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 shown 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.
Best Student Loans for Undergraduate and Graduate Degrees
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.
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Arkansas Student Loan Authority (ASLA) – Both undergraduate and graduate degrees
Fixed Interest Rate: 3.20% to 6.34%
Variable Interest Rate: 6.06% to 10.61%
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.
Ascent – Both undergraduate and graduate degrees
Fixed Interest Rate: 4.83% to 16.16% (cosigned, undergraduate); 5.61% to 16.16% (graduate)
Variable Interest Rate: 6.15% to 16.08% (cosigned, undergraduate); 6.68% to 16.08% (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.
Brazos – Both undergraduate and graduate degrees
Fixed Interest Rate: 2.71% to 6.86%
Variable Interest Rate: 5.32% to 9.47%
Maximum Borrowing Limit: Cost of attendance minus other aid
Minimum Credit Score: 700
Best for: Residents of, or student in, Texas.
Learn more about Brazos.
College Ave – Both undergraduate and graduate degrees
Fixed Interest Rate: 5.05% to 16.99% (undergrad); 5.05% to 14.49% (grad)
Variable Interest Rate: 5.49% to 16.99% (undergrad); 5.49% to 14.49% (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.
Custom Choice – Both undergraduate and graduate degrees
Fixed Interest Rate: 4.43% to 14.65%
Variable Interest Rate: 5.38% to 15.19%
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®.
Earnest – Both undergraduate and graduate degrees
Fixed Interest Rate: 4.42% to 15.90% (undergrad); 4.42% to 14.30% (grad)*
Variable Interest Rate: 5.62% to 16.20% (undergrad); 5.89% to 15.97% (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.
*Rates include autopay discount.
Edly – Both undergraduate and graduate degrees
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.
EDvestinU – Both undergraduate and graduate degrees
Fixed Interest Rate: 8.00% to 10.79%
Variable Interest Rate: 7.47% to 10.47%
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.
Funding U – Undergraduate degrees only
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.
INvestED – Both undergraduate and graduate degrees
Fixed Interest Rate: 4.61% to 8.67%
Variable Interest Rate: 7.88% to 12.34%
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.
LendKey – Both undergraduate and graduate degrees
Fixed Interest Rate: 4.39% to 11.11%
Variable Interest Rate: 5.84% to 11.11%
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.
MPOWER – Both undergraduate and graduate degrees
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.
Nelnet Bank – Both undergraduate and graduate degrees
Fixed Interest Rate: 4.49% to 15.47%*
Variable Interest Rate: 6.29% to 15.51%*
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.
*Rates listed have an autopay discount only on the lower boundary
Prodigy Finance – Graduate degrees only
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.
SoFi – Both undergraduate and graduate degrees
Fixed Interest Rate: 4.44% to 14.70% (undergrad); 4.99% to 14.48% (grad)
Variable Interest Rate: 5.99% to 13.97% (undergrad); 5.99% to 13.97% (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.
Best Student Loans for Law, Dental, and Medical School
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.
Brazos – Law, dental, and medical school loans
Fixed Interest Rate: Starts at 2.71%
Variable Interest Rate: Starts at 5.32%
Maximum Borrowing Limit: Cost of attendance minus other aid
Minimum Credit Score: 700
Best for: Residents of, or student in, Texas.
College Ave – Law, dental, and medical school loans
Fixed Interest Rate: 5.05% to 14.47%
Variable Interest Rate: 5.49% to 14.47%
Maximum Borrowing Limit: Cost of attendance minus other aid
Minimum Credit Score: Mid 600s
Best for: Borrowers looking for flexible repayment options.
Earnest – Medical and law school loans
Fixed Interest Rate: Starts at 4.42%*
Variable Interest Rate: Starts at 5.66%*
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.
*Rates include a 0.25% AutoPay discount.
Nelnet Bank – Law, dental, and medical school loans
Fixed Interest Rate: 4.49% to 15.47%
Variable Interest Rate: 6.29% to 15.51%
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.
Rates listed have an autopay discount only on the lower boundary.
