Looking for the best private student loans?
We’ve ranked the best private student loan lenders for 2026 using 725 data points across 25 lenders to determine who each lender is best for.
Quick heads up: Private student loans usually come into play after you’ve maxed out federal aid. That matters even more in 2026, with new federal borrowing limits starting July 1, which could leave you covering more out of pocket. We’ll walk through what changed (and how it affects your borrowing strategy) before getting into our rankings.
Table of Contents
- What’s changing in 2026 — and why it matters
- Types of private student loans
- Our 2026 picks for the best lenders
- Best overall private student loan: College Ave
- Best private student loan for cosigner release: Sallie Mae
- Great private student loan for repayment flexibility: Capable
- Great private student loan for graduation reward: Ascent
- Best private student loan with repayment perks: Earnest
- Best private educational loan for graduate students: SoFi
- Best private student loans for multi-year approval: Citizens Bank
- The best way to get a private student loan
- How to compare private student loan lenders
- How private student loans work
- Benefits and downsides of private student loans
- Calculate your private student loan payments
- Explore our top lenders
- FAQ
What’s changing with private student loans in 2026 — and why it matters
Starting on July 1, 2026, federal student loan limits are tightening. Graduate PLUS loans will be eliminated for new borrowers, with new caps of $20,500 per year and $100,000 total. Professional programs can borrow up to $50,000 per year and $200,000 total.
Parent PLUS loans will also be capped at $20,000 per year and $65,000 total per child. They will no longer qualify for income-driven repayment, reducing flexibility for many families.
At the same time, qualifying for private loans isn’t guaranteed. A new report conducted by Protect Borrowers and the Century Foundation found that roughly 40% of applicants would be denied private student loans under current underwriting standards. If you’re filling a funding gap, private loans may play a bigger role in 2026.
Types of private student loans
Borrower types
Enrollment types
Special situations
Program types
Our 2026 picks for the best private student loan lenders
Our team of editors has spent hundreds of hours researching the best companies. Check out our picks for the best private student loans at today’s lowest rates.
Best overall private student loan: College Ave
College Ave earns our pick for the best overall private student loan because it delivers a strong balance of flexibility, accessibility, and borrower-friendly features across nearly every category that matters. While some lenders excel in one area, such as competitive rates or fast cosigner release, College Ave performs well across the board, making it a reliable choice for a wide range of borrowers.
A big part of that comes down to how customizable the experience is. From repayment timing to loan terms, College Ave gives you more control over how the loan fits into your financial situation. That’s valuable if your income or plans may change over time because it gives you more ways to manage costs both during school and after graduation.
College Ave also stands out for how easy it is to get started and compare options. Its prequalification tool lets you check potential rates and eligibility without affecting your credit, which lowers the barrier to shopping around. Combined with broad eligibility across different types of students and programs, this makes it one of the more accessible lenders on the market.
Finally, it goes beyond the basics with features designed to support borrowers long-term. Tools that help you understand total loan costs, along with programs that simplify future borrowing, add convenience and transparency to the process. Taken together, these strengths make College Ave a well-rounded option that works for most borrowers, earning it our top spot overall.
- Covers up to 100% of school costs
- Low starting interest rates
- Quick 3-minute online application
- Excellent educational resources and interactive tools
- You choose your repayment plan and term length
- Multi-Year Peace of Mind program for additional loans
- Cosigners can’t be released until halfway through repayment
- Higher interest rates for applicants with bad credit
Rates & funding
| Fixed rates (APR) | 4.13% – 17.99% |
| Variable rates (APR) | 4.13% – 17.99% |
| Rate discounts | 0.25% for automatic payments |
| Loan amounts | $1,000 – 100% of school costs |
Eligibility
| Loan types | Undergrad, grad, parent, career training |
| Min. credit score | Mid-600s |
| Min. income | $35,000 per year |
| Enrollment | Half time or more |
| Citizenship | U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or international |
| State | All 50 states |
Repayment
| In-school repayment | Full, interest-only, fixed, deferred |
| Repayment terms | 5, 8, 10, or 15 years |
| Grace period | 6 months for undergrads, 9 months for grads, apply for 6-month extension |
| Deferment | In-school and military |
| Forbearance | Up to 12 months, in increments of 3 or 6 months |
| Cosigner release | After finishing more than half of the scheduled repayment period and meeting additional criteria |
Best private student loan for cosigner release: Sallie Mae
Sallie Mae offers one of the fastest paths to independence from a cosigner in the private student loan space. While many lenders require two or more years of on-time payments, Sallie Mae allows eligible borrowers to apply for release after just 12 months. That can make a meaningful difference for borrowers who want to remove financial ties to a parent or guardian sooner.
