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The best student loan for you will always be the one that suits your individual needs best. However, it’s helpful to have a few strong options to start with so you can get a better idea of what your loan options will look like.
Whether you’re pursuing an undergraduate degree, a law degree, or a medical degree, there are loan options designed just for you. Likewise, whether you value the ability to have a non-cosigned loan, flexible repayment options, or finding the best interest rate, there’s a loan that will meet your needs.
Jump Ahead to the Best Student Loans for… > Undergraduate & Graduate School • Law, Dental, & Medical School • No Cosigner • International Students • Bad Credit
The loan options shared are in no particular order. Interest rates reflected in this article were last updated on 03/06/23. Rates listed may reflect the lender’s autopay discount. Interest rates are subject to change.
There are a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate student lenders, making the search process even more important. The following are our top picks for private student loans for undergraduate and graduate degrees.
Fixed Interest Rate: 2.95% to 6.65%
Variable Interest Rate: 4.15% to 8.95%
Maximum Borrowing Limit: Cost of attendance minus other aid; $100,000 lifetime maximum
Minimum Credit Score: 670
Best for: Residents of, or students in, Arkansas.
Learn more about ASLA.
View disclosure.
Fixed Interest Rate: 4.62% to 14.99% (cosigned, undergraduate); 5.44% to 16.24% (graduate)
Variable Interest Rate: 5.86% to 14.14% (cosigned, undergraduate); 6.42% – 15.39% (graduate)
Maximum Borrowing Limit: $200,000
Minimum Credit Score: 540
Best for: International and DACA students who have a lower credit score.
Learn more about Ascent.
View disclosure.
Fixed Interest Rate: 2.83% to 7.28%
Variable Interest Rate: 4.54% to 8.99%
Maximum Borrowing Limit: Cost of attendance minus other aid
Minimum Credit Score: 700
Best for: Borrowers who are residents of Texas.
Learn more about Brazos.
View disclosure.
Fixed Interest Rate: 4.74% to 15.32% (undergrad); 4.74% to 13.99% (grad)
Variable Interest Rate: 4.74% to 15.32% (undergrad); 4.74% to 13.99% (grad)
Maximum Borrowing Limit: Cost of attendance minus other aid
Minimum Credit Score: Mid 600s
Best for: Borrowers looking for a repayment term that matches their budget.
Learn more about College Ave.
View disclosure.
Fixed Interest Rate: 3.65% to 12.47%
Variable Interest Rate: 5.67% to 14.19%
Maximum Borrowing Limit: Cost of attendance minus other aid; cannot exceed $99,999 annually or $180,000 cumulatively
Minimum Credit Score: 660 for non-cosigned loans
Best for: Borrowers who want a competitive interest rate and strong borrower benefits.
Learn more about the Custom Choice Loan® by Cognition Financial.
View disclosure.
Fixed Interest Rate: 4.79% to 13.70% (undergrad); 4.79% to 13.85% (grad)*
Variable Interest Rate: 4.79% to 13.50% (undergrad); 4.79% to 11.99% (grad)*
Maximum Borrowing Limit: Cost of attendance mins other aid
Minimum Credit Score: 650
Best for: Borrowers who want a competitive interest rate and flexible repayment options.
Learn more about Earnest.
View disclosure.
*Rates include autopay discount.
Fixed Interest Rate: 0.25% to 23.00%
Variable Interest Rate: N/A
Maximum Borrowing Limit: $15,000 per academic year (plus $10,000 for summer) and $25,000 lifetime.
Minimum Credit Score: N/A
Best for: Borrowers who want an income-based repayment (IBR) loan.
Learn more about Edly.
View disclosure.
Fixed Interest Rate: 7.52% to 10.64%
Variable Interest Rate: 6.99% to 10.32%
Maximum Borrowing Limit: $1,000 to the total cost of attendance
Minimum Credit Score: 675
Best for: Borrowers who want to work with a nonprofit that offers flexible repayment plans.
Learn more about EDvestinU.
View disclosure.
Fixed Interest Rate: 7.49% to 12.99%
Variable Interest Rate: N/A
Maximum Borrowing Limit: $20,000 per school year
Minimum Credit Score: N/A
Best for: Borrowers that were high-achieving undergraduate students.
Learn more about Funding U.
View disclosure.
