The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) has announced a phased release for the 2025-2026 FAFSA with a limited release on October 1, 2024 and full release on or before December 1, 2024. Please visit our blogfor more information.
Summary: Every student loan is bound by borrowing constraints. Annual limits specify maximum borrowing amount for a single academic year; aggregate (cumulative) limits define the total borrowing capacity within that specific loan program, and cost of attendance limits stipulate that the loan value must fall below the school's official cost of attendance after deducting other financial aid received.
Key Takeaways about Student Loan Limits
- Federal student loan limits are determined by the type of loan, the student’s dependency status, and the student’s grade level, and past borrowing history.
- Dependent undergraduates may borrow up to $31,000 in federal student loans.
- Independent undergraduates may borrow up to $57,500 in federal student loans.
- Graduate or professional students may borrow up to $138,500 in federal student loans, and certain health profession students may borrow up to $224,000.
With flexible repayment options, rate discounts and a team of advisors, Citizens will help you take that next step towards funding college. Apply Now with Citizens.
Is There a Limit On Student Loans?
Yes. Most student loans have several types of limits on the amount you can borrow.
Annual Student Loan Limits
An annual limit specifies the maximum amount you can borrow in a single academic year in each loan program for which you are eligible.
Aggregate Student Loan Limits
An aggregate limit, sometimes called a cumulative limit, specifies the total amount you are allowed to borrow through each loan program. One of the most common loan programs, the federal Direct Stafford Loan program.
Cost of Attendance Loan Limits
Your school's financial aid office cannot provide financial aid that exceeds your cost of attendance, which includes tuition, fees, housing, meals, transportation, and more. Financial aid is usually awarded in the order of scholarships, grants, work-study aid, and then student loans as needed. The cost of attendance (COA) dictates the maximum total cost after deducting other forms of financial assistance you may receive. This COA limit complements or replaces the annual loan limit to ensure that all aid, including student loans, stays within your school's determined budget for attendance.
Remember, making informed decisions about how to finance your education can significantly impact your financial well-beinglong after graduation.
How Student Loan Limits are Calculated
When you take out a student loan, both the annual and aggregate loan limits are applied to the loan amount. Each type of loan limit represents a restriction on the amount you can borrow.
Sometimes, you may want to borrow an amount that satisfies the annual limit, but you will qualify for a lower amount because your total debt would exceed the aggregate loan limit. You will then be restricted to the lower loan amount.
For example:
The Direct Unsubsidized Loan has annual limits for dependent undergraduate students based on the student’s year in school. The 2024 - 2025 loan limits are:
- $5,500 for freshmen
- $6,500 for sophom*ores
- $7,500 per year for juniors, seniors, and any additional undergraduate years of study
The Direct Unsubsidized Loan also has an aggregate loan limit of $31,000 for dependent undergraduate students.
Suppose a dependent undergraduate student in a 5-year engineering degree program borrows the annual maximum for each of the first four years, for a total of $27,000. During the student’s fifth year the annual limit would be $7,500. However, as the next table shows, the remaining aggregate loan eligibility is only $4,000 after the end of the fourth year. So, the student can’t borrow the $7,500 annual maximum as a fifth-year senior. Instead, this student can borrow no more than $4,000.
| Year | Annual Limit | Amount Borrowed | Aggregate Debt | Remaining Aggregate Loan Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Year (Freshman) | $5,500 | $5,500 | $5,500 | $25,500 |
| Second Year (Sophom*ore) | $6,500 | $6,500 | $12,000 | $19,000 |
| Third Year (Junior) | $7,500 | $7,500 | $19,500 | $11,500 |
| Fourth Year (Senior) | $7,500 | $7,500 | $27,000 | $4,000 |
| Fifth Year (Senior) | $7,500 | $4,000 | $31,000 | $0 |
Private Student Loan Limits
Private student loans come with an annual limit based on the cost of attendance minus other financial aid, such as federal student loans. Undergraduates usually have aggregate loan limits from $75,000 to $120,000, while graduate and professional students may qualify for higher limits. Remember, these limits cover all student loan debt - both federal and private loans combined.
Instantly Compare Lenders
Medical and dental residency and relocation loans and law bar study loans typically have annual loan limits that are 50% lower than the annual loan limits for students who are currently enrolled in school.
Even though you are working with a private student loan lender, your school will still certify the total amount you are able to borrow. Your school will let your lender know if adjustments needs to be made in order to ensure you are not offered financial aid (which includes student loans) in excess of your cost of attendance minus other aid received.
