How to Refinance Student Loans With a Cosigner [2025’s Best Rates + Lenders]

Refinancing student loans with a cosigner can make it easier to qualify and potentially snag a lower interest rate. You’ll need to recruit a creditworthy person who’s willing to sign and find the right lender to work with. 

Several lenders allow student loan refinance with a cosigner. Both you and your cosigner will need to complete the loan application and agree to the lender’s terms. Once the loan is official, you’ll need to keep up with repayment to protect your credit (and your cosigner’s). Ready to get started? We’ll walk you through refinancing with a cosigner and share our recommendations for the best lenders. 

Best lenders for student loan refinancing with a cosigner 

We researched multiple lenders that offer student loan refinancing with a cosigner to find the best options overall. The lenders below reflect our top picks based on our research into refinance rates, terms, and flexibility. 

Tip

Some lenders allow cosigner release, but others don’t. Cosigner release allows your cosigner to remove themselves from the loan after certain conditions are met.

Keeping a cosigner on the loan is a way for lenders to manage risk. If you stop making payments, the lender can try to collect what’s owed from your cosigner. 

Credible

4.8 _/5

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Why we picked it

Credible offers an easy way to compare student loan refinancing options from multiple lenders, many of which are cosigner-friendly. You can search for lenders that allow cosigners and even cosigner release, depending on the lender’s policies. 

Credible provides transparency and flexibility, but the cosigner release terms will vary across its partner lenders. Be sure to review the specific requirements for cosigner release, such as on-time payment history or income verification. 

Credible is an excellent starting point if you need a cosigner to secure better rates but want the flexibility to shop for the best terms.

Rates (APR)	3.85% – 13.30%
Loan amounts	$1,000 – 100% of outstanding balance
Repayment terms	5, 7, 10, or 15 years

RISLA

4.4 _/5

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Why we picked it

The Rhode Island Student Loan Authority (RISLA) is another lender with clear cosigner release options, allowing borrowers to remove their cosigner after 36 months of on-time payments. 

This flexibility, combined with competitive fixed-rate loans, makes RISLA an excellent option if you’re looking for long-term repayment stability. 

Applying with a cosigner can improve approval odds and rates, especially for those with weaker credit profiles. RISLA is available nationwide and offers a discount for Rhode Island residents (attending school in any state) or non-Rhode Island resident students attending a school in Rhode Island.

Rates (APR)	3.99% – 8.99%
Loan amounts	$7,500 – $250,000
Repayment terms	5, 10, or 15 years

LendKey

4.2 _/5

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Why we picked it

LendKey connects borrowers with community banks and credit unions, offering student loan refinancing with cosigner-friendly terms. Many of its partners allow cosigner release after 12 to 36 months of on-time payments, making it a great option for borrowers who need cosigner support early on. 

LendKey’s platform emphasizes borrower education, helping borrowers and their cosigners understand repayment terms and options. However, LendKey works with multiple lenders, so cosigner release requirements and interest rates vary. Be sure to review individual offers carefully.

Rates (APR)	Starting at 4.39%
Loan amounts	$5,000 – $300,000
Repayment terms	5, 7, 10, 15, or 20 years

Citizens Bank

4.1 _/5

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Why we picked it

Citizens Bank is one of the most cosigner-friendly lenders, making it an excellent choice if you need initial support but want the option to free your cosigner later. It allows cosigners to be released after 36 consecutive, on-time payments, giving borrowers a clear path to financial independence. 

Applying with a cosigner can help you secure lower rates, but the bank also offers competitive terms for those applying on their own. You must meet minimum income and credit score requirements, which could pose a challenge without a cosigner.

Rates (APR)	5.89% – 13.30%
Loan amounts	$10,000 – $500,000
Repayment terms	5 – 20 years

Purefy

3.8 _/5

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Why we picked it

Purefy excels as a refinancing marketplace that partners with lenders offering cosigner-friendly terms. You can easily compare rates and options, including those with cosigner release policies. 

Many of Purefy’s partner lenders offer cosigner release after 12 to 48 months of on-time payments, depending on the institution. The platform is especially helpful for borrowers looking to streamline the application process with their cosigner while exploring flexible repayment terms. 

However, like Credible, the cosigner policies depend on the specific lender.

Rates (APR)	4.42% – 8.99%
Loan amounts	Depends on lender
Repayment terms	5 – 20 years, depending on lender

EdvestinU

3.6 _/5

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Why we picked it

EdvestinU stands out with one of the shortest cosigner release timelines in the industry. It allows borrowers to remove their cosigner after just 24 months of consecutive on-time payments, making it an ideal option if you value cosigner flexibility and independence. 

In addition to its borrower-friendly terms, EdvestinU offers competitive rates and no fees, providing further financial benefits for cosigned loans. As a nonprofit lender, EdvestinU prioritizes borrower support, but its eligibility may be limited to those with a strong repayment history and credit profile.

Rates (APR)	6.00% – 9.74%
Loan amounts	$7,500 – $200,000
Repayment terms	5, 10, 15, or 20 years

How to refinance student loans with a cosigner 

Student loan refinancing is straightforward. A cosigner adds a slight wrinkle, but that’s not a big deal if you know what to expect. 