Sallie Mae also stands out for the sheer range of loan options it offers. It supports not just undergraduate and graduate students, but also borrowers in specialized programs such as career training, residencies, and professional exams. This makes it a practical choice if your education path doesn’t follow a traditional four-year structure or if you anticipate needing funding across multiple stages.
Sallie Mae offers flexible enrollment requirements and in-school repayment options, which can help you manage costs while you’re still earning your degree. However, it’s not the most shopper-friendly lender. There’s no prequalification option, so you’ll need to complete a full application to see your rates, and it doesn’t offer refinancing down the line if your financial situation improves.
Taken together, Sallie Mae is a strong fit for borrowers who plan to use a cosigner but want a clear and relatively quick exit strategy. Just be sure to compare it with other lenders if customer experience, rate shopping flexibility, or long-term repayment options are a priority.
- Shortest path to cosigner release in as little as 12 months
- Receive funds for the full year with one application
- Covers up to 100% of school costs
- Low starting interest rates
- Part-time and career-training students are eligible
- Lower interest rates for in-school repayment
- No prequalification with a soft credit check
- Less loan customization than other lenders
Rates & funding
| Fixed rates (APR) | 4.13% – 17.99% |
| Variable rates (APR) | 4.13% – 17.99% |
| Rate discounts | 0.25% for automatic payments |
| Loan amounts | $1,000 – 100% of costs |
Eligibility
| Loan types | Undergrad, grad, parent, career training |
| Min. credit score | Mid-600s |
| Min. income | Not disclosed |
| Enrollment | Half time or more |
| Citizenship | U.S. citizen or permanent resident or non-U.S. citizen with a cosigner who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident |
| State | All 50 states, plus Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico |
Repayment
| In-school repayment | Interest only, fixed, deferred |
| Repayment terms | 10 – 15 years |
| Grace period | 6 months |
| Deferment | In-school, military, internship, residency, and fellowship |
| Forbearance | Up to 12 months, in increments of 3 months |
| Cosigner release | After 12 consecutive on-time payments |
Great private student loan for repayment flexibility: Capable
Capable gives borrowers several workable ways to handle payments while they’re still in school and after they leave. That kind of built-in flexibility can be crucial if you’re trying to keep monthly costs low now without losing the ability to shift gears later. For students balancing school with part-time work, uneven income, or other financial demands, this can make the loan feel easier to manage.
Capable may appeal to borrowers who want Sallie Mae’s lending structure but prefer a more modern, simplified brand experience. The product itself is nearly identical, but Capable seems positioned as a newer front door to the same loan program. That may not matter to every borrower today, but it could make the platform worth watching as it develops new tools or borrower features over time.
That said, Capable is still light on differentiation. Right now, the biggest drawback is that there’s not much setting it apart from Sallie Mae beyond the branding. It also lacks a soft-credit prequalification option, so you can’t casually compare potential offers before submitting a full application.
Overall, Capable makes the most sense for borrowers who value flexible repayment options and are comfortable choosing a newer brand backed by an established lender. It’s a solid option, but not necessarily the most distinctive one unless future updates give it clearer advantages over Sallie Mae itself.