Ascent's private student loan gives students more opportunities to qualify for a loan with benefits that put students first, like 1% Cash Back at graduation and more… Learn More About Ascent
Federal Student Loan Limits
A federal student loan limit isn’t the amount you will be able to borrow, it’s the maximum the school can approve you to borrow. Your school might give you less than the loan limit.
The annual and aggregate borrowing limits on federal student loans vary based on several factors:
- Loan Program (Direct Subsidized Loan, Direct Unsubsidized Loan, or Direct PLUS Loan)
- Dependency Status (Dependent or Independent)
- Year in School or Grade Level (Freshman, Sophom*ore, Junior, Senior, or Graduate Student)
- Health Professional Student
If your grade level changes in the middle of the academic year, you may qualify for higher annual loan limits. You would then be eligible to borrow the difference between the new annual loan limit and the amount you already borrowed during the same academic year.
Similar rules apply to transfer students. Transferring from one school to another does not reset the loan limits. This can get a little tricky is you are transferring in the middle of an academic year. Your school will essentially let you borrow the difference between your annual loan limit at the new school and the amount received at the previous school. All loans borrowed through a loan program (i.e., Direct Stafford Loans) will count towards your aggregate loan limit.
Loan fees (which may be added to the loan balance) and capitalized interest do not count against the loan limits.
Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loan Limits
Your school's financial aid office determines how much you will be able to borrow each year. This amount might be less than the annual loan limit.
When it comes to the Direct Stafford Loan program, it's important to remember there are two types of loans in the this loan program: Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized loans. Although these loans are part of the same program, Direct Subsidized Loans have their own limits.
Eligibility for Direct Subsidized Loans is based ondemonstrated financial need, up to the annual and aggregate loan limits. (As of July 1, 2012, students attending graduate school or professional school are no longer eligible to borrow new Direct Subsidized Loans.)
One more thing to keep in mind, beyond annual and aggregate loan limits, there is a maximum eligibility period for you to receive Direct Subsidized Loans. For first-time borrowers whose first loan was obtained on or after July 1, 2013, there is a maximum eligibility period of time that you can receive Direct Subsidized loan funds. You are only able to receive Direct Subsidized loans for no more than 150% of the published length of your program.
For example, if you are enrolled in a four-year degree program, the maximum amount of time you can receive Direct Subsidized loan funds is 150% of four years, which is six years.
Eligibility for Direct Unsubsidized Loans does not depend on demonstrated financial need.
Aggregate loan limits, sometimes referred to as cumulative limits, may be refreshed by repaying the debt. So, if you have hit the aggregate loan limit, you will need to pay down your loan before you will be eligible to borrow more.
The aggregate loan limits for students attending graduate school or professional school students include any undergraduate federal student loan debt.
Borrowing Limits for Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans
Direct Unsubsidized Loan Limits for Health Profession Students
Health profession students, such as students enrolled in medical school, are eligible for higher Direct Loan limits.
There are two different levels of increased loan limits, depending on the area of study (see table). These limits are available only to health profession students enrolled at U.S. colleges and universities. Students enrolled at foreign institutions are not eligible.
| Health Professions Programs Eligible for Higher Direct Unsubsidized Loan Limits | Direct Unsubsidized Loan Limit 9-Month Academic Year | Direct Unsubsidized Loan Limit 12-Month Academic Year |
|---|---|---|
| $40,500 | $47,167 |
| $33,000 | $37,167 |
Some schools may also offer 10-month or 11-month academic programs, which would have different annual limits than those listed here. Check with your school’s financial aid office to get the limits for your program.
Other Direct Loan Limits
Additional Loan Funds for Preparatory Coursework
- All students: Up to $2,625 for coursework required for enrollment in an undergraduate degree or certificate program
- Bachelor’s degree recipients: Up to $5,500 for coursework required for enrollment in a graduate or professional degree or certificate program
- Bachelor’s degree recipients: Up to $5,500 for state-required teacher certification coursework
These loan funds are limited to a period of 12 consecutive months. Any loans received for preparatory coursework will be counted towards your Direct Loan aggregate loan limits.
If Parents Refuse to File the FAFSA
If the parents of a dependent undergraduate student decline to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), the college's financial aid administrator may still permit the student to borrow additional Direct Unsubsidized Loans, even if the FAFSA is incomplete. Keep in mind that the student will not be eligible for the Direct Subsidized Loan, the Federal Pell Grant, or other types of federal student aid.
