If you are starting college for the first time or are the parent of a new college student, you likely need to know about student loans for freshmen. Choosing where to apply for loans and whether to get federal or private student loans in your first year of college can be overwhelming.
In this article, you’ll learn the differences between federal and private student loans and which option is best for freshmen. If you need additional funding or don’t qualify for federal student loans, we’ll also provide recommendations for private student loan lenders.
Student loans for freshmen: an overview of your options
As a freshman in college, you have several student loan options. First and foremost, you can apply for federal student loans through the Department of Education.
Federal student loans offer fixed interest rates and flexible repayment schedules. Due to these benefits, federal financial aid and student loans should always be your first stop when financing your education.
Once you have exhausted your federal options, you can apply for private student loans if you still need funds to cover school. Below is a chart of your loan options, including our top picks for private student loan lenders.
| Lender | Best for | LendEDU rating |
| Dept. of Education | Federal student loans | Unrated |
| College Ave | Private student loans | 4.8/5 |
| Sallie Mae | Cosigners | 4.7/5 |
| Credible | Student loan marketplace | 4.7/5 |
| Earnest | No fees | 4.7/5 |
| Ascent | Eligibility | 4.7/5 |
Federal student loans for freshmen
If you need to borrow money for school, apply for federal student loans before applying for private student loans. Federal student loans have fixed interest rates and more flexible repayment options, making them a better choice for college freshmen.
Here are some options for federal student loans.
| Loan type | APR | Loan amounts |
| Direct Subsidized Loan | 5.50% | Up to $23,000 total |
| Direct Unsubsidized Loan | 5.50% for undergraduates | Up to $20,500 annually, depending on your year in school and dependency status. |
| Parent PLUS Loan | 8.05% | Parents can borrow the school’s certified cost of attendance (COA) minus other financial aid. |
Subsidized federal loans
Getting Direct Subsidized Loans as a freshman has many benefits. The main benefit is the U.S. Department of Education pays the interest on your loans while you’re in school and during a six month grace period after you leave school.
Another benefit is Direct Subsidized Loans have a fixed 5.5% interest rate, and you can borrow up to $23,000 during your education. Subsidized federal loans are for students who demonstrate financial need.
Unsubsidized federal loans
With unsubsidized federal loans, you do not have to demonstrate financial need to get the loan. However, you are responsible for paying the interest on your loan.
While you’re in school, the interest will accrue, unlike Subsidized Loans where the government pays for your interest while you’re in school. Direct Unsubsidized Loans have a fixed 5.50% interest rate for undergraduates.
Parent PLUS loans
A Parent PLUS loan, sometimes referred to as a Direct PLUS Loan, is a federal loan parents can take out to help pay for their freshman’s college tuition.
The government does conduct a credit check (on the parent if a minor/undergraduate) to see if you qualify for these loans. However, even if you have adverse credit, you might be able to get the loans if you get an endorser or document your extenuating circumstances.
Parent PLUS loans have a fixed interest rate of 8.05%. You can borrow the cost of your child’s tuition and living expenses minus any financial aid they’ve already received.
Hopefully, this is not the first time a freshman thinks about managing finances, but if it is, I recommend you speak with your parents or guardians about strategies to create a budget and guidance on taking on debt. The key advice I would give immediately is to create a budget to manage your finances in a responsible manner to begin building/establishing a favorable credit profile.
Erin Kinkade, CFP®
How to get federal student loans as a freshman
Recent data from Enterval Analytics, LLC reports that of the $1.73 trillion in outstanding student loans, 92.48% ($1,602.20 billion) are U.S. Department of Education federal loans. Getting federal student loans is straightforward for students, which is one reason federal loans account for such a large percentage of the total student loan debt.
Here is a short explanation of how to get federal student loans as a freshman.
- Fill out the FAFSA.
- Get your Student Aid Index, which evaluates the resources available to you to pay for college.
- Learn about your federal student loan options at the schools that accept you.