SoFi – Law school loans
Fixed Interest Rate: 4.99% to 14.05%
Variable Interest Rate: 5.99% to 13.67%
Maximum Borrowing Limit: Cost of attendance minus other aid
Minimum Credit Score: Does not disclose
Best for: Borrowers with a strong credit score.
Best Student Loans with No Cosigner
Many student loan options will require you to have a creditworthy cosigner in order 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.
The latest rates from Sparrow’s partners
See a rate you like? Click Apply and we’ll take you to the right place to get started with the lender of your choosing.
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Arkansas Student Loan Authority (ASLA)
Fixed Interest Rate: 3.20% to 6.34%
Variable Interest Rate: 6.06% to 10.61%
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.
Ascent
Fixed Interest Rate: 4.83% to 16.16%
Variable Interest Rate: 6.15% to 16.08%
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.
Brazos
Fixed Interest Rate: 2.71% to 6.86%
Variable Interest Rate: 5.32% to 9.47%
Maximum Borrowing Limit: Cost of attendance minus other aid
Minimum Credit Score: 700
Best for: Residents of, or student in, Texas.
Learn more about Brazos.
College Ave
Fixed Interest Rate: 5.05% to 16.99% (undergrad); 5.05% to 14.49% (grad)
Variable Interest Rate: 5.49% to 16.99% (undergrad); 5.49% to 14.49% (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.
Custom Choice
Fixed Interest Rate: 4.43% to 14.65%
Variable Interest Rate: 5.38% to 15.19%
Maximum Borrowing Limit: Cost of attendance minus other aid; cannot exceed $99,999 annually or $180,000 cumulatively
Minimum Credit Score: 625 for non-cosigned loans
Best for: Borrowers who want a competitive interest rate and strong borrower benefits.
Learn more about the Custom Choice Loan®.
Earnest
Fixed Interest Rate: 4.42% to 15.90% (undergrad); 4.42% to 14.30% (grad)*
Variable Interest Rate: 5.62% to 16.20% (undergrad); 5.89% to 15.97% (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.
*Rates include autopay discount.
Edly
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.
EDvestinU
Fixed Interest Rate: 8.00% to 10.79%
Variable Interest Rate: 7.47% to 10.47%
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.
Funding U
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.
INvestED
Fixed Interest Rate: 4.61% to 8.67%
Variable Interest Rate: 7.88% to 12.34%
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.
LendKey
Fixed Interest Rate: 4.39% to 11.11%
Variable Interest Rate: 5.84% to 11.11%
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.
MPOWER
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.
Nelnet Bank
Fixed Interest Rate: 4.49% to 15.47%*
Variable Interest Rate: 6.29% to 15.51%*
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.
Progy Finance
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.
SoFi
Fixed Interest Rate: 4.44% to 14.70% (undergrad); 4.99% to 14.48% (grad)
Variable Interest Rate: 5.99% to 13.97% (undergrad); 5.99% to 13.97% (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.
Best Student Loans for International Students
As an international student, there are a few factors you will want to consider when looking for a student loan:
- Does it require a cosigner? Some private student loans will require you to have a U.S. citizen or permanent resident cosigner. However, as an international student, you may not have access to one. If you don’t, look for a student loan that does not require a cosigner.
- What is the borrowing limit? As an international student, you will not have access to the federal aid that U.S. citizen students have. So, the cost of your education may be higher. If so, make sure the lender you choose allows you to borrow enough to cover the amount you need.
- What is the interest rate? When borrowing a student loan without a cosigner, the interest rate will typically be higher. Always verify the interest rate before borrowing to make sure it is reasonable and something you’re comfortable with.
- Are payments required while in school? Some international student loans may require you to make payments while in school. If this is not feasible for you, consider looking for a student loan option that allows you to defer payments until after graduation.
The following are our top picks for international student loans that do require a cosigner.
The latest rates from Sparrow’s partners
See a rate you like? Click Apply and we’ll take you to the right place to get started with the lender of your choosing.