Fixed Interest Rate: 4.61% to 8.67%
Variable Interest Rate: 6.10% to 10.56%
Maximum Borrowing Limit: Cost of attendance minus other aid
Minimum Credit Score: 670
Best for: Borrowers who are residents of or students in Indiana.
Learn more about INvestED.
View disclosure.
Fixed Interest Rate: 4.89% to 10.39%
Variable Interest Rate: 5.36% to 10.51%
Maximum Borrowing Limit: Cost of attendance minus other aid
Minimum Credit Score: 660
Best for: Borrowers that want to work with a credit union or community bank.
Learn more about LendKey.
View disclosure.
Fixed Interest Rate: 13.74% (undergrad); 12.74% (grad)
Variable Interest Rate: N/A
Maximum Borrowing Limit: $50,000 per semester; $100,000 per year
Minimum Credit Score: N/A
Best for: International and DACA borrowers without a cosigner.
Learn more about MPOWER.
View disclosure.
Fixed Interest Rate: 4.49% to 14.57%*
Variable Interest Rate: 5.12% to 15.15%*
Maximum Borrowing Limit: $125,000 total for undergraduate students; $500,000 total for graduate students
Minimum Credit Score: 680 individually; 640 with a qualified cosigner
Best for: Borrowers who want competitive interest rates and a flexible forbearance policy.
Learn more about Nelnet Bank.
View disclosure.
*Rates listed have an autopay discount only on the lower boundary
Fixed Interest Rate: N/A
Variable Interest Rate: 6.70%+
Maximum Borrowing Limit: $220,000
Minimum Credit Score: N/A
Best for: International student borrowers with no cosigner.
Learn more about Prodigy Finance.
View disclosure.
Fixed Interest Rate: 3.75% to 13.72%
Variable Interest Rate: 4.00% to 14.34%
Maximum Borrowing Limit: School-certified cost of attendance minus other aid
Minimum Credit Score: Mid 600s
Best for: Borrowers who want competitive interest rates and a flexible repayment plan.
Learn more about Sallie Mae.
View disclosure.
Fixed Interest Rate: 4.49% to 13.80% (undergrad); 5.25% to 13.60% (grad)
Variable Interest Rate: 4.99% to 13.07% (undergrad); 5.49% to 13.07% (grad)
Maximum Borrowing Limit: Cost of attendance minus other aid
Minimum Credit Score: Does not disclose
Best for: Borrowers with a strong credit score or a creditworthy cosigner.
Learn more about SoFi.
View disclosure.
Law, dental, and medical school are notoriously expensive. So, when searching for a student loan for these programs, you’ll want to pay close attention to the lender’s borrowing limits. While you don’t need to stick with one lender for the entire duration of your program, many borrowers do for easier repayment.
If you plan to stick with one lender throughout the duration of your degree, you’ll need to make sure their maximum borrowing limit covers your estimated total cost of attendance.
Fixed Interest Rate: Starts at 2.84%
Variable Interest Rate: Starts at 4.54%
Maximum Borrowing Limit: Cost of attendance minus other aid
Minimum Credit Score: 700
Best for: Borrowers who are residents of Texas and have a strong credit score.
View disclosure.
Fixed Interest Rate: 4.74% – 13.99%
Variable Interest Rate: 4.74% – 13.99%
Maximum Borrowing Limit: Cost of attendance minus other aid
Minimum Credit Score: Mid 600s
Best for: Borrowers looking for flexible repayment options.
View disclosure.
Fixed Interest Rate: Starts at 4.45%*
Variable Interest Rate: Starts at 4.99%*
Maximum Borrowing Limit: Cost of attendance mins other aid
Minimum Credit Score: 650
Best for: Borrowers who want a competitive interest rate and flexible repayment options.
View disclosure.
*Rates include a 0.25% AutoPay discount.
Fixed Interest Rate: 4.49% to 14.57%
Variable Interest Rate: 5.12% to 15.15%
Maximum Borrowing Limit: $500,000 total
Minimum Credit Score: 680 individually; 640 with a qualified cosigner
Best for: Borrowers who need a high borrowing limit and want competitive interest rates.
View disclosure.
Rates listed have an autopay discount only on the lower boundary.
