Many or all companies we feature compensate us. Compensation and editorial
research influence how products appear on a page.
July 2025

Best No Cosigner Graduate Student Loans That Match Your Results!

Verified! Our choices let you check rates for free—no application or origination fees.

Best Overall

    • Rates as low as 3.47 to 17.99 APR
    • Cover up to 100% of your cost of attendance
    • You choose your repayment terms
    • 3-min application with instant credit decision
    • No application, origination, or prepayment fees
    • Loans for undergraduates, graduates, parents, and career-training programs
5.0
View Rates
Cosigner Suggested
    • Rates as low as 3.47 to 17.99 APR
    • Cover up to 100% of your cost of attendance
    • You choose your repayment terms
    • 3-min application with instant credit decision
    • No application, origination, or prepayment fees
    • Loans for undergraduates, graduates, parents, and career-training programs
Editor's Choice

Best for Full-Year Funding

    • Rates as low as 4.50% to 16.70% APR
    • Lower interest rates with in-school repayment
    • One application for full-year funding
    • No application, origination, or prepayment fees
    • Cosigner release after 12 on-time payments
    • Loans for undergraduates, graduates, and career-training programs
4.8
View Rates
Cosigner Suggested
    • Rates as low as 4.50% to 16.70% APR
    • Lower interest rates with in-school repayment
    • One application for full-year funding
    • No application, origination, or prepayment fees
    • Cosigner release after 12 on-time payments
    • Loans for undergraduates, graduates, and career-training programs

Best for Cosigners

    • Rates as low as 3.49% to 15.99% APR
    • Auto pay discount available
    • Apply once to get money for the whole year
    • No origination fee or prepayment penalty
    • Undergraduate, career training, and graduate loans
    • More than 3,000 eligible schools
4.8
View Rates
Cosigner Suggested
    • Rates as low as 3.49% to 15.99% APR
    • Auto pay discount available
    • Apply once to get money for the whole year
    • No origination fee or prepayment penalty
    • Undergraduate, career training, and graduate loans
    • More than 3,000 eligible schools

Best for Member Benefits

    • Rates as low as 4.44% to 14.70% APR
    • Earn up to $250 cash back for good grades
    • Access member benefits like financial planning
    • Use rewards points towards repayment
    • No fees
    • Loans for undergraduates, graduates, and parents
4.7
View Rates
Cosigner Suggested
    • Rates as low as 4.44% to 14.70% APR
    • Earn up to $250 cash back for good grades
    • Access member benefits like financial planning
    • Use rewards points towards repayment
    • No fees
    • Loans for undergraduates, graduates, and parents

Best for Repayment Flexibility

    • Rates as low as 4.11% to 16.20% APR
    • 100% rate-match guarantee
    • 50% longer grace period than most lenders
    • 2-min eligibility check without a credit impact
    • No fees
    • Loans for undergraduates, graduates, and parents
4.7
View Rates
Cosigner Suggested
    • Rates as low as 4.11% to 16.20% APR
    • 100% rate-match guarantee
    • 50% longer grace period than most lenders
    • 2-min eligibility check without a credit impact
    • No fees
    • Loans for undergraduates, graduates, and parents

Best for International Students

    • Rates as low as 5.89 to 12.45% APR
    • Apply for loans in the U.S. or Canada
    • Free visa support letters
    • Exclusive career strategy services
    • Build U.S. credit history with on-time payments
    • See if you’re eligible in just 30 seconds
    • Rates as low as 5.89 to 12.45% APR
    • Apply for loans in the U.S. or Canada
    • Free visa support letters
    • Exclusive career strategy services
    • Build U.S. credit history with on-time payments
    • See if you’re eligible in just 30 seconds

Best No-Cosigner Benefits

    • Rates as low as 5.89% to 12.45% APR
    • Offers cosigned and non-cosigned loans
    • DACA and international students may be eligible
    • 1% cash back upon graduation
    • One-year complimentary access to success coaching
    • Check your rates without affecting your credit
    • Rates as low as 5.89% to 12.45% APR
    • Offers cosigned and non-cosigned loans
    • DACA and international students may be eligible
    • 1% cash back upon graduation
    • One-year complimentary access to success coaching
    • Check your rates without affecting your credit