Increased Direct Unsubsidized Loan Limits for Dependent Undergraduate Students
There are times when a dependent student can become eligible for the same Direct Unsubsidized Loan limits as independent students:
- Parents are denied eligibility for a Parent PLUS Loan
- Other documented "exceptional circ*mstances," even if parents aren't denied eligibility for a Parent PLUS Loan
In some exceptional circ*mstances, college financial aid administrators may allow a dependent undergraduate student to borrow at the higher Direct Unsubsidized Loan limits available to independent students without requiring the parent to obtain a denial of a Parent PLUS Loan. For example, you would need to successfully qualify for a dependency override.
College financial aid administrators aren't required to make the student eligible for the higher loan limits, even if exceptional circ*mstances exist.
Prorated Annual Loan Limits for Undergraduate Students
Annual loan limits for Direct Loans are prorated (adjusted) for undergraduate students who are enrolled in programs that are:
- Shorter than one academic year; or
- Remaining period of study is shorter than one academic year
For example, if an undergraduate student in a 4-year Bachelor’s degree program will be graduating at the end of the fall semester (halfway through the academic year), the student is eligible for half of the annual loan limit for seniors.
Half-time students are eligible for the same annual loan limits as full-time students.
Direct PLUS Loan Limits
The annual loan limit for the Direct PLUS Loan (Parent PLUS Loan or Grad PLUS Loan) is the annual cost of attendance minus other aid received during the enrollment period. There is no aggregate loan limit. The loan limits are the same for both parents of undergraduate students as well as graduate students.
Direct Consolidation Loan Limits
There are no limits on Direct Consolidation Loans (also known as Federal Consolidation Loans), other than the underlying limits on the loans included in the consolidation loan.
Recommendations
- File the FAFSA every year to maintain your eligibility for student aid.
- When you compare different types of student loans, make sure you understand both the annual and aggregate loan limits.
- If you are a dependent undergraduate student and your parents won’t qualify for a Parent PLUS Loan due to an adverse credit history, encourage them to apply anyway because a denial will make you eligible for the same Direct Loan limits as an independent student.
- If you’vehit the annual and/or aggregate limits on federal loans, but you still need additional funds to complete your education, consider private student loans as a potential option.
Compare Featured Lenders
Fixed APR 3.69% - 15.49%1
Variable APR 5.54% - 15.70%1
Cosigner Recommended
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Featured Lender
- Choose the #1 Private Student Loan Lender in the Nation. Sallie Mae is trusted by more families than any other private student loan lender.
- Variable Rates: 5.54% APR - 15.70% APR. Fixed Rates: 3.69% APR - 15.49% APR. Lowest rates shown include 0.25 percentage point interest rate discount with auto debit payments.1
- Applying online is easy - you could receive a credit result in about 10 minutes.2
- Multiple repayment options from in-school payments to deferred.1 No origination fee or prepayment penalty2
- Last year, students were 4x more likely to be approvedwith a cosigner3and it may help you get a better rate.
- Borrow up to 100% of school-certified expenses, whether you're online or on campus4
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., apply with a creditworthy cosigner (who must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident), and provide an unexpired government-issued photo ID. Requested loan amount must be at least $1,000.
1Advertised APRs for undergraduate students assume a $10,000 loan to a student who attends school for 4 years and has no prior Sallie Mae-serviced loans. 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.
2Although we do not charge a penalty or fee if you prepay your loan, any prepayment will be applied as outlined in your promissory note-first to Unpaid Fees and costs, then to Unpaid Interest, and then to Current Principal.
3Based 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, 2022 to September 30, 2023.
4For applications submitted directly to Sallie Mae, loan amount cannot exceed the cost of attendance less financial aid received, as certified by the school. Applications submitted to Sallie Mae through a partner website will be subject to a lower maximum loan request amount. Miscellaneous personal expenses (such as a laptop) may be included in the cost of attendance for students enrolled at least half-time.
Information advertised valid as of 09/10/2024.
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. Sallie Mae, the Sallie Mae logo, and other Sallie Mae names and logos are service marks or registered service marks of Sallie Mae Bank. All other names and logos used are the trademarks or service marks of their respective owners.
Edvisors is not the creditor for these loans and is compensated by Sallie Mae for the referral of Sallie Mae loan customers.
© 2024 Sallie Mae Bank. All rights reserved. SLM Corporation and its subsidiaries, including Sallie Mae Bank are not sponsored by or agencies of the United States of America.