- Covers up to 100% of school-certified costs
- Apply for cosigner release after 12 on-time payments
- No origination fees
- Accepts students with less than half-time enrollment
- Optional 12-month interest-only repayment plan for qualified borrowers
- Loans for undergraduate, graduate, and career-training programs
- No differentiators from Sallie Mae’s student loans
- Limited information available on its website
- No soft credit check to prequalify
Rates & funding
| Fixed rates (APR) | 3.19% – 16.99% |
| Variable rates (APR) | 4.37% – 16.49% |
| Rate discounts | 0.25% for automatic payments |
| Loan amounts | $1,000 – 100% of costs |
Eligibility
| Loan types | Undergrad, grad, parent, career training |
| Min. credit score | Mid-600s |
| Min. income | Not disclosed |
| Enrollment | Half time or more |
| Citizenship | U.S. citizen or permanent resident or non-U.S. citizen with a cosigner who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident |
| State | All 50 states, plus Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico |
Repayment
| In-school repayment | Interest only, fixed, deferred |
| Repayment terms | 10 – 15 years |
| Grace period | 6 months |
| Deferment | In-school, military, internship, residency, and fellowship |
| Forbearance | Up to 12 months, in increments of 3 months |
| Cosigner release | After 12 consecutive on-time payments |
Great private student loan for graduation reward: Ascent
Ascent‘s graduation reward is only part of the appeal. It is one of the more flexible private lenders on the market, with options for borrowers who apply with a cosigner and, in some cases, for those who need to qualify on their own. That broader access makes it worth a look if you want more than a standard private loan.
Another strength is that Ascent pairs lending with extra borrower support. Its career-focused benefits, including internship access and AscentUP resources, help it feel more useful beyond the loan itself. For students thinking ahead to life after school, that added value helps distinguish it from lenders that focus only on rates and repayment.
Ascent is also easier to shop than many competitors because it offers prequalification with no credit impact. That gives you a low-pressure way to compare your options before committing. Add in a long grace period and relatively quick cosigner release, and it checks several boxes for borrowers who want flexibility now and more breathing room later.
Overall, Ascent is a strong fit for students who want a lender with helpful perks, solid flexibility, and a real incentive for finishing school. The graduation reward gives it a memorable edge, but the bigger story is that it offers a well-rounded experience for a wide range of borrowers.
- Cover up to 100% of costs with or without a cosigner
- 1% cash back graduation reward
- Up to 40 repayment plans
- Access to paid remote internship opportunities
- No fees
- Check your rates without affecting your credit score
Rates & funding
| Fixed rates (APR) | 2.89% – 14.41% |
| Variable rates (APR) | 4.34% – 14.75% |
| Rate discounts | 0.25% for automatic payments |
| Loan amounts | $2,001 – $200,000 |
Eligibility
| Loan types | Undergrad, grad, parent |
| Min. credit score | 620 |
| Min. income | $24,000 per year |
| Enrollment | At least half-time in a degree program at an eligible institution |
| Citizenship | U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, or DACA status with a valid Social Security number; Non-U.S. citizens or permanent residents may apply with eligible resident status and a creditworthy cosigner who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident |
| State | All 50 states, plus Washington, D.C. |
Repayment
| In-school repayment | Full, interest-only, fixed, deferred |
| Repayment terms | 5, 7, 10, 12, or 15 years |
| Grace period | 9 months |
| Deferment | In-school |
| Forbearance | Yes |
| Cosigner release | Yes; after 12 on-time payments |
Best private student loan with repayment perks: Earnest
Earnest stands out for giving borrowers more built-in flexibility after the loan is approved, not just during the application process. Its longer-than-average grace period and skip-a-payment feature make it a strong option for students who want a little more breathing room as they transition out of school and into repayment.
It also offers one of the smoother digital experiences among private lenders. The eligibility check is quick, the application process is streamlined, and the lender keeps servicing in-house, which can make repayment feel more straightforward over time. That combination of convenience and control helps set it apart.
