ELFI Student Loans and Refinancing Review

Best Student Loan Advisors

4.5 _/5

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Private Student Loans

• Student loans for undergraduates, graduates, and parents
• Choose between in-school repayment and deferred payments
• Speak with a dedicated student loan advisor
• Check your rates without impacting your credit score

• Must be enrolled at least half-time
• Doesn’t disclose how long it’ll take before a cosigner can be released

Rates (APR)	3.98% – 14.22%
Loan amounts	$1,000 – 100% of certified costs
Repayment terms	5 – 15 years
Min. credit score	680

Refinance Student LoansView Rates

• Refinancing solutions for students and parents
• Speak with a dedicated student loan advisor
• Check your rate without impacting your credit score

• Must have earned a Bachelor’s degree or higher
• High minimum loan amount compared to other lenders
• Cosigners can’t be released from the loan

Rates (APR)	5.28% – 8.99%
Loan amounts	$10,000 – 100% of outstanding balance
Repayment terms	5, 7, 10, 15, or 20 years
Min. credit score	680

ELFI offers private student loans and student loan refinancing options. It stands out to us because of the personalized service it provides. ELFI assigns a student loan advisor to each applicant to ensure they have the knowledge they need to manage their student loans.

This dedicated service is what earns ELFI our best student loans advisors designation. Here’s why we recommend ELFI, particularly if personalized service is important to you.

ELFI’s private student loans

We’re impressed with ELFI’s level of customer service and the variety of loans available, but its stringent eligibility criteria and lack of a cosigner release policy hinders its competitiveness.

Rates, terms, and more

ELFI’s private student loan terms, features, and rates are similar across its undergraduate, graduate, and parent loans. 

This includes the fixed and variable APRs, the in-school repayment plans, and the absence of cosigner release. All these common features are listed below:

Feature	Details
Fixed rates (APR)	From 4.48
Variable rates (APR)	4.98 – 18.00
Rate discounts	Autopay discount integrated into rate
Loan amounts	$1,000 – 100% of school-certified costs
In-school repayment plans	Immediate principal + interest, interest-only, $25 fixed, or deferred
Repayment terms	5, 7, 10, or 15 years
Grace period	6 months
Repayment assistance	Forbearance up to 12 months for financial hardship or medical difficulty
Cosigner release	None
Fees	No application or origination fees, and no prepayment penalty. Fees for late or returned payments.
Unique features	When you apply, you’ll get a student loan advisor, an expert who walks you through the application process and answers questions.

Health care, law school, and MBA student loans

ELFI’s specialized graduate loan offerings for health care, law school, and MBA students come with a slight twist. 

They share most of the common features we mentioned above, but their minimum loan amount is $10,000—higher than many lenders’ minimums for their specialized loans (College Ave, for example, has a $1,000 minimum).

Term	Detail
Loan amounts	$10,000 – 100% school certified costs

Parent loan

ELFI’s parent loans also follow the shared terms, with the exception of fewer repayment terms:

Term	Detail
Repayment terms	5, 7, or 10 years

Tennessee Lending Program for Teachers and Nurses 

As a Tennessee-based program, ELFI offers a specialized product for those studying in a nursing or teaching undergraduate or graduate program in the state, called the Tennessee Lending Program for Teachers and Nurses. 

These loans have terms and features distinct from ELFI’s standard private student loans, including fixed rates only and one repayment term of 10 years. 

Term	Details
Undergrad loan amounts	$1,000 – $10,000
Grad loan amounts	$1,000 – $15,000
Repayment terms	10 years

Who’s eligible for ELFI private student loans?

To be eligible for ELFI private student loans, borrowers must meet specific criteria. These can vary by loan type, but the majority remain consistent. 

ELFI advises borrowers to consider cosigners for their loans. ELFI doesn’t offer specifics on how many borrowers have a cosigner, but a creditworthy cosigner can increase your chances of loan approval and help you secure a lower interest rate.

Let’s delve into the requirements for each type of loan ELFI offers:

Undergraduate eligibility requirements

Requirement	Details
Citizenship	Borrower and cosigner must be U.S. citizen or permanent resident without conditions and with proper evidence of eligibility
State of residence	All 50 states and Puerto Rico
Minimum age	The borrower and cosigner must be at least the age of majority at the time of loan application
Enrolled school	Must be enrolled at an eligible school. Check the list here.
Enrollment status	At least half-time in a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree-granting program and must meet your school’s satisfactory academic progress (SAP) guidelines
Minimum credit score	680; minimum credit history of 36 months; additional factors, such as financial history, credit history and debt-to-income ratio, factor into approval
Minimum income	$35,000

Graduate, health care, law school, and MBA student loan eligibility requirements

These loans share the same eligibility requirements as the undergraduate loans, except students must be enrolled in the specific degree program at an eligible school. 

