Cosigned Private Student Loans
Earnest works harder to make student loans easy
Cosigning with Earnest
Apply now, share with your student later
You can start the application now on your computer, tablet, or phone, and easily share it with your student with a single click.
Quick minutes-long eligibility check before you apply.
Fast and convenient application. All your data stays safe with end-to-end encryption.
Increase your student’s chances of approval by as much as 5X.
Help your student get potentially lower interest rates. Check out our rates below.
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Earnest Benefits
Designed for flexible repayment
We believe in guiding applicants towards financial responsibility. That’s why 78% of our clients opt for
, which could help them save thousands of dollars over the life of the loan.
, that’s 3 months longer than most of our competitors
, including late payment, disbursement, or origination fees
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An in-house team of experts that have the power to solve your problems
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New: Cosigner release
A clear path off the loan
Cosigning doesn’t have to mean staying on the loan forever. Unlike other lenders, Earnest will now
for cosigner release and notify you and the borrower if you’re eligible – so you don’t have to track or start the process yourself.
Eligible borrowers can also request to
after graduating and meeting certain requirements. Once released, you’re no longer responsible for the loan. It will no longer appear as an active loan on your credit report going forward.*
*Your credit report will still reflect any history prior to the removal
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Let's Talk
Application help and so much more
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 6:00 am - 5:00 pm PT, Monday - Friday, at (888) 601-2801.
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Compare Fixed Interest Rates
Cosigners add up to low rates
Applying with a cosigner could unlock lower rates and help your student save over the life of their loan. See the difference for yourself.
Cosigned
1.99%APR
( including 0.50%* combined
rate discounts )
*Our lowest rates are only available for the most credit qualified existing cosigned loan borrowers who receive the 0.25% Loyalty discount and requires selection of our shortest term offered, full principal and interest payment while in school, and enrollment in our 0.25% Auto Pay discount.
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Read our cosigner checklist
Before you apply, have your student submit the FAFSA to take advantage of all free financial aid programs, grants, and scholarships. Calculate the future loan payments and your student’s potential salary to ensure they will be able to afford payments. When you’re ready, review our cosigner checklist and read our eligibility guide.
Get the FAQs about cosigning a student loan
Have more questions? Visit the Help Center.
The Earnest Blog
Learn more about being a cosigner on the Earnest blog
Earnest Private Student Loans are subject to credit approval.
Before applying for private student loans, it’s best to maximize your other sources of financial aid first. It’s recommended to use a 3-step approach to assembling the funds you need: 1) Look for funds you don’t have to pay back, like scholarships, grants, and work-study opportunities. 2) Next, fill out a FAFSA® form to apply for federal student loans options. 3) Finally, consider a private student loan to cover any difference between your total cost of attendance and the amount not covered in steps 1 and 2. For more information, visit the Department of Education website at studentaid.gov.
last updated: 09/14/2026