments
late fees
Yes
None
best for
Best Overall
Member Benefits
Table of Contents
- College Ave vs. SoFi (student loans)
- Rates, loan terms, and repayment
- Eligibility requirements
- Borrower benefits
- Customer reviews
- Scenarios
- Final verdict: College Ave vs. SoFi for private student loans
- SoFi vs. College Ave (refinance)
- Refinance rates and terms
- Eligibility
- Refinance scenarios
- Final verdict: College Ave vs. SoFi for student loan refinancing
- FAQ
College Ave vs. SoFi student loans: Which lender is better?
Both lenders offer private student loans for undergraduate, graduate, and private school education costs, including tuition, housing, and books. We’ll get into many factors below, but here are our quick big-picture findings:
- Best for flexible repayment → College Ave
- Best for refinancing → SoFi
- Best for member perks → SoFi
- Best for customizable terms → College Ave
Rates, loan terms, and repayment comparison
After several hours of research, we think College Ave’s private student loan terms are better than SoFi’s. College Ave stands out by offering more repayment terms, the ability to choose your term, and the ability to request a longer grace period.
| College Ave | SoFi | |
|---|---|---|
| Discounts | Autopay: 0.25% | Autopay: 0.25% |
| Fees | Late payment | None |
| Terms (years) | 5, 8, 10, or 15 | 5, 7, 10, or 15 years |
| In-school repayment options | 4 | 4 |
| Choose your term? | Yes | No |
| In-school and military deferment? | Yes | Yes |
| Deferment available? | Yes | Yes |
| Death discharge? | Yes | Yes |
| Disability discharge? | Yes | Yes |
| Grace period | Apply for an additional 6 months | Standard 6 months |
| Cosigner release | After half of repayment term | After 12 consecutive on-time monthly payments |
Eligibility requirements comparison
College Ave and SoFi have similar eligibility requirements but differ in a few ways.
| College Ave | SoFi | |
|---|---|---|
| Min. age | 16 | State age of majority (or cosigner who is the age of majority) |
| Academic requirements | Must meet school’s satisfactory academic progress (SAP) guidelines | None |
| Citizenship | Requires international students to have a Social Security number | Proof of permanent residency or valid non-permanent residency doc. |
| Allows students earning associate degree? | No (unless in final semester) | No |
Borrower benefits comparison
Both lenders have in-house customer service teams that can assist you with setting up your loan, but that’s where College Ave’s extra benefits end and SoFi’s begin.
SoFi has built a platform that aims to create a community for its members. This includes community events, such as workshops and social events.
| College Ave | SoFi | |
|---|---|---|
| In-house customer service team? | Yes | Yes |
| Financial planning? | No | Yes |
| Estate planning discounts? | No | Yes |
| Travel discounts? | No | Yes |
| Military benefits while on active duty? | No | Yes |
| Community events? | No | Yes |
| Members-only Facebook group? | No | Yes |
College Ave vs. SoFi customer reviews
We looked at College Ave’s and SoFi’s customer reviews on third-party sites.
Common complaints about College Ave
Borrowers most often mention billing issues and unsolicited mailings. Some reviewers also say customer service responses can be slow when resolving account or payment issues.
Common complaints about SoFi
Common complaints about SoFi include strict credit and income requirements, which can make approval difficult for those with limited finances. Some borrowers also report delays in customer support responses, particularly during high-volume periods.
Scenarios
We know you have plenty of information to digest and compare between these two lenders, so we’ve highlighted several scenarios in which one lender might be better than the other to help you decide.
| Scenario | Winner |
|---|---|
| You want to work with a lender that solely focuses on student loans | College Ave |
| You’re worried about missing a payment | SoFi |
| You value member benefits | SoFi |
| You want to choose your repayment term | College Ave |
If you want to work with a lender that solely focuses on student loans
College Ave specializes in student loans, offering a range of options tailored to student borrowers. Its expertise and focus in this area may provide a more targeted and comprehensive borrowing experience for those seeking student loan financing.
Winner
If you’re worried about missing a payment
SoFi is flexible compared to many other lenders. It doesn’t require borrowers to pay any additional fees, including late fees.
Winner
If you value member benefits
SoFi provides a range of member benefits beyond lending and banking. It has built a community of in-person and at-home social activities, plus several resources, including webinars, guides, and educational videos, to help you make better financial decisions and prepare for the future.
Winner
If you want to choose your repayment term
College Ave offers borrowers the flexibility to choose from multiple repayment term options, allowing them to tailor their loan repayment plan to better suit their financial situation and goals.
Winner
Final verdict: College Ave vs. SoFi for private student loans
After comparing both lenders’ private student loans, we view College Ave as the best option. In an analysis of several popular student loan lenders, we found that College Ave was the best overall.
If you’re ready to check your rates with College Ave, you can visit its website to get a quote now.