Earnest removes much of the friction borrowers often run into with private loans. It doesn’t assess origination, prepayment, or late fees, and the lender offers several repayment structures to fit different budgets while you’re in school. Those perks can add up, especially if your financial situation changes after you borrow.
The trade-off is that Earnest doesn’t offer cosigner release, which could be a deal breaker for some families. But for borrowers who qualify with strong credit and want flexible repayment features more than cosigner-related benefits, Earnest is one of the better all-around options available.
- 100% rate-match guarantee (with $100 Amazon gift card)
- 9-month grace period vs. 6 months for most others
- Skip one payment each year without penalty if needed
- No application or late payment fees
- 2-minute eligibility check with no credit impact
- Doesn’t allow cosigners to be released
Rates & funding
| Fixed rates (APR) | 4.13% – 17.99% |
| Variable rates (APR) | 4.13% – 17.99% |
| Rate discounts | 0.25% for automatic payments |
| Loan amounts | $1,000 – 100% of costs |
Eligibility
| Loan types | Undergrad, grad, parent |
| Min. credit score | 650 |
| Min. income | $35,000 per year |
| Enrollment | At least half-time |
| Citizenship | U.S. Citizen, Permanent Resident Card Holder (10-year non-conditional or 2-year conditional), Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Recipient, Asylee, or H-1B visa with a U.S. Citizen cosigner. |
| State | All states other than Nevada, plus Washington D.C. |
Repayment
| In-school repayment | Full, interest-only, fixed, deferred |
| Repayment terms | 5, 7, 10, 12, or 15 years |
| Grace period | 9 months |
| Deferment | In-school, military, residency, fellowship |
| Forbearance | Up to 12 months |
| Cosigner release | No |
Best private educational loan for graduate students: SoFi
SoFi® does more than offer graduate students another way to borrow. It combines competitive loan options with extra benefits that can make the overall experience feel more valuable, especially for borrowers managing school, career planning, and other financial goals at the same time.
A big part of SoFi’s appeal is how well it fits graduate and professional students. It offers a broad lineup of grad-focused loans, solid repayment flexibility, and a polished digital experience that makes rate shopping and borrowing feel less cumbersome. For students in programs such as law, MBA, or health professions, that convenience can go a long way.
SoFi also stands out for the perks around the loan. Features like good-grade rewards, redeemable points, and access to financial planning give it a more full-service feel than many competitors. That can be especially appealing if you want your lender to offer more than basic funding.
The main limitation is that SoFi is not as broad a fit for every kind of borrower; it doesn’t offer career training loans. But for graduate students who want a modern lender with strong benefits, flexible options, and useful extras, SoFi is one of the most compelling choices in the category.
- Up to $250 with GPAs of 3.0 or higherⓘ
- Earn and redeem points to pay down your balance
- Financial planning services
- Covers up to 100% of school-certified costs
- No origination, prepayment, or late payment fees
- Choose your repayment terms
- Interactive calculators and tools to estimate costs
- Check your rate without affecting your credit
- Doesn’t offer loans for career training
Rates & funding
| Fixed rates (APR) | 4.44% – 14.30% with autopay |
| Variable rates (APR) | 5.99% – 14.30% with autopay |
| Rate discounts | 0.25% for automatic payments |
| Loan amounts | $1,000 – 100% of school-certified costs |
Eligibility
| Loan types | Undergrad, grad, parent |
| Min. credit score | Not disclosed |
| Min. income | None |
| Enrollment | At least half time |
| Citizenship | U.S. citizen, permanent resident, visa holder (international & DACA w/ cosigner) |
| State | All 50 states |
Repayment
| In-school repayment | Full, interest-only, deferred, and more |
| Repayment terms | 5, 7, 10, or 15 years |
| Grace period | 6 months for most loans |
| Deferment | In-school, military, residency, internship |
| Forbearance | Yes, must call to discuss options |
| Cosigner release | 12 consecutive on-time paymentsⓘ |
Best private student loans for multi-year approval: Citizens Bank
Citizens Bank stands out because it can make repeat borrowing less of a hassle. Its multi-year approval program is a meaningful convenience for students who expect to need private loans beyond one semester or school year, since it can reduce how often you have to start the process from scratch.
