Apply for cosigner release
If your loan is eligible, you can apply to remove your cosigner and take full responsibility for your student loan
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Overview
What is cosigner release?
Cosigner release allows the primary borrower to take full responsibility and remove their cosigner from their loan(s).
Once a cosigner is released, the cosigner is removed from and is no longer responsible for the loan. Following removal, the loan will no longer appear as an outstanding debt on the cosigner’s credit report going forward (Note: the cosigner's credit report will still reflect any history prior to the removal).
Earnest offers two paths to release a cosigner from an eligible loans(s):
The primary borrower may apply after meeting eligibility requirements
The loan is automatically reviewed after key milestones are met – no application necessary
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Check if you’re eligible
Cosigner release is available on certain Earnest Private Student Loans and certain Earnest Refinance Loans. To qualify for cosigner release eligibility, both the loan and the primary borrower must meet the following requirements:
Loan eligibility
Borrower eligibility
Please review the application form for acceptable documentation. All applications are subject to underwriting review. The above requirements are subject to change.
How to apply for cosigner release
If your loan is eligible and you’re the primary borrower, follow these steps:
Complete the application
Download and complete the Application to Request Release of a Cosigner from Private Education Loans. Remember to sign and date your application.
Submit your application
You can submit your completed application online or by mail.
Online: Log in to your Earnest account and upload your completed application.
After uploading, contact us so we can begin processing your request. Email [email protected] or submit a request form.
By mail: Earnest, P.O. Box 9250, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18773-9250
Application review
We’ll review your credit, income, and repayment history as part of your cosigner release application. Please allow us 30 days to process your application.
Automatic review
Earnest will automatically review your Earnest Private Student Loan for cosigner release
Earnest will automatically review your loan for cosigner release when:
Your balance is 50% or less of your original principal balance and
The primary borrower has made at least 36 months of required payments and
You meet credit and income requirements at the time of review
If you qualify, we’ll notify you with next steps — no application required.
To keep the cosigner on the loan, the primary borrower or cosigner must contact us within 30 days after the notice of automatic cosigner release is sent.
Automatic review only applies to Earnest Private Student Loans.
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Need help?
If you have questions about your eligibility or the application process, please contact us.
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If your loan isn’t eligible for cosigner release
If your loan doesn’t qualify for cosigner release, you may still be able to refinance your loan in your own name. Refinancing requires a new application and approval. Learn more about refinancing.
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last updated: 09/04/2026