Fixed Interest Rate: 5.25% to 14.47% (law); 5.25% to 14.47% (dental); 5.25% to 14.46% (medical)
Variable Interest Rate: 6.00% to 15.59% (law); 6.00% to 15.58% (dental); 5.99% to 15.58% (medical)
Maximum Borrowing Limit: Cost of attendance minus other aid
Minimum Credit Score: Mid 600s
Best for: Borrowers who need a high borrowing limit and want competitive interest rates.
View disclosure.
Fixed Interest Rate: 5.25% to 13.15%
Variable Interest Rate: 5.49% to 12.77%
Maximum Borrowing Limit: Cost of attendance minus other aid
Minimum Credit Score: Does not disclose
Best for: Borrowers with a strong credit score.
View disclosure.
Many student loan options will require you to have a creditworthy cosigner to qualify. If you are without a cosigner, however, don’t worry. There are a variety of loan options available that do not require a cosigner.
Fixed Interest Rate: 2.95% to 6.65%
Variable Interest Rate: 4.15% to 8.95%
Maximum Borrowing Limit: Cost of attendance minus other aid; $100,000 lifetime maximum
Minimum Credit Score: 670
Best for: Residents of, or students in, Arkansas.
Learn more about ASLA.
View disclosure.
Fixed Interest Rate: 10.06% – 16.24%
Variable Interest Rate: 9.49% – 15.39%
Maximum Borrowing Limit: $200,000
Minimum Credit Score: 540
Best for: International and DACA students who have a lower credit score.
Learn more about Ascent.
View disclosure.
Fixed Interest Rate: 2.83% to 7.28%
Variable Interest Rate: 4.54% to 8.99%
Maximum Borrowing Limit: Cost of attendance minus other aid
Minimum Credit Score: 700
Best for: Borrowers who are residents of Texas.
Learn more about Brazos.
View disclosure.
Fixed Interest Rate: 4.74% to 15.32% (undergrad); 4.74% to 13.99% (grad)
Variable Interest Rate: 4.74% to 13.99% (undergrad); 4.74% to 13.99% (grad)
Maximum Borrowing Limit: Cost of attendance minus other aid
Minimum Credit Score: Mid 600s
Best for: Borrowers looking for a repayment term that matches their budget.
Learn more about College Ave.
View disclosure.
Fixed Interest Rate: 3.65% to 12.47%
Variable Interest Rate: 5.67% to 14.19%
Maximum Borrowing Limit: Cost of attendance minus other aid; cannot exceed $99,999 annually or $180,000 cumulatively
Minimum Credit Score: 660 for non-cosigned loans
Best for: Borrowers who want a competitive interest rate and strong borrower benefits.
Learn more about the Custom Choice Loan® by Cognition Financial.
View disclosure.
Fixed Interest Rate: 4.79% to 13.70% (undergrad); 4.79% to 13.85% (grad)*
Variable Interest Rate: 4.79% to 13.50% (undergrad); 4.79% to 11.99% (grad)*
Maximum Borrowing Limit: Cost of attendance mins other aid
Minimum Credit Score: 650
Best for: Borrowers who want a competitive interest rate and flexible repayment options.
Learn more about Earnest.
View disclosure.
*Rates include autopay discount.
Fixed Interest Rate: 0.25% to 23.00%
Variable Interest Rate: N/A
Maximum Borrowing Limit: $15,000 per academic year (plus $10,000 for summer) and $25,000 lifetime.
Minimum Credit Score: N/A
Best for: Borrowers who want an income-based repayment (IBR) loan.
Learn more about Edly.
View disclosure.
Fixed Interest Rate: 7.52% to 10.64%
Variable Interest Rate: 6.99% to 10.32%
Maximum Borrowing Limit: $1,000 to the total cost of attendance
Minimum Credit Score: 675
Best for: Borrowers who want to work with a nonprofit that offers flexible repayment plans.
Learn more about EDvestinU.
View disclosure.
Fixed Interest Rate: 7.49% to 12.99%
Variable Interest Rate: N/A
Maximum Borrowing Limit: $20,000 per school year
Minimum Credit Score: N/A
Best for: Borrowers that were high-achieving undergraduate students.
Learn more about Funding U.
View disclosure.
Fixed Interest Rate: 4.61% to 8.67%
Variable Interest Rate: 6.10% to 10.56%
Maximum Borrowing Limit: Cost of attendance minus other aid
Minimum Credit Score: 670
Best for: Borrowers who are residents of or students in Indiana.