Fixed APR 3.69% - 17.99%1
Variable APR 5.59% - 17.99%1
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Featured Lender
- Competitive APRs starting at 3.69%1
- Coverage up to 100% of your school-certified cost of attendance ($1,000 minimum) 2
- Multiple repayment options including: full principal and interest, interest-only, deferred, and flat payment
- Flexible payment terms ranging from 5, 8, 10, and 15 years3
- No origination, application and processing fees, no fees for early repayment
- Apply online in 3 minutes and get an instant credit decision
- Applying with a cosigner can increase your chances of getting approved and could result in a lower interest rate
College Ave Student Loans products are made available through Firstrust Bank, member FDIC, First Citizens Community Bank, member FDIC, or M.Y. Safra Bank, FSB, member FDIC. All loans are subject to individual approval and adherence to underwriting guidelines. Program restrictions, other terms, and conditions apply.
1All rates 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. Variable rates may increase after consummation.
2As certified by your school and less any other financial aid you might receive. Minimum $1,000.
3This informational repayment example uses typical loan terms for a freshman borrower who selects the Deferred Repayment Option with a 10-year repayment term, has a $10,000 loan that is disbursed in one disbursem*nt and a 8.35% fixed Annual Percentage Rate (“APR”): 120 monthly payments of $179.18 while in the repayment period, for a total amount of payments of $21,501.54. Loans will never have a full principal and interest monthly payment of less than $50. Your actual rates and repayment terms may vary.
Information advertised valid as of 09/03/2024. Variable interest rates may increase after consummation. Approved interest rate will depend on the creditworthiness of the applicant(s), lowest advertised rates only available to the most creditworthy applicants and require selection of full principal and interest payments with the shortest available loan term.
Fixed APR 3.69% - 14.85%*
Variable APR 6.01% - 15.72%*
Cosigner Recommended
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Featured Lender
- AFFORDABLE fixed rates starting at 3.69% APRwith Automatic Debit Discount*
- 1% CASH BACK Graduation Reward*
- NON-COSIGNED option may be available for eligible undergraduate juniors and seniors.
- PAY AFTER LEAVING SCHOOL – Customize your loan with flexible repayment options – start payments after graduation.
- FORGET FEES – No application, origination or disbursem*nt fees. No late fees and no prepayment penalty if you choose to pay your loan off early.
- COVER UP TO 100% of your tuition and eligible living expenses.
* Ascent’s undergraduate and graduate student loans are funded by Bank of Lake Mills or DR Bank, each Member FDIC. 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. Rates displayed above are effective as of 9/1/2024 and reflect an Automatic Payment Discount of 0.25% for credit-based college student loans and 1.00% discount on outcomes-based loans when you enroll in automatic payments. The Full P&I (Immediate) Repayment option is only available for college loans (except for outcomes-based loans) originated on or after June 3, 2024. 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. 1% Cash Back Graduation Reward subject to terms and conditions. For details on Ascent borrower benefits, visit AscentFunding.com/BorrowerBenefits. The AscentUP platform is only available to eligible Ascent borrowers and subject to terms and conditions.
The minimum amount is $2,001 except for the state of Massachusetts. Minimum loan amount for borrowers with a Massachusetts permanent address is $6,001.
Fixed APR 3.74% - 16.49%1
Variable APR 5.62% - 16.85%1
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Featured Lender
- Check your eligibility in just 2 minutes
- Flexible repayment options you can choose from
- No fees for origination, disbursem*nt, prepayment, or late payment3
- Skip a payment once per year (once repayment period restarted)4
- Will cover up to 100% of the school's certified cost of attendance
- 9-month grace period (3 months more than most lenders)2
- Apply over the phone with the Client Happiness Team
- Call 866-492-1222, Monday through Friday, 5 A.M. - 5 P.M. PST
- Mention us when you call in to start your application
This information is for graduate and undergraduate students attending participating degree-granting schools. Borrowers must be U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents if the school is located outside of the United States. Non-U.S. citizen borrowers who reside in the U.S. are eligible with a creditworthy cosigner (who must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident) and are required to provide an unexpired government-issued photo ID to verify identity. Applications are subject to a requested minimum loan amount of $1,000. Current credit and other eligibility criteria apply.
Actual rate and available repayment terms will vary based on your income. Fixed rates range from 3.99% APR to 16.74% APR (excludes 0.25% Auto Pay discount). Variable rates range from 5.87% APR to 17.10% APR (excludes 0.25% Auto Pay discount). Earnest variable interest rate student loan origination 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. The rate will not increase more than once per month. Although the rate will vary after you are approved, it will never exceed 36% (the maximum allowable for this loan). Please note, Earnest Private Student Loans are not available in Nevada. Our lowest rates are only available for our most credit qualified borrowers and contain our .25% auto pay discount from a checking or savings account. It is important to note that the 0.25% Auto Pay discount is not available while loan payments are deferred.
