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26 low-interest student loans
Affordable options for undergrads, graduate students and parents.
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Student loans come with lower rates than most other types of debt, but don’t let that fool you. They also have some of the highest balances. Looking for a loan with a low interest rate can save you thousands in both the short and long term — especially if you’re getting a high-cost professional degree.
11 low-interest undergraduate student loans
| Lender | Interest rate | |
|---|---|---|
| US Department of Education (federal student loans) | 2.75% | How to apply |
| Credible | Starting at 2.84% with autopay | |
| LendingTree | 3% | |
| Earnest | starting at 1.24% | Read review |
| College Ave | 1.24% to 11.98% | Read review |
| Sallie Mae | 4.25% to 12.35% | Read review |
| SoFi | 1.90% to 11.66% with autopay | Read review |
| RISLA | 3.64% to 5.64% | Read review |
| Advantage Education Loan | 3.8% to 6.99% | Read review |
| MEFA | 3.75% to 5.75% | Read review |
| Dollar Bank | 4.12% to 4.5% | Read review |
9 low-interest graduate and professional student loans
| Lender | Interest rate | |
|---|---|---|
| CommonBond | 3.21% to 9.74% | |
| Citizens Bank | 2.85% to 11.35% | Read review |
| SoFi | 2.87% to 11.85% | Read review |
| RISLA | Starting at 3.64% | Read review |
| Discover | 3.74% to 12.24% | Read review |
| Sallie Mae | 3.87% to 10.23% | Read review |
| Laurel Road | 4.29% to 8.55% | Read review |
| College Ave | 4.45% to 11.68% | Read review |
| Wells Fargo | 4.67% to 11.76% | Read review |
Consider federal loans for a graduate degree
Direct Unsubsidized Loans for graduate and professional students come with a 4.3% interest rate for all borrowers. And Direct PLUS Loans come with a 5.3% interest rate for all borrowers. Even if these are higher than most low-interest private student loans, there are a few reasons you still might want to apply for them first:
- Same rate for everyone. The chances of getting the lowest starting rate from a private lender are slim — it’ll likely be higher.
- Flexible repayments. Federal loans are eligible for more deferment and forbearance options on top of several income-driven repayment plans, giving you more flexibility with your career.
- Forgiveness. Federal loans are eligible for more forgiveness options, which can come in handy if you’re in an expensive professional degree program.
6 low-interest parent student loans
| Lender | Interest rate | |
|---|---|---|
| US Department of Education (federal student loans) | 5.3% | How to apply |
| College Ave | 2.72% to 12.01% | Read review |
| Brazos | 3.25% to 6.49% | Read review |
| Citizens Bank | 4.45% to 8.52% | Read review |
| Sallie Mae | 5.12% to 12.87% | Read review |
| Wells Fargo | 5.49% to 12.99% | Read review |
Compare more private student loans
What’s a low interest rate on a student loan?
That depends on the type of student loan:
- Undergraduate loans: Under 5%
- Graduate loans: Under 6%
- Parent loans: Under 8%
When considering interest rates lenders offer, also take into account the maximum interest rate. Unless you or your cosigner have near-perfect credit and finances, you likely won’t get the lowest advertised rates. In fact, going with a lender that offers a low maximum rate can sometimes work in your favor.
5 tips to get the lowest rate on your private student loans
From prequalifying with multiple lenders to reaching out to your local bank, here are a few tips for scoring a low rate on your private student loans:
- Apply with a cosigner. If you’re getting a private student loan, bringing on a cosigner with stronger credit is key to getting the lowest rate.
- Look at what your bank offers. Banks typically offer interest rate discounts to current customers, sometimes to the tune of 0.5%.
- Prequalify with multiple lenders. Prequalifying allows you to see the rates that are closer to what you’d actually get, helping you make a more accurate comparison.
- Be careful about fixed and variable rates. Variable rates might sometimes start lower than fixed rates, but they can increase over time. Read up on how fixed versus variable rates work and pay attention to the fed rate before you choose an interest rate type.
- Sign up for autopay. Most student loan providers deduct around 0.25% from your interest rate if you sign up for automatic payments. In fact, the lowest rates lenders quote often include that discount.
How else can I save on college costs?
The less you have to borrow, the more you’ll save. Here are three ways to avoid taking out more student loans than necessary:
- Apply for scholarships. Most scholarships are based on merit, but you don’t need to have excellent grades to qualify. Some scholarship programs offer funding based on unusual talents, like making a prom dress out of duct tape or having a really excellent duck call.
- Look into private grants. If your family qualifies for need-based aid but your school can’t cover the full cost, check out private organizations in your area that provide college grants.
- Get a part-time job. Apply for a job on campus or near school to help cover your living expenses while you’re in school. It likely won’t pay for your entire degree, but it can reduce the amount you have to borrow.
Bottom line
While some private lenders might offer student loans with rates that start much lower than the federal alternative, you might not actually get a better deal. The best way to compare interest rates on student loans is to prequalify first. You can learn about other factors to compare by reading our guide to student loans.
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