Best for Alternative Financing

    • Repayment is based on income, not interest rates
    • No payments until your annual salary $30,000+
    • Payment deferrals if you lose your job
    • Cosigners are not required
    • Check rates without impacting your credit
    • Repayment is based on income, not interest rates
    • No payments until your annual salary $30,000+
    • Payment deferrals if you lose your job
    • Cosigners are not required
    • Check rates without impacting your credit
Best Overall
Fixed APR
3.47% – 12.46%
Variable APR
3.47% – 12.46%
Funding
$1K – total cost
Min. Credit Score
Mid-600s
5.0
Best for Full-Year Funding
Fixed APR
3.47% – 12.46%
Variable APR
3.47% – 12.46%
Funding
$1K – total cost
Min. Credit Score
Mid-600s
4.8
Best for Cosigners
Fixed APR
3.47%12.46%
Variable APR
3.47%12.46%
Funding
$1K – total cost
Min. Credit Score
Mid-600s
4.8
Best for Member Benefits
Fixed APR
3.47%12.46%
Variable APR
3.47%12.46%
Funding
$1K – total cost
Min. Credit Score
679
4.7
Best for Repayment Flexibility
Fixed APR
3.47% – 12.46%
Variable APR
3.47% – 12.46%
Funding
$1K –
Min. Credit Score
650
4.7
Best for Undergraduates
Fixed APR
7.49%12.99%
Variable APR
None
Funding
$3K – $20K
Min. Credit Score
None
4.7
Best for International Students
Fixed APR
13.98%17.08%
Variable APR
None
Funding
$2K – $100K
Min. Credit Score
None
4.6
Best No Cosigner Benefits
Fixed APR
3.39%14.26%
Variable APR
3.39%14.26%
Funding
$2K – $200K
Min. Credit Score
None
4.4
Best for Alternative Financing
Fixed APR
Income-based
Variable APR
None
Funding
$5K – $15K
Min. Credit Score
None
3.9
How do lenders evaluate applicants for no-cosigner graduate student loans?

Lenders primarily assess your individual financial strength, focusing on credit score, income, and debt-to-income (DTI) ratio. Some also consider your field of study, school, or expected graduation date, especially if they use future-earnings models.

To improve your chances, aim for:

  • A credit score of 680 or higher (though some accept lower)
  • Steady income or employment history
  • A manageable DTI (typically under 40%)
What types of graduate programs qualify for no-cosigner loans?

Most no-cosigner private lenders support loans for students pursuing advanced degrees at eligible, accredited schools. Commonly supported programs include:

  • Law, medical, and dental school
  • MBA and business-related master’s degrees
  • Graduate STEM and health professions

Always check the lender’s list of eligible schools and programs—some limit availability based on field or institution.

What are the pros and cons of private graduate loans without a cosigner?
  • Full control of the loan without relying on another person
  • Opportunity to build your own credit history
  • May be available even if federal loans are maxed out
  • Higher interest rates than cosigned student loans
  • Stricter approval requirements for some lenders
  • Fewer borrower protections than federal loans
Are interest rates higher on graduate loans without a cosigner?

Yes, rates are typically higher because lenders take on more risk without a cosigner to back the loan. Your rate depends heavily on your credit profile and income.

However, some lenders offer competitive rates to borrowers with strong financials, especially for in-demand graduate programs with high earning potential.

What should I consider when choosing a no-cosigner lender?

Compare more than just interest rates. Look at fees, repayment flexibility, and eligibility requirements. Some lenders offer in-school deferment, extended repayment terms, or hardship forbearance.

Key factors to compare:

  • Fixed vs. variable APRs
  • Repayment terms (5 – 15 years is common)
  • Grace period and deferment options
  • School or program restrictions