- Choose the educational institution you want to attend.
- Complete entrance counseling. (This is required if you’ve never had a federal student loan before.)
- Sign your Master Promissory Note (MPN), a legal document that says you agree to repay your loans plus interest.
- Enroll in school.
- Receive any excess funds after the government disburses your loans directly to your school.
If you don’t know where you want to go to school yet, send your FAFSA to the schools you’re interested in attending. The FAFSA allows you to list up to 10 schools. Then, you can wait to see which schools accept you and what financial aid packages they offer.
Remember that you can start filling out the FAFSA as early as October 1 but no later than June 30. Check with each school you’re applying to to see what their deadlines are for financial aid and scholarship decisions. Generally, the earlier you apply to schools, the better.
The best private student loans for a freshman
If you still need to borrow additional funds for college after applying for federal student loans, private student loans can help you bridge the gap.
Many private lenders require students to apply with a cosigner; however, some private lenders offer non-cosigned loans to independent students. Generally, you or your cosigner will need a good credit score to apply. Your cosigner will also have to show proof of income.
If you want to apply for private student loans, here are five lenders we recommend.
| Lender | APR | Loan amounts |
| College Ave | 4.39% – 16.85% | $1,000 – 100% of certified costs |
| Sallie Mae | 4.50% – 16.70% | $1,000 – 100% of certified costs |
| Credible | 4.07% – 16.85% | $1,000 – 100% of certified costs |
| Earnest | 4.11% – 16.20% | $1,000 – 100% of certified costs |
| Ascent | 4.29% – 15.85% (cosigned) | $2,001 – $200,000 |
College Ave: Best overall private student loans
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
- Up to 100% of costs are covered
- Choose between 20 different repayment schedules
- Apply in just 3 minutes
College Ave stands out with its competitive loan options. It provides a high level of flexibility, allowing freshmen to tailor their repayments based on individual circumstances. With no requirement for collateral, College Ave’s unsecured loans offer a somewhat less risky option for students.
Sallie Mae: Best for cosigners
Borrow responsibly
We encourage students and families to start with savings, grants, scholarships, and federal student loans to pay for college. Evaluate all anticipated monthly loan payments, and how much the student expects to earn in the future, before considering a private student loan.
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 07/02/2026.
SALLIE 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.
- Cover 100% of costs for the full year
- Lower your rate with in-school repayment
- No prepayment or origination fees
- Cosigners can be released after 12 on-time payments
- Choose your repayment plan and interest rate type
- Free study help and college expense calculators for borrowers
Sallie Mae is a reliable choice for those requiring a cosigner. Its accommodating terms extend to students with different enrollment statuses. Most notably, Sallie Mae offers the option to release your cosigner under certain conditions, providing some relief for that party.
Credible: Best marketplace
- 4.13% to 17.99% APR
- $1,000 to 100% of certified costs
- Compare real offers from multiple lenders
- Fast, straightforward process with prequalified rates in minutes
- Checking rates doesn’t impact your credit
- Free to use with no hidden fees
Credible holds court as an excellent platform for comparing student loans. Its user-friendly system rapidly delivers prequalified rates from multiple lenders, making your decision-making process quicker and easier.
Earnest: Best for no fees
Interest Rates Disclosure
Actual rate and available repayment terms will vary based on your financial profile. Fixed annual percentage rates (APR) range from 2.79% to 16.74% (2.29% – 16.24% with Auto Pay and Loyalty discounts). Variable annual percentage rates (APR) range from 5.24% to 17.1% (4.74% – 16.6% with Auto Pay and Loyalty discounts). Earnest variable interest rate student loans are based on a publicly available index, the 30-day Average Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The variable rate is based on the rate published on the 25th day, or the next business day, of the preceding calendar month, rounded to the nearest hundredth of a percent plus a margin and will change on the 1st of each month. The rate will not increase more than once a month, but there is no limit on the amount that the rate could increase at one time. Our lowest rates are only available for our most credit qualified existing cosigned loan borrowers who receive the 0.25% Loyalty discount and requires selection of our shortest term offered, full principal and interest payment while in school, and enrollment in our 0.25% Auto Pay discount. Enrolling in Auto Pay is not required as a condition for approval. Interest rates are subject to change.