Find my rate
Ascent – Both undergraduate and graduate degrees
Fixed Interest Rate: 4.83% to 16.16% (cosigned, undergraduate); 5.61% to 16.16% (graduate)
Variable Interest Rate: 6.15% to 16.08% (cosigned, undergraduate); 6.68% to 16.08% (graduate)
Maximum Borrowing Limit: $200,000
Minimum Credit Score: 540
Best for: International and DACA students who have a lower credit score.
College Ave – Both undergraduate and graduate degrees
Fixed Interest Rate: 5.05% to 16.99% (undergrad); 5.05% to 14.49% (grad)
Variable Interest Rate: 5.49% to 16.99% (undergrad); 5.49% to 14.49% (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.
Earnest – Both undergraduate and graduate degrees
Fixed Interest Rate: 4.42% to 15.90%* (Undergrad); 4.42% to 14.30%* (Grad)
Variable Interest Rate: 5.62% to 16.20%* (Undergrad); 5.89% – 15.97%* (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.
*Rates include a 0.25% AutoPay discount.
EDvestinU – Both undergraduate and graduate degrees
Fixed Interest Rate: 8.00% to 10.79%
Variable Interest Rate: 7.47% to 10.47%
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.
MPOWER – Both undergraduate and graduate degrees
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.
Prodigy Finance – Graduate degrees only
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.
Best Student Loans for Bad Credit
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.
The latest rates from Sparrow’s partners
See a rate you like? Click Apply and we’ll take you to the right place to get started with the lender of your choosing.
Find my rate
Arkansas Student Loan Authority (ASLA) – Both undergraduate and graduate degrees
Fixed Interest Rate: 3.20% to 6.34%
Variable Interest Rate: 6.06% to 10.61%
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.
Ascent – Both undergraduate and graduate degrees
Fixed Interest Rate: 4.83% to 16.16% (undergraduate); 5.61% to 16.16% (graduate)
Variable Interest Rate: 6.15% to 16.08% (undergraduate); 6.68% to 16.08% (graduate)
Maximum Borrowing Limit: $200,000
Minimum Credit Score: 540
Best for: International and DACA students who have a lower credit score.
College Ave – Both undergraduate and graduate degrees
Fixed Interest Rate: 5.05% to 16.99% (undergrad); 5.05% to 14.49% (grad)
Variable Interest Rate: 5.49% to 16.99% (undergrad); 5.49% to 14.49% (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.
Earnest – Both undergraduate and graduate degrees
Fixed Interest Rate: 4.42% to 15.90%* (Undergrad); 4.42% to 14.30%* (Grad)
Variable Interest Rate: 5.62% to 16.20%* (Undergrad); 5.89% to 15.97%* (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.
*Rates include a 0.25% AutoPay discount.
Funding U – Undergraduate degrees only
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 who are high-achieving undergraduate students.
LendKey – Both undergraduate and graduate degrees
Fixed Interest Rate: 4.39% to 11.11%
Variable Interest Rate: 5.84% to 11.11%
Maximum Borrowing Limit: Cost of attendance minus other aid
Minimum Credit Score: 660
Best for: Borrowers who want to work with a credit union or community bank.
MPOWER – Both undergraduate and graduate degrees
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.
Prodigy Finance – Graduate degrees only
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.
What to Look for in a Student Loan
With any student loan, it’s important to consider a variety of factors before borrowing the loan:
- Interest rate. The interest rate you get on a loan will directly affect how much you pay over the life of the loan. Typically, the lower the interest rate the better.
- Credit requirements. Most private student loans will require you to have a certain credit score in order to qualify. If you are concerned about your credit score’s impact on your student loan eligibility, it may be beneficial to look for lenders with lower credit score requirements.
- Repayment options. Each lender will offer a different selection of repayment options. While some may require you to begin repayment immediately after the loan is disbursed, others may allow you to defer payments until after graduation. Make sure the lender has a repayment option that suits your needs before borrowing the loan.
- Cosigner vs. no cosigner. Many private student loans will require you to have a cosigner in order to qualify. If you do not have a cosigner, you will want to explore no-cosigner loan options.
- Borrower benefits. Most private student lenders offer borrower benefits, from autopay discounts to free career training and everything in between. Consider a lender’s borrower benefits if they are an important factor to you.
Final Thoughts from the Nest
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 17+ 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.