That feature makes Citizens especially appealing for borrowers who want more predictability as they move through school. Instead of treating each future loan like a brand-new shopping process, Citizens offers a more streamlined path that can save time and cut down on paperwork during already busy academic years.
Citizens pairs that convenience with a solid borrowing experience overall. The lender offers prequalification, competitive rates, and multiple discounts, which give qualified borrowers a fair amount of value upfront. Rate quotes that stay valid for 30 days are another nice touch if you want time to compare offers carefully.
The main drawback is that Citizens is less generous when it comes to cosigner release, and its repayment menu is not as flexible as what some competitors offer. Still, if your top priority is simplifying how you borrow for more than one year of school, Citizens is one of the best options to consider.
- Multi-Year Approval to simplify funding needs for future semesters
- Multiple rate discounts
- 2-minute prequalification with no credit impact
- Rate quotes are valid for 30 days
- Cosigners can’t be released for at least 36 months
Rates & funding
| Fixed rates (APR) | 5.25% – 12.19% |
| Variable rates (APR) | 5.97% – 12.42% |
| Rate discounts | 0.25% for loyalty, 0.25% for automatic payments |
| Loan amounts | $1,000 – $100,000 |
Eligibility
| Loan types | Undergrad, grad, parent |
| Min. credit score | 640 |
| Min. income | $12,000 |
| Enrollment | At least half time |
| Citizenship | U.S. citizen or permanent resident (international w/ cosigner) |
| State | All 50 states, D.C., U.S. territories |
Repayment
| In-school repayment | Full, interest-only, flat, deferred |
| Repayment terms | 5, 10, or 15 years |
| Grace period | 6 months |
| Deferment | In-school, internship, residency, military |
| Forbearance | Up to 12 months in 2-month increments |
| Cosigner release | 36 on-time payments |
71% of borrowers would recommend taking out a private student loan.
— LendEDU private student loans survey
The best way to get a private student loan
The best place to get a student loan depends on your situation, but for most borrowers, the smartest starting point is federal student loans.
Exhaust federal aid first
Federal Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans don’t require a credit check for most students, offer fixed interest rates set by the government, and come with income-driven repayment plans and potential forgiveness programs. You can apply by submitting the FAFSA. If you qualify for federal aid, it’s usually your lowest-risk option.
Cover remaining gaps with private student loans
If federal loans don’t fully cover your costs, that’s when private student loan lenders come in.
Private student loans are offered by:
- Banks (such as Citizens Bank)
- Credit unions
- Online lenders (such as College Ave, Earnest, and others)
Read our full breakdown of federal vs. private student loans to see which option fits your situation.
The most common reason borrowers are ineligible for federal student aid is being enrolled less than half-time. Private student loans can help if you’re studying part-time.
— LendEDU private student loans survey
How to compare private student loan lenders
Here’s what to compare across at least three lenders:
- Interest rates/APR: Compare both fixed and variable student loan interest rates to understand how much you’ll pay over time. Even a small difference in your rate can have a big impact on your total loan cost.
- Fees: Check for origination fees, late fees, and prepayment penalties, which can increase your borrowing costs. The best lenders keep fees minimal or eliminate them.
- In-school repayment options: Look at whether you can make full, interest-only, or deferred payments while in school. Starting payments early can reduce the total interest you pay.
- Cosigner release rules: If you apply with a cosigner, review how and when they can be removed from the loan. Some lenders offer release after a set number of on-time payments, while others have stricter requirements.
- Deferment or forbearance: See what options are available if you experience financial hardship after leaving school. Flexible deferment or forbearance policies can help you avoid missed payments and credit damage.