Learn more about INvestED.
View disclosure.
Fixed Interest Rate: 4.89% to 10.39%
Variable Interest Rate: 5.36% to 10.51%
Maximum Borrowing Limit: Cost of attendance minus other aid
Minimum Credit Score: 660
Best for: Borrowers that want to work with a credit union or community bank.
Learn more about LendKey.
View disclosure.
Fixed Interest Rate: 13.74% (undergrad); 12.74% (grad)
Variable Interest Rate: N/A
Maximum Borrowing Limit: $50,000 per semester; $100,000 per year
Minimum Credit Score: N/A
Best for: International and DACA borrowers without a cosigner.
Learn more about MPOWER.
View disclosure.
Fixed Interest Rate: 4.49% to 14.57%*
Variable Interest Rate: 5.12% to 15.15%*
Maximum Borrowing Limit: $125,000 total for undergraduate students; $500,000 total for graduate students
Minimum Credit Score: 680 individually; 640 with a qualified cosigner
Best for: Borrowers who want competitive interest rates and a flexible forbearance policy.
Learn more about Nelnet Bank.
View disclosure.
*Rates listed have an autopay discount only on the lower boundary
Fixed Interest Rate: N/A
Variable Interest Rate: 6.70%+
Maximum Borrowing Limit: $220,000
Minimum Credit Score: N/A
Best for: International student borrowers with no cosigner.
Learn more about Prodigy Finance.
View disclosure.
Fixed Interest Rate: 3.75% to 13.72%
Variable Interest Rate: 4.00% to 14.34%
Maximum Borrowing Limit: School-certified cost of attendance minus other aid
Minimum Credit Score: Mid 600s
Best for: Borrowers who want competitive interest rates and a flexible repayment plan.
Learn more about Sallie Mae.
View disclosure.
Fixed Interest Rate: 4.49% to 13.80% (undergrad); 5.25% to 13.60% (grad)
Variable Interest Rate: 4.99% to 13.07% (undergrad); 5.49% to 13.07% (grad)
Maximum Borrowing Limit: Cost of attendance minus other aid
Minimum Credit Score: Does not disclose
Best for: Borrowers with a strong credit score or a creditworthy cosigner.
Learn more about SoFi.
View disclosure.
As an international student, there are a few factors you will want to consider when looking for a student loan:
The following are our top picks for international student loans that do require a cosigner.
Fixed Interest Rate: 4.62% to 14.91% (cosigned, undergraduate); 5.44% to 16.16% (graduate)
Variable Interest Rate: 5.74% to 14.51% (cosigned, undergraduate); 6.32% to 15.76% (graduate)
Maximum Borrowing Limit: $200,000
Minimum Credit Score: 540
Best for: International and DACA students who have a lower credit score.
View disclosure.
Fixed Interest Rate: 4.49% to 15.32% (undergrad); 4.49% to 13.99% (grad)
Variable Interest Rate: 4.49% to 15.32% (undergrad); 4.49% to 13.99% (grad)
Maximum Borrowing Limit: Cost of attendance minus other aid
Minimum Credit Score: Mid 600s
Best for: Borrowers looking for a repayment term that matches their budget.
View disclosure.
Fixed Interest Rate: 4.79% to 13.70%* (Undergrad); 4.79% to 13.85%* (Grad)
Variable Interest Rate: 4.79% to 13.50%* (Undergrad); 4.79% to 11.99%* (Grad)
Maximum Borrowing Limit: Cost of attendance mins other aid
Minimum Credit Score: 650
Best for: Borrowers who want a competitive interest rate and flexible repayment options.
View disclosure.
*Rates include a 0.25% AutoPay discount.
Fixed Interest Rate: 4.52% to 9.05%
Variable Interest Rate: 3.37% to 7.14%
Maximum Borrowing Limit: $1,000 to the total cost of attendance
Minimum Credit Score: 675
Best for: Borrowers who want to work with a nonprofit that offers flexible repayment plans.
View disclosure.
Fixed Interest Rate: 3.75% to 13.72%
Variable Interest Rate: 4.00% to 14.34%
Maximum Borrowing Limit: Cost of attendance minus other aid
Minimum Credit Score: Mid 600s
Best for: Borrowers who want competitive interest rates and a flexible repayment plan.