For example, you must be pursuing a master’s or doctorate degree to obtain a graduate loan or a law degree for a law school loan.

Parent loan eligibility requirements

Parent loan eligibility also follows the general undergraduate loan requirements, but the borrower must meet additional qualifying dependent requirements. 

Parent loan requirements	Details
Relationship to student	The borrower must be the mother, father, stepmother, stepfather, adoptive mother or father, foster mother or father, grandmother or grandfather, brother or sister, half-brother or half-sister, stepbrother or stepsister, aunt or uncle of the dependent student
Residency requirement	Dependent student (including prospective students) must have shared a “principal place of abode” (a place of residence) with borrower for more than half of the taxable year
Age of dependent	The dependent student is younger than the borrower and (a) has not turned 19 before the end of the calendar year in which the loan is made, or (b) is a student that has not turned 24 in the same period
Financial support	The dependent student has not provided more than half of their own support during the calendar year the loan is made
Citizenship of dependent	Unless the dependent student is adopted, the dependent student is a U.S. citizen, national, or resident , or a resident of a country contiguous to the U.S.

Tennessee Lending Program for Teachers and Nurses eligibility requirements

The Tennessee Lending Program for Teachers and Nurses also has unique eligibility requirements. Here are the details that differ from the other private student loans:

Students must be enrolled as an undergraduate junior or senior year or graduate student in an eligible program at one of these institutions:

• Lee University – Cleveland, TN
• Tennessee Technological University – Cookeville, TN
• University of Tennessee – Chattanooga, TN
• Tennessee State University – Nashville, TN
• University of Tennessee – Knoxville, TN
• Bryan College – Dayton, TN
• Johnson University – Knoxville, TN

In addition, your income cannot exceed 80% of the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council’s median family income for the county where you attend school for the following colleges:

• Lee University – Cleveland, TN (Bradley County)
• University of Tennessee – Chattanooga, TN (Hamilton County)
• Tennessee Technological University – Cookeville, TN (Putnam County)

How do you repay private student loans from ELFI?

Repaying private student loans from ELFI depends on the terms you choose and the type of loan. Whether it’s an undergraduate, graduate, or parent loan, ELFI offers varied repayment terms to meet different financial circumstances. 

When does repayment begin?

A crucial factor in determining when repayment begins is the selected in-school repayment plan. ELFI provides options that allow for borrowers to make payments while in school or defer them until after graduation. 

If you elect to make payments while in school, in-school payment amounts begin shortly after your loan funds are disbursed and continue through the six-month grace period after graduation or leaving school. 

If you choose to make less than full principal-plus-interest payments while in school, full payments begin after the grace period.

Here are the in-school repayment options ELFI offers:

In-school repayment options	Details
Immediate repayment	Full payments (principal and interest) begin shortly after the loan is disbursed
Interest-only repayment	Interest-only payments are due while in school and during the grace period
Fixed repayment	Make fixed $25 payments while in school and during the grace period
Deferred repayment	No payments are due while in school or during the grace period (interest continues to accrue)

How long does repayment last?

The length of repayment hinges on the repayment term you choose and the loan type. You’ll select a repayment term when you apply, and ELFI will allow you to pay off the loan early without a prepayment penalty. 

The repayment term chosen can affect the monthly payments and total costs, with a longer term leading to lower monthly payments but a higher total loan cost due to accrued interest.

The following table shows the repayment terms for each type of ELFI student loan:

Type of loan	Repayment term
Undergraduate loans	5, 7, 10, or 15 years
Graduate loans	5, 7, 10, or 15 years
Parent loans	5, 7, or 10 years
Tennessee Lending Program	10 years

Are there repayment assistance programs?

Repayment assistance programs can support borrowers who face financial difficulty in meeting their loan obligations. They aren’t uncommon among student loan lenders, providing flexible options to reduce or postpone payments. 

However, these programs could increase the cost of the loan due to accrued interest and may hurt your credit if not managed appropriately.