SoFi vs. College Ave student loan refinance comparison
fixed apr
5.24 – 9.99ⓘ
w/ autopay6.99% – 13.99%
variable apr
6.24 – 9.99ⓘ
w/ autopay6.99% – 13.99%
loan amounts
$5K+
$5K+
Great for
Cosigner Release
Best Direct Refinancing Lender
Refinance rates and terms comparison
SoFi is our choice as the lender with better refinance student loan rates and terms.
| College Ave | SoFi | |
|---|---|---|
| Fees | Late fee (after 15 days or more) | None |
| Allows parent loan transfers? | No | Yes |
| Repayment terms (yrs.) | 5 – 20 | 5, 7, 10, 15, or 20 |
| Forbearance | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months |
| Residency benefit | None | $100 monthly payments |
| Cosigner release? | Yes | No |
| Death discharge? | Yes | Yes |
| Disability discharge? | Yes | Yes |
For the average borrower, having more repayment terms to choose from gives you more control over the total cost of your loan. Plus, releasing your cosigner can remove the financial risk they’ve taken to help you get a loan.
However, if you think you may go back to school, are worried about a future disability, or are a medical or dental student who wants a reduced payment during residency, SoFi could be the better option.
Eligibility comparison
Based on available information, SoFi seems to be less strict with its eligibility requirements than College Ave.
| College Ave | SoFi | |
|---|---|---|
| Eligible states | All except Maine | All |
| International students eligible? | No | With eligible cosigner |
| Must have graduated? | Yes, associate degree or higher | Yes, associate degree or higher |
| See rates with a soft credit check? | Yes | Yes |
Neither lender discloses a minimum required credit score or income.
Refinance scenarios
If you’re still having trouble deciding which lender is best for you, check out the scenarios below to help with your decision.
If you want to choose your repayment term
College Ave offers borrowers the flexibility to select from a wide range of repayment terms, allowing them to tailor their loan repayment plan to suit their financial goals and circumstances.
Winner
If you have a balance of more than $300,000
SoFi stands out for borrowers with loan balances of more than $300,000. You can refinance the entire amount of your original loan, providing a better solution for your specific financial needs.
Winner
If you want to transfer a parent loan to a child
SoFi offers the unique option for parents to transfer the loan to their student and pass on financial responsibility.
Winner
If you want to release your cosigner from the loan
College Ave allows borrowers to release their cosigner from the loan. When they can assume full responsibility, they can relieve their cosigner of any future obligation.
Winner
If you value member benefits
SoFi’s community-building efforts for its members include in-person and at-home social activities and resources to empower them to learn the right information to help them make better financial decisions.
Winner
Final verdict: College Ave vs. SoFi for student loan refinancing
Considering all the information above, our choice between these two lenders for refinancing your student loans is SoFi.
SoFi has competitive rates and repayment terms, fair eligibility requirements, and several additional member benefits.
To check your rate with SoFi, visit its website now.
FAQ
Is College Ave or SoFi better for student loans?
College Ave is often the better choice for undergraduate borrowers who want flexible repayment terms. SoFi may be the better option if you plan to refinance later or want access to member benefits.
Is College Ave a good student loan lender?
Yes! In our view, College Ave is the best overall private student loan lender because of its customizable repayment terms, competitive rates, and straightforward application process.
How we rated College Ave and SoFi
We designed LendEDU’s editorial rating system to help readers find companies that offer the best student loans and student loan refinancing. Our system awards higher ratings to companies with affordable solutions, positive customer reviews, and online transparency of benefits and terms.
We compared College Ave and SoFi to several student loan lenders and refinance companies, using hundreds of data points from company websites, public disclosures, customer reviews, and direct communication with company representatives. We weighted, scored, and combined each factor to produce a final editorial rating. This rating is expressed on a scale from 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest possible score. Our take on each company is recapped below.
Information advertised valid as of 05/04/2026. 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
Interest Rates: Eligibility and Important Details. Fixed rates range from 2.98% APR to 15.99% APR with 0.25% autopay discount. Variable rates range from 4.39% APR to 15.99% APR with a 0.25% autopay discount. Unless required to be lower to comply with applicable law, Variable Interest rates are capped at 17.95%. SoFi rate ranges are current as of 5/21/2026 and are subject to change at any time. Your actual rate will be within the range of rates listed above and will depend on the term and type of repayment option you select, evaluation of your creditworthiness, income, presence of a co-signer (if applicable) and a variety of other factors. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. Check out our eligibility criteria at https://www.sofi.com/eligibility-criteria/. For the SoFi variable-rate product, the variable interest rate for a given month is derived by adding a margin to the 30-day average SOFR index, published two business days preceding such calendar month, rounded up to the nearest one hundredth of one percent (0.01% or 0.0001). APRs for variable-rate loans may increase after origination if the SOFR index increases. Autopay Discount: The SoFi 0.25% autopay interest rate reduction requires you to agree to make monthly payments as outlined in your loan agreement by an automatic monthly deduction from a savings or checking account. This benefit will discontinue and be lost for periods in which you do not pay by automatic deduction from a savings or checking account. When the autopay interest rate deduction is added or removed, the next time the loan is re-amortized (quarterly for fixed rate loans; monthly for variable rate loans),the principal balance of your loan will be spread over the remaining loan term, and your monthly payment amount will change. This benefit is suspended during periods of deferment, grace period, or forbearance. Autopay is not required to receive a loan from SoFi.
