Refinance now: Rates dropped even lower—ends 2/20/2026
$24 billion
Total Student
Loans Refinanced
420,000+
Happy Clients
Earned
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Overall Rating
Please note that you will lose benefits associated with your underlying federal loans, such as federal Income-driven Repayment Plans, Economic Hardship Deferment, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, or other deferment and forbearance options, if you refinance into a private loan. If you file for bankruptcy, you may still be required to pay back this loan. See https://studentaid.gov for more information.
Why Earnest?
Why borrowers choose Earnest
Refinancing options designed to fit your life. And the option to refinance later when life changes.
Never pay any fees, not even late payment fees
More time after graduation with up to a 9-month grace period
Up to 180 ways to customize your loan. Pick your exact monthly payment
See payment scenarios and how rates and term options impact your loan
Get a $200 referral bonus when you tell others about Earnest
Get 0.25% off your rate with
Consolidate federal and private student loans in one easy payment
Skip a payment once per year when you need breathing room
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Fixed
4.15%APR
( including 0.25%
discount )
Variable
5.88%APR
( including 0.25%
discount )
* These are our lowest starting rates and contain our 0.25% Auto Pay discount from a checking or savings account. Some borrowers may see higher rates based on their credit. Variable rates not available in AK, IL, MN, MS, NH, OH, TN, and TX.
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Common Refinancing Misconceptions
De-mystifying student loan refinancing
Are you interested in learning how refinancing works and where to begin? Explore these common misconceptions about refinancing to dispel the myths on your path to financial freedom.
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Here’s why our clients love us
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Read up on student loan refinancing
Earnest clients may skip a payment through a one, one-month forbearance during a 12-month period. Your first request to skip a payment can be made once you’ve made at least 6 months of consecutive on-time full principal and interest 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. Any unpaid accrued interest may capitalize (added to the principal balance) at the end of the forbearance period by adding unpaid accrued interest to the outstanding principal as permitted by law and the terms of the loan agreement.
Interest will not be capitalized on loans originated to Michigan residents under the Regulatory Loan Act of 1963. 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.
1 Choosing to refinance to a longer term may lower your monthly payment, but increase the amount of interest you may pay. Choosing to refinance to a shorter term may increase your monthly payment, but lower the amount of interest you may pay. Review your loan documentation for the total cost of your refinanced loan.
² This claim is based on analysis combining publicly available data and proprietary underwriting models. We applied our proprietary data and underwriting criteria to estimate the portion of borrowers who are credit-eligible and could achieve savings through refinancing. Actual savings and eligibility may vary based on individual circumstances, creditworthiness, and current loan terms. This analysis reflects market conditions as of 2025 and is subject to change.
*Rates vary based on creditworthiness and other factors. Not all applicants will qualify for our lowest rates.
**As a result of ongoing court actions, the terms of some Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plans may be subject to change. Please refer to studentaid.gov for the current status of these plans.