ELFI offers one repayment assistance program to borrowers—forbearance for up to 12 months. This allows borrowers to postpone payments during financial hardship or medical difficulties.

Remember, each program’s suitability will depend on the borrower’s unique financial situation. We advise discussing these options with ELFI to understand their implications

Read More

Here are our picks for the best private student loans

Our take on ELFI’s refinance student loans

Our evaluation is based on comprehensive editorial research into student loan refinance products. Each company earns a unique best-for designation, ensuring no two companies share the same title. 

We deem ELFI’s refinance student loans best for personalized support because all borrowers are assigned a Student Loan Advisor that can help them throughout the application process.

This unique benefit, paired with competitive rates and high-quality customer service, earns ELFI a high rating. 

Rates, terms, and more

With its competitive rates and unique features, ELFI stands strong in the student loan refinance market. Below are the details of the terms it offers for its student loan refinance product:

Term	Details
Fixed rates (APR)	Starting at 5.08%
Variable rates (APR)	5.28% – 9.95%
Rate discounts	Autopay discount is integrated into the approved interest rate
Loan amounts	From $10,000
Repayment terms	5, 7, 10, 15, and 20 years
Repayment assistance	Up to 12 months forbearance for financial hardship or medical difficulty
Cosigner release	Not available on new loans, but cosigners can be released when refinancing a loan
Fees	No application or origination fees, or prepayment penalty; late fee of 5% or $50 (whichever is less); $30 for returned payments
Unique features	Personal student loan advisor for application process; $400 referral program; parents can transfer Parent PLUS loans to student; students can consolidate several private student loans and parent loans into one loan with parent as cosigner

Who’s eligible to refinance student loans with ELFI?

The path to refinancing student loans with ELFI is clear as long as you meet certain requirements. Accepting and recommending cosigners, ELFI caters to a diverse range of borrowers. Here’s a rundown of the eligibility criteria:

Requirement	Details
Citizenship	Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien without conditions and with proper evidence of eligibility.
Age	Must be at least the age of majority at the time of loan application.
State of residence	All 50 states and Puerto Rico
Graduation status	Must have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a Title IV U.S.-domiciled not-for-profit college or university.
Minimum credit score	680 and at least 36 months of credit history
Minimum income	$35,000

How do you repay ELFI refinanced student loans?

Repaying a refinance student loan from ELFI is a clear-cut process. However, repayment terms can vary, depending on factors such as loan type and individual financial circumstances. This variability allows for a tailored approach to meet different borrowers’ needs.

When does repayment begin?

The commencement of loan repayment depends on the specific terms of the refinanced loan. Borrowers have flexibility in selecting their repayment plan and term, but certain factors lie outside their control. 

For example, the initial disbursement of the loan can influence when the first payment is due. According to ELFI, it can take 30 to 45 days for your new loan to pay off the loans you’re refinancing.

How long does repayment last?

Repayment options range from five to 20 years, and the borrower chooses the term when applying.

Longer terms typically result in lower monthly payments but increase the total amount paid over the life of the loan due to the accumulation of interest. However, ELFI offers the flexibility to pay off loans early without penalty, providing an opportunity to save on interest costs.

Are there repayment assistance programs?

Repayment assistance programs, designed to offer financial relief to borrowers under hardship, are a common feature among student loan lenders. ELFI’s assistance program allows up to 12 months forbearance for financial hardship or medical difficulty. 

These programs can affect the overall cost of the loan and the borrower’s credit but offer a lifeline in times of need. Interest continues to accrue and is added to the loan balance once the forbearance period ends. 

Does ELFI offer unique refinance student loans?

ELFI recognizes that borrowers come with unique circumstances and needs. Hence, it offers a parent loan refinance option, designed for parents who have taken out loans to finance their child’s education. This product helps streamline multiple loans into one convenient payment, potentially at a lower rate.

This refinance option comes with unique features and benefits, allowing parents to ease their financial burden and achieve their financial goals. Here are the details of this loan:

Terms	Parent refinance loan
Loan amounts	From $10,000, no maximum for well-qualified borrowers
Repayment terms	5, 7, or 10 years

Eligibility for the parent refinance loan is the same as ELFI’s student refinance loan. Note that the parent must have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a Title IV U.S.-domiciled not-for-profit college or university.

Read More

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How can ELFI improve its student loans?

ELFI has several areas where it could improve.