Here’s how to refinance student loans with a cosigner, step-by-step: 

1. Choose someone to cosign. You’ll first need to find someone willing to cosign for you. Ideally, you select someone with a good to excellent credit score. Many lenders require a FICO score of 670 or higher. Your cosigner doesn’t need to be related to you, but they should be comfortable being legally responsible for the loan. 
2. Find a lender. The next step is choosing a lender. We’ve given you excellent recommendations to start with. As you compare lenders, look at minimum and maximum loan limits, repayment terms, loan fees, and minimum credit score requirements. Also, check for added perks. Does the lender offer interest rate discounts or the option to skip a payment? Credible makes it easy to compare refinance rates for up to 10 lenders without affecting your credit.  
3. Apply. Once you find a lender, you and your cosigner can fill out a loan application. You’ll need to tell the lender how much you want to borrow and fill in your personal information. You may also need to provide documentation for your current loans, such as your most recent loan statement. You and your cosigner will need to consent to a hard credit check. 
4. Wait for approval. Some lenders offer near-instant approval for student loan refinance with a cosigner, but others may take a few business days to review your application. While you wait for approval, remember to make any payments due on your current loans. Otherwise, you could end up with a negative mark on your credit score and a late payment fee.
5. Sign the paperwork. Once your loan is approved, you and your cosigner will need to sign the loan documents. Some lenders allow you to e-sign. You’ll want to keep a copy of the loan documents for yourself and make sure your cosigner has a copy too, so you both understand the terms. 

There are a few steps to take to prepare financially for financing so you don’t risk default or a strained cosigner relationship: 

First, if you haven’t already created a budget, now is the time to prepare one. Review expenses to identify areas where costs can be reduced or eliminated, freeing up cash flow. It is important to establish an emergency fund if you don’t already have one. The goal is twofold: to ensure you can comfortably meet your monthly payments and to provide a financial cushion in case of hardship, allowing you to continue making payments.

Refinancing student loans with a cosigner may take a few days or a few weeks from start to finish. The timing can depend on how fast your lender moves. 

Explore our how-to guide to refinancing student loans for a deeper look into the process. 

Pros and cons of refinancing with a cosigner 

Refinancing student loans with a cosigner has advantages and disadvantages. Before you make a move, it helps to consider both sides. 

Pros

• A cosigner could help you qualify for student loan refinancing if you have poor credit or a thin credit file. 

• You could save money on interest if your cosigner’s credit allows you to lock in a lower rate.

• You may have more flexibility when it comes to choosing your repayment term.

• Making on-time payments to a cosigned loan can improve your credit and your cosigner’s. 

Cons

• Some lenders offer cosigner release, but others don’t, which means your cosigner could remain legally responsible until you pay the loan off. 

• If you miss a payment or stop paying altogether, you could damage your and your cosigner’s credit scores.

• The relationship between you could end up strained if you miss payments or default. 

• It may be difficult for your cosigner to get approved for other loans or lines of credit if they have a cosigned loan in their name. 

If you have someone willing to cosign, it helps to discuss these pros and cons with them. It’s critical to ensure you both understand the legal implications of cosigning a loan together.

Read More

10 Must-Know Pros and Cons of Refinancing Student Loans 

Should you refinance your student loans with a cosigner? 

Refinancing student loans with a cosigner makes more sense for some borrowers than others.  Looking at example scenarios can help you decide whether it’s right for you. 

If…	Refi with a cosigner?
You have limited credit history or a poor credit score that prevents you from qualifying for the lowest refinance rates	Yes; their good credit could help you land the best student loan refinance rates.
You’ve calculated your estimated refinance payments and are confident you’ll be able to make them for the life of the loan	Yes; it’s less likely to result in credit score damage for either of you if you’re sure you can manage the payments.
You’ve researched lenders to find the ones offering the lowest rates and cosigner release options	Yes; cosigner release means your cosigner isn’t locked in for the life of the loan. Be sure to read the fine print on how to apply for and obtain release.
Your cosigner is willing but doesn’t want to be on the loan indefinitely	Yes, as long as you apply with a lender that offers cosigner release.
You and your cosigner don’t always have a harmonious relationship	No, at least not with that person. You may want to find someone else to cosign who’s comfortable with the risks.
Your income isn’t stable, or you’re unsure how a change in your living expenses might affect your ability to repay a refinanced loan	No; if you miss a payment you could hurt your credit scores and your cosigner’s, which could also damage your relationship.

How we rated the best refinance student loans with a cosigner

LendEDU evaluates student loan companies to help readers find the best options for refinancing student loans. Our latest analysis reviewed 696 data points from 24 lenders and financial institutions, with 29 data points collected from each. This information is gathered from company websites, online applications, public disclosures, customer reviews, and direct communication with company representatives.

These star ratings help us determine which companies are best for different situations. We don’t believe two companies can be the best for the same purpose, so we only show each best-for designation once.

Recap of the best refinance student loans with a cosigner