Loyalty Discount
To be eligible for the Loyalty Discount, applicants must have previously obtained an Earnest Private Student Loan and apply using the same email address associated with that loan. Only one Loyalty Discount may be applied per eligible Earnest Private Student Loan. Not all applicants may qualify. This offer cannot be combined with Earnest’s Rate Match program. Earnest may modify or discontinue this offer at any time and without notice, however, once a Loyalty Discount is earned, it will not be taken away.
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.
- Fixed rates from 2.29% – 16.24%APR (with loyalty and autopay discount)
- Checking your rate doesn’t affect your credit score
- Choose your repayment plan and adjust your term down to the month
- 50% longer grace period than most lenders
Earnest leads the pack when it comes to avoiding the usual array of fees associated with student loans. It offers a range of flexible options and even provides the option to skip a payment, which can be helpful for students in a tight financial crunch.
Ascent: Best for eligibility
Ascent Funding, LLC products are made available through Bank of Lake Mills or DR Bank, each Member FDIC. Subject to credit approval. Loan products may not be available in certain jurisdictions. Certain restrictions, limitations, terms and conditions may apply for Ascent’s Terms and Conditions please visit AscentFunding.com/Ts&Cs. Annual Percentage Rates (APRs) displayed above are effective as of 7/1/2026 and reflect an Automatic Payment Discount (ACH). The ACH discount consists of 0.25% on credit-based college student loans submitted prior to 6/1/2025, a 0.5% discount for on credit-based college student loans submitted on or after 6/1/2025 and a 1.00% discount on outcomes-based loans when you enroll in automatic payments. Loans subject to individual approval, restrictions and conditions apply. Loan features and information advertised are intended for college student loans and are subject to change at any time. For more information, see repayment examples or review the Ascent Student Loans Terms and Conditions. The final amount approved depends on the borrower’s credit history, verifiable cost of attendance as certified by an eligible school and is subject to credit approval and verification of application information. Lowest interest rates require full principal and interest (Immediate) payments, the shortest loan term, a cosigner, and are only available for our most creditworthy applicants and cosigners with the highest average credit scores. Actual APR offered may be higher or lower than the examples above, based on the amount of time you spend in school and any grace period you have before repayment begins. Variable rates may increase after consummation.1% Cash Back Graduation Reward subject to terms and conditions. For details on Ascent borrower benefits, visit AscentFunding.com/
The following examples for a $10,000 loan show a 48-month in-school period plus 9 months of grace prior to a full repayment term for 60-months (variable rate), with examples of (i) Interest Only payments, (ii) $25 Minimum payments, (iii) Deferred repayment, and (iv) Immediate Repayment options.
* Interest Only Repayment: 5.85% APR, with 57 payments of $48.75 while in-school/grace, 60 payments of $192.65 during the repayment term, and a total cost of $14,338.61.
* $25 Minimum Payment: 6.48% APR, with 57 payments of $25.00 while in-school/grace, 60 payments of $233.37 during the repayment term, and a total cost of $15,427.06.
* Deferred Repayment: 6.67% APR, with no payment while in-school/grace, 60 payments of $269.21 during the repayment term, and a total cost of $16,137.16.
* Immediate Repayment: 3.60% APR, with 60 payments of $182.37, and a total cost of $10,942.30.
The following examples for a $10,000 loan show a 48-month in-school period plus 9 months of grace prior to a full repayment term for 180-months (highest variable rate), with examples of (i) Interest Only payments, (ii) $25 Minimum payments, (iii) Deferred repayment, and (iv) Immediate Repayment options.
* Interest Only Repayment: 16.51% APR, with 57 payments of $137.5 while in-school/grace, 180 payments of $150.41 during the repayment term, and a total cost of $34,914.43.