Area for improvement	Lender to consider instead
ELFI requires at least a bachelor’s degree to refinance	Citizens Bank offers refinancing after 12 qualifying payments after leaving school, even without a degree
ELFI’s minimum loan amount is $10,000 for specialty grad degrees	College Ave offers loan amounts starting at $1,000 and refinancing amounts at $5,000
ELFI does not offer cosigner release	Sallie Mae allows cosigner release after 12 on-time payments and LendKey offers release after 24 on-time payments

How have ELFI student loans evolved over the years?

ELFI has grown and adapted since its inception to better meet the needs of borrowers. 

• December 2015: The company was launched, steered by a senior management team with more than 30 years of experience in the student loan industry. The initial focus was to offer student loan refinance products nationwide through an automated, state-of-the-art online loan origination system.
• September 2019: ELFI expanded its product line to include private student loans for undergraduates, graduate students, and parents. This expansion broadened the company’s reach, allowing it to serve a wider range of clients and meet diverse financing needs.
• June 2022: ELFI introduced a lending program in June 2022 for Teachers and Nurses in Tennessee. This program exhibits ELFI’s dedication to supporting essential professions and fostering community development.

Is ELFI a reputable lender?

Source	Rating	Number of reviews
Trustpilot	4.9/5	2,100
BBB	A+ rating	0

Data collected July 31, 2023

When it comes to evaluating the reputation of a lender, customer reviews offer a wealth of insights. On Trustpilot, a platform that empowers consumers with an open platform for sharing reviews, ELFI earns a nearly perfect score of 4.9 out of 5 stars, based on more than 2,100 reviews. 

The predominant theme among these reviews is the smooth application and loan servicing process, with many customers specifically lauding the assistance of the assigned loan advisor.

ELFI’s lack of reviews or complaints on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) site is not necessarily a negative. While ELFI is not BBB-accredited, it maintains an A+ rating. 

BBB accreditation does not guarantee a business’s reliability or performance—it just means the company meets certain standards and is willing to resolve customer complaints.

Does ELFI have a customer service team?

When it comes to loan management and repayment, ELFI relies on third-party loan servicers, specifically American Education Services (AES) and the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority (MOHELA). 

After accepting a loan, the borrower sets up an account with the designated loan servicer, which handles all matters related to monthly payments and loan management. This integrated process ensures that borrowers receive professional support throughout the loan life cycle, whether for private student loans or refinancing.

ELFI also maintains an in-house customer service team to assist with the loan application process and answer queries. Here’s how to get in touch with the ELFI customer service team:

• Call or text: 1-844-601-ELFI (3534)
• Email: [email protected]
• Chat on ELFI’s website
• Fax: 865-670-3701
• Hours (Eastern time):
  • Monday – Thursday: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
  • Friday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Saturday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Mailing address: 12700 Kingston Pike, Farragut, TN 37934

How to apply for an ELFI student loan

Compared to other student loan companies, ELFI’s application process for student loans is straightforward and user-friendly. It’s online, minimizing paperwork, and your assigned student loan advisor assists you at every stage. 

Below is a guide to navigate the application process:

1. Collect necessary documents: You’ll need pay stubs from the last 30 days (if employed) and a government-issued identification. If you have a cosigner, they should provide similar documents.
2. Prequalify for a loan: This initial step requires a soft credit check, which doesn’t hurt your credit score. However, remember prequalification does not guarantee the final loan offer.
3. Submit your application online: Complete the application process in minutes.
4. Wait for school certification: ELFI sends your loan information to your school for verification. The school verifies your enrollment, academic progress, and financial aid package.
5. Accept your loan terms: Once your loan amount is certified, complete your application by accepting your loan terms.
6. Funds are sent to your school: ELFI will send the funds to your school on your behalf.

Remember, a cosigner is not a requirement, but it can enhance your chances of obtaining a loan, especially if you have limited credit history and income. We advise starting your application before the beginning of an academic year or semester.

How to apply for ELFI refinancing

Refinancing your student loan with ELFI is a speedy process compared to some other forms of loans. This process also happens online, and approval can take as little as one business day. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Collect necessary documents: Gather your recent pay stub or proof of employment, government-issued identification, and account information for electronic payments. You’ll also need a current billing statement or payoff letter for each eligible loan.
2. Complete the online application: You can finish the application in a few minutes.
3. Wait for approval: The lender will review your information. In some cases, you may find out whether you’re approved within one business day, provided you’ve submitted all the required documentation.
4. Wait for loan disbursement: If approved, it often takes 30 to 45 days for your loan provider to receive payment and apply it to your account. Remember to continue making payments on your current debt until you receive a disbursement notification.