View disclosure.
The following are our top picks for international student loans that do not require a cosigner.
Fixed Interest Rate: 13.74% maximum (undergrad); 12.74% maximum (grad)
Variable Interest Rate: N/A
Maximum Borrowing Limit: $50,000 per semester; $100,000 per year
Minimum Credit Score: N/A
Best for: International and DACA borrowers without a cosigner.
View disclosure.
Fixed Interest Rate: N/A
Variable Interest Rate: 6.70%+
Maximum Borrowing Limit: $220,000
Minimum Credit Score: N/A
Best for: International student borrowers with no cosigner.
View disclosure.
Most private student loans will require you to have a solid credit score or a creditworthy cosigner with one. If you do not have a solid credit score, there are options. There are private student loans with lower credit score requirements.
Fixed Interest Rate: 2.95% to 6.65%
Variable Interest Rate: 4.15% to 8.95%
Maximum Borrowing Limit: Cost of attendance minus other aid; $100,000 lifetime maximum
Minimum Credit Score: 670
Best for: Residents of, or students in, Arkansas.
View disclosure.
Fixed Interest Rate: 4.62% to 16.16% (undergraduate); 5.44% to 16.16% (graduate)
Variable Interest Rate: 5.74% to 15.76% (undergraduate); 6.32% to 15.76% (graduate)
Maximum Borrowing Limit: $200,000
Minimum Credit Score: 540
Best for: International and DACA students who have a lower credit score.
View disclosure.
Fixed Interest Rate: 4.49% to 15.32% (undergrad); 4.49% to 13.99% (grad)
Variable Interest Rate: 4.49% to 15.32% (undergrad); 4.49% to 13.99% (grad)
Maximum Borrowing Limit: Cost of attendance minus other aid
Minimum Credit Score: Mid 600s
Best for: Borrowers looking for a repayment term that matches their budget.
View disclosure.
Fixed Interest Rate: 4.79% to 13.70%* (Undergrad); 4.79% to 13.85%* (Grad)
Variable Interest Rate: 4.79% to 13.50%* (Undergrad); 4.79% to 11.99%* (Grad)
Maximum Borrowing Limit: Cost of attendance mins other aid
Minimum Credit Score: 650
Best for: Borrowers who want a competitive interest rate and flexible repayment options.
View disclosure.
*Rates include a 0.25% AutoPay discount.
Fixed Interest Rate: 7.49% to 12.99%
Variable Interest Rate: N/A
Maximum Borrowing Limit: $20,000 per school year
Minimum Credit Score: N/A
Best for: Borrowers that were high-achieving undergraduate students.
View disclosure.
Fixed Interest Rate: 4.89% to 10.39%
Variable Interest Rate: 5.21% to 10.37%
Maximum Borrowing Limit: Cost of attendance minus other aid
Minimum Credit Score: 660
Best for: Borrowers that want to work with a credit union or community bank.
View disclosure.
Fixed Interest Rate: 13.74% maximum (undergrad); 12.74% maximum (grad)
Variable Interest Rate: N/A
Maximum Borrowing Limit: $50,000 per semester; $100,000 per year
Minimum Credit Score: N/A
Best for: International and DACA borrowers without a cosigner.
View disclosure.
Fixed Interest Rate: N/A
Variable Interest Rate: 6.70%+
Maximum Borrowing Limit: $220,000
Minimum Credit Score: N/A
Best for: International student borrowers with no cosigner.
View disclosure.
Fixed Interest Rate: 3.75% to 13.72%
Variable Interest Rate: 4.00% to 14.34%
Maximum Borrowing Limit: Cost of attendance minus other aid
Minimum Credit Score: Mid 600s
Best for: Borrowers who want competitive interest rates and a flexible repayment plan.
View disclosure.
With any student loan, it’s important to consider a variety of factors before borrowing the loan:
The best student loan for you will always be the loan that suits your needs and desires best. To find the loan that does that, use Sparrow. Sparrow allows you to compare personalized loan options from 15+ premier lenders side-by-side.
Sparrow’s goal is to give you the tools and confidence you need to improve your finances. Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This may influence which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. While we make an effort to include the best deals available to the general public, we make no warranty that such information represents all available products.