* $25 Minimum Payment: 15.03% APR, with 57 payments of $25.00 while in-school/grace, 180 payments of $256.16 during the repayment term, and a total cost of $47,530.48.
* Deferred Repayment: 15.23% APR, with no payment while in-school/grace, 180 payments of $290.4 during the repayment term, and a total cost of $51,470.36.
* Immediate Repayment: 16.26% APR, with 180 payments of $148.68, and a total cost of $26,759.59.
- 4.09% to 16.09% APR
- $2,001 to $200,000
- Cosigned, non-cosigned, international, and DACA student loans
- 1% cash back with proof of graduation
Ascent shines when it comes to eligibility for student loans. It offers both cosigned and non-cosigned options, best suited for independent students. A remarkable highlight is its 1% cash back graduation reward—a fine celebration of your achievement.
How to apply for private student loans for freshmen
According to data from Enterval Analytics, LLC, only 7.52% ($130.28 billion) of the outstanding student loans in the U.S. are private loans. It’s a good idea to max out your federal loan options first before applying for private student loans.
If you need to apply for private student loans, research multiple lenders. Private student loan lenders have varying eligibility requirements, so it’s important to choose one with requirements that match your personal situation.
You’ll need to provide your personal and school information when applying for private student loans. If you’re using a cosigner, you’ll also have to provide their personal information, income information, and any other documents the lender requires.
The only deadline you need to consider with a private student loan is when you need your school funds. Some private lenders disperse funds in days, while others might take weeks. If you need the loans distributed before starting school, make sure to apply a few months before school starts.
Can parents of freshmen get student loans?
Yes, parents of freshmen can get student loans to help pay for their children’s college education. They can apply for federal loans with the Parent PLUS Loan option or private student loans.
With private student loans, parents can get student loans on their child’s behalf or be a cosigner on a loan with their child. With federal Parent PLUS loans, the loan will be in the parent’s name only.
Here are some benefits to consider for each option.
Benefits of federal student loans for parents
- Fixed interest rates of 8.05%
- Flexible repayment plans
- You can borrow the total cost of your child’s education minus other aid they receive
- If you have bad credit, you can still potentially get approved with an endorser or a note of explanation
Benefits of private student loans for parents
- Fixed and variable interest rates
- With excellent credit, your interest rate could be lower than federal loans
- Many private lenders allow cosigners to be released after a period of time
- Many private lenders offer loans without fees. Parent PLUS loans have a 4.228% loan fee
Ultimately, if parents want to take out a loan to help their children pay for college, they should research both federal and private loan options. While taking out a Parent PLUS loan is a common choice, some private lenders might offer better rates, better terms, and the ability to be released as a cosigner in the future.
It depends on the circumstance, but I generally recommend parents help their child with funding college (or vocational courses) expenses within a given time period. Then, the child should begin to be solely responsible for paying for their loan (typically after graduation and/or when they begin working).
Erin Kinkade, CFP®
Recap of student loans for freshmen
| Lender | Best for | LendEDU rating |
| Dept. of Education | Federal student loans | Unrated |
| College Ave | Private student loans | 4.8/5 |
| Sallie Mae | Cosigners | 4.7/5 |
| Credible | Student loan marketplace | 4.7/5 |
| Earnest | No fees | 4.7/5 |
| Ascent | Eligibility | 4.7/5 |
About our contributors
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Written by Catherine CollinsCatherine Collins is a personal finance writer and author with more than 10 years of experience writing for top personal finance publications. As a mother to boy/girl twins, she is passionate about helping women and children learn about money and entrepreneurship. Cat is also the co-host of the Five Year You podcast.
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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.
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Reviewed by Erin Kinkade, CFP®Erin Kinkade, CFP®, ChFC®, works as a financial planner at AAFMAA Wealth Management & Trust. Erin prepares comprehensive financial plans for military veterans and their families.