Just as with student loans, prequalification won’t affect your credit score, but ELFI will conduct a hard credit inquiry when you submit the application.

What if I’m denied a student loan from ELFI?

In the event of a student loan application denial from ELFI, ELFI provides applicants with a reason, enabling them to understand where they fell short.

While ELFI doesn’t state whether you can reapply after a denial, improving upon the factors that led to the rejection may increase your chances in a future application. 

For instance, if your credit score was a problem, consider measures to boost it before reapplying. If insufficient income was the issue, a cosigner with a stable income might strengthen your next application.

You may want to explore other lending options. Numerous lenders in the market cater to different borrower profiles, and one of them might be a better fit for your financial situation. Here are a few resources to aid you in your search:

• Best private student loans: If you’re looking for private student loans, this resource provides a list of top lenders and insights on how to choose the best one.
• Best student loan refinance companies: For those considering refinancing their student loans, this guide presents top refinancing providers.
• Best student loans without a cosigner: If you don’t have a cosigner, consider exploring this resource, which provides options for student loans that don’t require one.
• Best graduate student loans: For graduate students exploring other options, check out our top picks for graduate student loans.
• Best parent student loans: This guide offers our recommendations for parent student loans. 

ELFI FAQ

Does ELFI offer private or federal student loans?

ELFI specializes in private student loans and student loan refinancing. ELFI does not offer federal student loans. Remember, private student loans and federal student loans come with distinct terms and conditions, so it’s wise to understand the differences before choosing the best option.

Does applying with ELFI hurt my credit?

Applying for a student loan with ELFI involves a soft credit check during the prequalification stage, which doesn’t affect your credit score. 

However, once you submit your loan application, ELFI performs a hard credit inquiry. Hard inquiries can reduce your credit score by a few points, but this effect often diminishes over time.

Does ELFI require a cosigner?

ELFI does not require a cosigner for its student loans or refinancing, but a cosigner could improve your chances of approval, especially if you have limited credit history or income. A cosigner might also help you secure a lower interest rate. It’s recommended, but not required.

Does ELFI allow cosigners to be released?

ELFI does not have a program in place to release cosigners from their obligations on a loan. If a cosigner is part of the loan agreement, they are obligated for the life of the loan.

What can ELFI student loans be used for?

ELFI student loans are intended to cover education-related expenses. These include tuition, fees, room and board, textbooks, and other supplies necessary for education. 

For private student loans, the lender sends funds to the school upon loan approval and certification. The school will return any excess funds to the borrower to use for other education-related costs.

How long does it take to receive funds from ELFI?

The length of time it takes to receive funds from ELFI depends on the type of loan and the timely submission of required documents. 

Once a student loan application is approved and the school has certified the amount, funds are typically disbursed to the school at the beginning of each academic term. 

For student loan refinancing, it could take 30 to 45 days for your previous loan provider to receive the payment and apply it to your account.

Is ELFI responsible for paying off my current student loans?

When you refinance your student loans with ELFI, it pays off your current student loans. After refinancing, you then make payments to ELFI or its designated loan servicer. 

This process is contingent on you providing accurate and current payoff information during the application process.

Can ELFI student loans be forgiven?

As a private lender, ELFI’s student loans are not eligible for federal forgiveness programs such as Public Service Loan Forgiveness or Teacher Loan Forgiveness. 

However, if you have federal student loans and are considering refinancing with ELFI, ensure you won’t require these forgiveness options. Refinanced loans are not eligible for such programs.

How we rated ELFI student loans

We designed LendEDU’s editorial rating system to help consumers identify companies that offer the best financial products. Our experts spend hours researching these companies each year to ensure our ratings are fresh and accurate.

Our most recent evaluation compared ELFI to several lenders across a number of factors, including rates, repayment terms, customer reviews, and benefits. We weighted, scored, and combined these factors to produce a final editorial rating. This rating is expressed on a scale from 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest possible score. We round all ratings to the nearest tenth decimal place.

Student loan	Best for	Our rating
Private student loan	Student loan advisors	4.5/5
Student loan refinancing	Personalized support	4.7/5