- School and citizenship eligibility: Make sure the lender works with your school and accepts your residency or citizenship status. Some lenders have restrictions based on enrollment type or borrower background.
- Multi-year approval options: Some lenders offer multi-year approval, which can reduce paperwork in future academic years. Compare whether you’ll need to reapply annually or can lock in approval for multiple years.
- Refinancing potential later: If you plan to refinance after graduation, look for lenders with no prepayment penalties and strong refinance options. A lower refinance rate later could save you thousands. (Check out our reviews of the best student loan refinance lenders.)
Online lenders often have the most streamlined applications and flexible repayment options. Banks and credit unions may offer loyalty discounts or relationship perks.
The right lender for you depends on your credit profile, whether you have a cosigner, and how much flexibility you want during repayment.
Check rates without impacting your credit score
A soft credit check won’t affect your credit score. A hard credit inquiry may cause a small, temporary dip. Confirm when a lender switches from soft to hard pull before submitting a full application.
Many lenders let you check your rate with a soft credit pull. Prequalify with at least three lenders within a short window so you can compare offers side by side without damaging your credit score.
When choosing a private student loan lender, nearly 75% of borrowers say a low interest rate is the most important term.
— LendEDU private student loans survey
How private student loans work
Private student loans can help cover the gap when federal aid, scholarships, and savings aren’t enough, but they work differently from federal loans. Understanding the process upfront can help you borrow smarter, avoid surprises, and choose a loan that fits your needs. Here’s a step-by-step look at how to get a private student loan.
“My top tip for comparing private student loan lenders is to start by identifying reputable lenders that offer the loan amount you need. Once you’ve narrowed it down to at least three options, compare them based on interest rates, loan terms, repayment structure, and any loan forgiveness or forbearance options they may provide.”
— Erin Kinkade, CFP®, ChFC®
Benefits and downsides of private student loans
Private student loans can be a useful way to cover remaining college costs, but they come with trade-offs you’ll want to understand before borrowing. Reviewing the pros and cons of private student loans can help you decide whether they’re the right fit for your situation.
Benefits of private student loans
- You can borrow more if you need to
- Private lenders often let you borrow up to the full cost of attendance, which can help if you have a big gap after using federal aid.
- Competitive rates for strong credit
- If you (or your cosigner) have excellent credit, you could snag a lower interest rate than you’d get with federal loans.
- Variety of options
- There are private loans for undergrad, grad school, professional degrees, career training, and even international students.
- Cosigner release programs
- Some lenders let you apply to remove your cosigner after you make a set number of on-time payments.
- Fast application process
- You can usually apply online and get a decision fast, sometimes within minutes.
Downsides of private student loans
- Less borrower protection
- Private loans don’t offer income-driven repayment plans, forgiveness programs, or generous deferment and forbearance options like federal loans do.
- Credit and income requirements
- You (or your cosigner) need good credit and solid income to qualify for the best rates. Otherwise, you could get stuck with a higher interest rate.
- Variable rates can rise
- If you choose a variable-rate loan, your interest rate (and monthly payment) could climb over time.
- Harder to adjust payments if life changes
- Unlike federal loans, most private lenders don’t offer easy options to lower your payment if you lose your job or take a pay cut.
- Less standardization
- Every lender has its own rules, fees, and repayment terms, so you’ll need to do a little more homework to find the right fit.
“As long as you understand the terms and know that you will end up with a degree that you can use to easily pay it back, it is worth furthering your education [with private student loans].”
— 2025 LendEDU private student loans survey respondent
Calculate your private student loan payments
Before you accept a loan offer, run the numbers.
Use our student loan affordability calculator to estimate your monthly payment based on your expected starting salary, interest rate, and repayment term. This quick check helps you confirm the loan fits your future budget.
Private student loans can close funding gaps, but borrowing more than you can comfortably repay can create long-term stress. Use realistic salary estimates and choose a repayment term that keeps your monthly payment manageable.