1You can take advantage of the Auto Pay interest rate reduction by setting up and maintaining active and automatic ACH withdrawal of your loan payment. 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. For multi-party loans, only one party may enroll in Auto Pay.
2Nine-month grace period is not available for borrowers who choose our Principal and Interest Repayment plan while in school.
3Earnest does not charge fees for origination, late payments, 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.
4Earnest clients may skip one payment every 12 months. Your first request to skip a payment can be made once you’ve made at least 6 months of consecutive on-time 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. Please be aware that a skipped payment does count toward the forbearance limits. 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.
The information provided on this page is updated as of 08/16/2024. Earnest reserves the right to change, pause, or terminate product offerings at any time without notice.
Earnest Private Student Loans are made by One American Bank, Member FDIC, or FinWise Bank, Member FDIC. One American Bank, 515 S. Minnesota Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104. Finwise Bank, 756 East Winchester, Suite 100, Murray, UT 84107
Earnest loans are serviced by Earnest Operations LLC, 535 Mission St., Suite 1663 San Francisco, CA 94105, NMLS #1204917, with support From Navient Solutions, LLC (NMLS #212430). One American Bank, FinWise Bank, and Earnest LLC and its subsidiaries, including Earnest Operations LLC, are not sponsored by agencies of the United States of America.
© 2024 Earnest LLC. All rights reserved.
THIS IS AN ADVERTIsem*nT. YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO MAKE ANY PAYMENT OR TAKE ANY OTHER ACTION IN RESPONSE TO THIS OFFER.
Fixed APR 3.69% - 14.22%*
Variable APR 6.00% - 14.22%*
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Featured Lender
- Prequalification: Prequalify to estimate your rate without affecting your credit score
- Online Application Process: Submit online application in minutes
- Flexible Repayment Options: ELFI offers immediate, interest only, partial payment, and fully deferred repayment options
- No Fees: No application fees, origination fees, or prepayment penalties
- Low Rates: Fixed rates from 3.69% to 14.22% and variable rates from 6.00% - 14.22%*
- Award winning Customer Service: Individually paired Student Loan Advisor to guide you through the application process
*Education Loan Finance is a nationwide student loan provider offered by Tennessee based SouthEast Bank. ELFI is designed to assist students financially with receiving their education. Subject to credit approval. See Terms & Conditions. Interest rates current as of 08-02-2024. Variable interest rates may increase after closing but will never exceed 18.00%. Interest rates may also differ from the rates shown above. The term of your loan, financial history, and other factors, including your cosigner’s (if any) financial history can affect the interest rate. For example, a 10-year loan with a fixed rate of 7% would have 120 payments of $11.61 per $1,000 borrowed. Rates are subject to change.
Fixed APR 3.74% - 15.45%1
Variable APR 6.32% - 15.96%1
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- Simple application process
- See your rate in minutes without affecting your credit score2
- Auto debit savings3
- Flexible repayment plans and multiple loan terms available
- No application fees and no origination fees
- Easy cosigning options
Nelnet Bank (Member FDIC)
Lowest rates shown already include an auto debit discount.
1 Fixed interest rates range from 3.74% APR (with auto debit discount) to 15.45% APR (without auto debit discount). Your interest rate will depend on your (and if applicable, your cosigner’s) credit qualifications. The fixed interest rate will remain the same for the life of the loan. Variable interest rates range from 6.32% APR (with auto debit discount) to 15.96% APR (without auto debit discount). Your interest rate will depend on your (and if applicable, your cosigner’s) credit qualifications. Variable rates may increase after consummation. Variable rates for Nelnet Bank Student Loans are calculated using either (a) the One-Month SOFR; (b) the 30-day Average SOFR; or (c) the forward-looking term rate based on SOFR as published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and/or The Wall Street Journal “Money Rates” table on the twenty-fifth day (or the next business day) of the immediately preceding calendar month. The variable rate may reprice and change on the first day of each month if the SOFR index changes. This may result in higher monthly payments. The current One-Month SOFR index is 5.35% as of September 1, 2024. The lowest interest rate for each loan type requires automatically withdrawn (“auto debit”) payments. The lowest rate is available only to the most creditworthy applicants. Not all borrowers will receive the lowest rate. The interest rate and Annual Percentage Rate (APR) may be higher depending upon (1) the credit history of the borrower and, if applicable, the cosigner, (2) the repayment option and loan term selected, and (3) the loan type selected. If approved, applicants will be notified of the rate qualified for within the stated range.