Autopay Discount: The SoFi 0.25% autopay interest rate reduction requires you to agree to make monthly payments as outlined in your loan agreement by an automatic monthly deduction from a savings or checking account. This benefit will discontinue and be lost for periods in which you do not pay by automatic deduction from a savings or checking account. When the autopay interest rate deduction is added or removed, the next time the loan is re-amortized (quarterly for fixed rate loans; monthly for variable rate loans),the principal balance of your loan will be spread over the remaining loan term, and your monthly payment amount will change. This benefit is suspended during periods of deferment, grace period, or forbearance. Autopay is not required to receive a loan from SoFi.
0.125% Continuing Scholar Discount: Terms and conditions apply. Offer good for private student loan customers who have previously borrowed a private student loan from SoFi and are taking out a subsequent loan only, select a term and repayment type that is eligible for the discount, and is subject to lender approval. To receive the offer, you must: (1) complete a loan application with SoFi; and (2) meet SoFi’s underwriting criteria. Once conditions are met and the loan has been disbursed, the interest rate shown in the Final Disclosure Statement will include an additional 0.125% rate discount because you have borrowed a private student loan from SoFi in the past. Offer good for existing private student loan borrowers only. Offer cannot be combined with other rate discounts, with the exception of the 0.25% autopay rate discount. SoFi reserves the right to change or terminate the Rate Discount Program to unenrolled participants at any time with or without notice.
See link for more repayment examples, https://www.sofi.com/undergraduate-student-loans-rates/
The SoFi 0.25% autopay interest rate reduction requires payments by an automatic monthly deduction from a savings or checking account. This benefit is suspended during periods of non-payment through ACH, deferment and forbearance. Autopay is not required to receive a loan from SoFi.
SoFi Bank, N.A. and its lending products are not endorsed by or directly affiliated with any college or university unless otherwise disclosed.
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. We encourage you to evaluate all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs.
Terms and Conditions Apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. SoFi Private Student loansare subject to program terms and restrictions, such as completion of a loan application and self-certification form, verification of application information, thestudent’s at least half-time enrollment in a degree program at a SoFi-participating school, and, if applicable, a co-signer. In addition, borrowers must be U.S. citizens or other eligible status, be residing in the U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, or American Samoa, and must meet SoFi’s underwriting requirements, including verification of sufficient income to support your ability to repay. Not all repayment options may be available for all loans.Minimum loan amount is $1,000. See
SoFi.com/eligibility for more information. View payment examples. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers.SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is current as of 3/4/2026 and is subject to change. SoFi Private Student loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891. (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).
All bonuses will be paid to a SoFi Checking and Savings account. SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. Terms and conditions apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. Please note that any friend whom you’d like to refer must use your specific referral link to sign-up or apply for the product they want. Employees of Social Finance, LLC and its affiliates are not eligible to receive referral bonuses under the Bank Referral Program. Only one referral reward and one Welcome Bonus per new customer: you will not receive multiple referral bonuses for the same friend taking out multiple loans or products, nor will your friend receive multiple welcome bonuses for taking out multiple loans or products. Eligibility: SoFi Mortgage Loans are never eligible for the SoFi Referral Program. The Program is open to all members who reside outside of Vermont, who are of the legal age of majority in the state in which they reside. SoFi employees are not eligible to participate in this Program. See additional eligibility requirements per product in the Official Referral Program Rules <https://www.sofi.com/referral-program#official-rules>. Referral Cap: In no event will any person be entitled to receive more than $10,000 in cumulative referrals or welcome bonuses under The Referral Program within any calendar year. Referral Bonuses and Welcome Bonuses are each considered miscellaneous income and may be reportable to the IRS on Form 1099-MISC (or Form 1042-S, if applicable). Recipient is responsible for any applicable federal, state, or local taxes associated with receiving the bonus offer; consult your tax advisor to determine applicable tax consequences. Additional terms and conditions apply. See the Official Referral Program Rules <https://www.sofi.com/referral-program#official-rules> for details.
fixed apr
4.07% – 16.49%
4.44% – 14.88%ⓘ
w/ autopayvariable apr
5.59% – 16.85%
5.99% – 14.88%ⓘ
w/ autopayloan amounts
$1K – 100% of costs
$1K – 100% of costs
terms (yrs.)
5, 8, 10, or 15
5, 7, 10, or 15
cosigner release
After half the term
After 12 on-time payments
late fees
Yes
None
best for
Best Overall
Member Benefits
Related articles
About our contributors
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Written by Melody Stampley, CEPF®Melody Stampley is a personal finance writer and Certified Educator in Personal Finance® with 10-plus years of combined experience in writing, editing, and finance. She specializes in credit, loans, budgeting, saving, and insurance. Melody is a mother who enjoys helping others become free and empowered to show younger generations good stewardship practices.
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Edited by Kristen Barrett, MATKristen Barrett is a managing editor at LendEDU. She lives in Cincinnati, Ohio, with her wife and their pack of senior rescue dogs. She has edited and written personal finance content since 2015.