Private Student Loans

Seriously Simple. Seriously Supportive.

You are not a number. Get the flexibility, low rates, and security you need, along with the personal guidance you deserve.

An updated note for individuals who submitted FAFSA applications.

Let’s get started

Check your eligibility. No credit impact.

I am a
I (my student) is earning this degree
I live in

Fixed Interest Rates

A cosigner could lower your rate

Want a lower interest rate? Cosigned student loans tend to have lower interest rates because cosigners usually have a longer credit history. Plus, students are 5X more likely to be approved with a cosigner.

cosigner icon

Cosigner

Starting at

3.69%APR

independent icon

Independent

Starting at

5.39%APR

These are our lowest fixed interest 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.

See what people say about us

Loading Trustpilot Widget...

The Best Rates

100% Rate Match Guarantee

We’ll match any competitor rate and give you a

$100 Amazon gift card

once your rate match is finalized.

Call us today to get a rate match (888) 601-2801.

Rate Match Guarantee badge

Expert Help

Client Happiness is at the heart of Earnest

Questions or concerns? Our in-house Client Happiness team has the power to solve your problems and set you up for success. We can even assist you in submitting your application over the phone.

You can reach us via email and web chat; if you prefer to speak to a real person call between 5 am - 5 pm PST, Monday-Friday, at (888) 601-2801.

contact phone number 1-888-601-2801

Support Team illustration
Benefits

Financial responsibility meets college funding

stars illustration

Radically-Flexible Terms

Pick your payment from 4 options. Adjust your term down to the month for an ideal loan.

credit card  illustration

50% Longer Grace Period

For students who need time to start payments, we give

9 months

vs. the standard 6 months.

coins illustration

Save On Interest

With

0.25% Auto Pay discount

and lower your chances of accidentally missing a payment.

Get Help

A helping hand for cosigners

Cosigning isn’t always easy, unless it’s with Earnest. Our cosigners have access to expert help, a convenient mobile application and secure end-to-end encryption to protect their financial information.

Easily start the application for a student and share with a single tap of a button

Mobile-friendly cosigner invitation if your student starts the application first

Email and SMS updates to keep you informed about where you are in the application process

pen tip illustration

Compare

The right partner matters

See why Earnest is the top choice.

Sallie Mae logo
Discover logo
Citizens logo
Eligibility Check
checked check mark icon
close icon filled
close icon filled
close icon filled
Zero Fees
checked check mark icon
close icon filled
checked check mark icon
close icon filled
9-month Grace Period
checked check mark icon
checked check mark icon
close icon filled
close icon filled
Choice of Loan Terms
checked check mark icon
close icon filled
close icon filled
checked check mark icon
Skip 1 Payment a Year
checked check mark icon
close icon filled
close icon filled
close icon filled

Feature comparison current as of March 1, 2023

Questions?

Get the FAQs on Private Student Loans

Have more questions?
Visit the Help Center

Am I a good fit for an Earnest private student loan?

Before applying for private student loans with Earnest, use this checklist to see if you’re ready. View full eligibility details.

I’ve factored in contributions from my family, such as 529 plans (aka money already designated for your education).

I’ve applied for grants, scholarships, and work-study opportunities (aka money you don’t have to pay back).

I’ve filled out the FAFSA® to maximize my Federal financial aid (aka money you borrow that comes with repayment protections).

Ready to apply? Here’s how it works.

step 1

Apply online

Fill out a quick online application on your own or with a cosigner.

step 2

Get a quick decision

Hear back on your application in less than 72 hours.

step 3

Pick your payment

Pick your repayment option, pay monthly or every two weeks.

Loading Trustpilot Widget...

*Earnest’s Loan Cost Examples: These examples provide estimates based on principal and Interest payments beginning immediately upon loan disbursement. Variable APR: A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $118.28) and a 11.69% APR would result in a total estimated payment amount of $21,290.40. For a variable loan, after your starting rate is set, your rate will then vary with the market. Fixed APR: A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $126.82) and a 13.03% APR would result in a total estimated payment amount of $22,827.79.

These examples provide estimates based on interest only payments while in school. Variable APR: A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $118.28) and a 11.69% APR would result in a total estimated payment amount of $26,173.03. For a variable loan, after your starting rate is set, your rate will then vary with the market. Fixed APR: A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $126.82) and a 13.03% APR would result in a total estimated payment amount of $28,186.67. Your actual repayment terms may vary. Other repayment options are available.

These examples provide estimates based on fixed $25 payments while in school. Variable APR: A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $162.65) and a 11.69% APR would result in a total estimated payment amount of $30,584.74. For a variable loan, after your starting rate is set, your rate will then vary with the market. Fixed APR: A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $181.27) and a 13.03% APR would result in a total estimated payment amount of $33,915.55. Your actual repayment terms may vary. Other repayment options are available.

These examples provide estimates based on deferred payments. Variable APR: A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $174.79) and a 11.69% APR would result in a total estimated payment amount of $31,462.16. For a variable loan, after your starting rate is set, your rate will then vary with the market. Fixed APR: A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $193.75) and a 13.03% APR would result in a total estimated payment amount of $34,874.28. Your actual repayment terms may vary. Other repayment options are available. It is important to note that the 0.25% Auto Pay discount is not available while loan payments are deferred.

SLR making principal and Interest payments beginning immediately upon loan disbursement. Variable APR: A $10,000 loan with a 20-year term (240 monthly payments of $107.96) and a 11.69% APR would result in a total estimated payment amount of $25,909.23. For a variable loan, after your starting rate is set, your rate will then vary with the market. Fixed APR: A $10,000 loan with a 20-year term (240 monthly payments of $117.37) and a 13.03% APR would result in a total estimated payment amount of $28,169.13.

© Earnest LLC. All rights reserved.