2 Credit Score: Checking your rate results in a soft credit pull, which will not affect your credit score. If you continue with your application, Nelnet Bank will request your permission to obtain your full credit report from one or more consumer reporting agencies. This is a hard credit pull and may affect your credit score.
3 Auto Debit: Interest rate reduction of .25% for automatically withdrawn payments from any designated bank account (“auto debit discount”). Auto debit discount applies when full payments (including both principal and interest), interest only and fixed pay are automatically drafted from a bank account. The auto debit discount will continue to apply during periods of approved forbearance or deferment if the auto debit discount was in effect at the time of receiving the forbearance or deferment. Auto debit discount will remain on the account unless (1) the automatic deduction of payments is canceled or (2) there are three consecutive automatic deductions returned for insufficient funds at any time during the term of the loan.
Student Loan Eligibility: You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien with a valid U.S. Social Security number. All applicants must be the legal age to enter into binding contracts in their state of residence or territory. Non-residents can apply with an eligible cosigner who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien with a valid U.S. Social Security number. Student must be enrolled at least half-time at a Title IV program at an eligible school. You must not have defaulted on any student loan. Approval subject to credit review. Other credit criteria may apply.
Undergraduate Loan Amounts*:
Minimum loan amount: $1,000
Maximum loan amount: $125,000
Graduate Loan Amounts*:
Minimum loan amount: $1,000
Maximum Loan amount:
- Graduate or doctorate degree: $175,000
- MBA or graduate law degree: $175,000
- Graduate health professions degree: $500,000
*Maximum loan amounts are subject to limits on total student loan debt
This referral partner is not the creditor of Nelnet Bank loans and may receive compensation from Nelnet Bank for the referral of Nelnet Bank loan customers.
Before taking out a private student loan, make sure to take advantage of any federal student loans, grants, or scholarships you have access to. Federal student loans often include benefits and lower interest rates, so be sure to consider all of your options before applying for a private student loan.
Fixed APR 3.99% - 14.83%*
Variable APR 5.99% - 15.86%*
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- All online, all easy.
- SoFi covers 100% of school-certified costs.
- No fees. Period.
- Repay your way with flexible repayment options (find the monthly student loan payment and rate that fits your budget).
- Applying with a cosigner may increase your chances of approval and getting a better rate.
- Over 1 million students have chosen SoFi.
Interest Rates: Eligibility and Important Details. Fixed rates range from 3.99% APR to 14.83% APR with 0.25% autopay discount. Variable rates range from 5.99% APR to 15.86% APR with a 0.25% autopay discount. Unless required to be lower to comply with applicable law, Variable Interest rates are capped at 17.95%. SoFi rate ranges are current as of 9/3/24 and are subject to change at any time. Your actual rate will be within the range of rates listed above and will depend on the term and type of repayment option you select, evaluation of your creditworthiness, income, presence of a co-signer (if applicable) and a variety of other factors. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. Check out our eligibility criteria at https://www.sofi.com/eligibility-criteria/. For the SoFi variable-rate product, the variable interest rate for a given month is derived by adding a margin to the 30-day average SOFR index, published two business days preceding such calendar month, rounded up to the nearest one hundredth of one percent (0.01% or 0.0001). APRs for variable-rate loans may increase after origination if the SOFR index increases. The SoFi 0.25% autopay interest rate reduction requires you to agree to make monthly principal and interest payments by an automatic monthly deduction from a savings or checking account. This benefit will discontinue and be lost for periods in which you do not pay by automatic deduction from a savings or checking account. The benefit lowers your interest rate but does not change the amount of your monthly payment. This benefit is suspended during periods of deferment and forbearance. Autopay is not required to receive a loan from SoFi.
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. We encourage you to evaluate all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs.
Terms and Conditions Apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. SoFi Private Student loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, such as completion of a loan application and self-certification form, verification of application information, the student's at least half-time enrollment in a degree program at a SoFi-participating school, and, if applicable, a co-signer. In addition, borrowers must be U.S. citizens or other eligible status, be residing in the U.S., and must meet SoFi’s underwriting requirements, including verification of sufficient income to support your ability to repay. Minimum loan amount is $1,000. See SoFi.com/eligibility for more information. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change. This information is current as of 8/5/24 and is subject to change. SoFi Private Student loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891. (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org)
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