Explore our top lenders for private student loans for college and beyond today
Ready to find your best rate? Compare offers from top lenders below and see what you qualify for. Checking rates is fast, won’t hurt your credit, and could lower your total cost by thousands.
FAQ
What are private student loans?
Private student loans are education loans from banks, credit unions, and online lenders, not the federal government. They’re designed to help cover gaps when scholarships, grants, and federal student loans don’t fully cover your cost of attendance.
Unlike federal loans, private loans typically require a credit check (or a creditworthy cosigner), and rates and repayment terms can vary widely, so comparing lenders matters.
Who qualifies for private student loans?
Private student loans are typically available to students (or parents) who meet a lender’s credit and income requirements. Most lenders look for a credit score in the mid- to high-600s or better, steady income, and enrollment at least half-time in an eligible school. Borrowers usually must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, or apply with a qualified cosigner who meets these criteria.
What can private student loans be used for?
Private student loans are usually flexible. Schools certify the loan amount, and the funds can cover education-related costs such as:
- Tuition and required fees
- Room and board (on-campus or off-campus)
- Meal plans
- Books and supplies
- Required equipment (such as a laptop)
- Transportation and other living expenses tied to school
A good rule: If it’s included in your school’s cost of attendance, it can typically be covered by a private student loan.
Do you need to reapply for private student loans each year?
In most cases, yes.
Private student loans are usually issued per academic year. You’ll typically need to reapply each year you need funding, and your interest rate may change based on your updated credit profile and market conditions.
Some lenders offer multi-year approval, which can reduce paperwork in future years, but it’s still smart to compare rates annually to ensure you’re getting the best offer available.
Should you shop around each time?
Yes. Even if you liked your lender last year, rates, fees, and repayment perks can change. As your credit improves, you may qualify for better terms elsewhere.
That said, if your current lender remains competitive and the process is simple, staying put can save time. Just confirm you’re not passing up a stronger offer.
How hard is it to get a private student loan?
Getting a private student loan can be moderately difficult, especially if you don’t meet the typical eligibility requirements for a private student loan on your own. Unlike federal loans, private lenders evaluate your creditworthiness, income, and overall financial profile before approving your application.
Most lenders look at:
- Credit score (typically 650+ for the best rates)
- Stable income (yours or your cosigner’s)
- Debt-to-income ratio
- Enrollment at an eligible school (usually at least half-time)
- U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, or eligible visa status
If you have strong credit and income, qualifying is usually straightforward. But if you’re a student with limited credit history, approval can be harder. Adding a creditworthy cosigner can boost your chances of getting approved and securing a lower interest rate.
What is the minimum income for a private student loan?
The minimum income required for a private student loan varies by lender, but as an example, College Ave requires an income of at least $35,000 per year.
This requirement is not universal; some lenders have a monthly income requirement ranging from $1 to $3,000, depending on credit, while others may have no strict minimum as long as the borrower can demonstrate the ability to make small monthly payments.
Who are the top private student loan lenders in 2026?
Our ratings show that the best lenders this year include:
- College Ave – Best overall
- Sallie Mae – Best for cosigner release
- Capable – Great for repayment flexibility
- Ascent – Great graduation reward
- Earnest – Best repayment perks
How we rated the best private student loans
Since 2015, LendEDU has evaluated student loan lenders to help readers find the best student loans. Our latest analysis reviewed 725 data points from 25 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 data points are organized into broader categories, which our editorial team weights and scores based on their relative importance to readers. 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.
Higher star ratings are ultimately awarded to companies that create an excellent borrower experience. This includes offering online eligibility checks, cost transparency, competitive interest rates with no fees, flexible repayment plans, and unique benefits that support borrowers throughout repayment.
List of student loan companies we evaluated
About our contributors
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Written by Timothy Moore, CFEI®Timothy Moore is a Certified Financial Education Instructor (CFEI®) specializing in bank accounts, student loans, taxes, and insurance. His passion is helping readers navigate life on a tight budget.
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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.
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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.