Private Student Loans
Student loans with zero fees and maximum support
Flexible loan terms, low rates, and help whenever you need it
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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
2.79%APR
( including 0.25%
discount )
Independent
4.49%APR
( including 0.25%
discount )
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.
Benefits
Financial responsibility meets college funding
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Flexible terms
4 repayment options and loan terms ranging from 5-15 years*. So your loan works for your life, not the other way around.
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Longer grace period
Get
after graduation to start payments vs. most lenders’ 6 months— more breathing room after graduation.
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Save on interest
, plus an extra 0.25% for returning borrowers. Pay less over the life of your loan.
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The Best Rates
100% Rate Match Guarantee
We’ll match any competitor rate and give you a
once your rate match is finalized.
Call us today to get a rate match (888) 601-2801.
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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 6:00 am - 5:00 pm PT, Monday - Friday, at (888) 601-2801.
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Find the best loan for you
Undergrad
Low-rate loans for undergraduates.
Grad School
Low-rate loans for grad school students.
MBA
Low-rate loans for business school students.
Medical School
Low-rate loans for healthcare professionals.
Law School
Low-rate loans for law school students.
Cosigned
Low-rate loans for cosigners and parents.
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
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Compare
The right partner matters
See why Earnest is the top choice.
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Feature comparison current as of October 22, 2025
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).
Questions?
Get the FAQs on Private Student Loans
Have more questions?
Visit the Help Center
Ready to apply? Here’s how it works.
Enter your information
Basic info from you takes under 15 minutes with instant decisions for most.
Choose your loan options
View rates and select your loan length and repayment plan before signing.
Get your funds
We'll send details to your school for certification, then you're all set.
* Earnest’s Loan Cost Examples:
1.) These examples provide estimates based on principal and interest payments beginning immediately upon loan disbursement. Variable annual percentage rate ("APR"): A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $152.84) and a 16.85% interest rate without Auto Pay) (16.85% APR) would result in a total estimated payment amount of $27,511.20. 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 $152.84) and a 16.85% interest rate without Auto Pay (16.85% APR) would result in a total estimated payment amount of $27,511.20.
2.) These examples provide estimates based on interest only payments while in school. Variable interest rate: A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $152.84) and a 16.85% interest rate without Auto Pay (16.85% APR) would result in a total estimated payment amount of $35,515.14. For a variable loan, after your starting rate is set, your rate will then vary with the market. Your actual repayment terms may vary. Other repayment options are available. The calculation assumes that the “in-school” period is 4 years (48 months) and includes our 9 month grace period, during which the monthly payment will be $xxxx for 57 months. Fixed interest rate: A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $152.84) and a 16.85% interest rate without Auto Pay (16.85% APR) would result in a total estimated payment amount of $35,515.14. Your actual repayment terms may vary. Other repayment options are available. The calculation assumes that the “in-school” period is 4 years (48 months) and includes our 9 month grace period, during which the monthly payment will be $140.42 for 57 months.
3.) These examples provide estimates based on fixed $25 payments while in school. Variable interest rate: A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $253.39) and a 16.85% interest rate without Auto Pay (14.92% APR) would result in a total estimated payment amount of $47,035.20. For a variable loan, after your starting rate is set, your rate will then vary with the market. Fixed interest rate: A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $253.39) and a 16.85% interest rate without Auto Pay (14.92% APR) would result in a total estimated payment amount of $47,035.20. Your actual repayment terms may vary. Other repayment options are available. The calculations assumes that the “in-school” period is 4 years (48 months) and includes our 9 month grace period, during which the monthly payment will be $25.00.
4.) These examples provide estimates based on deferred payments. Variable interest rate: A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $275.17) and a 16.85% interest rate (14.67% APR) would result in a total estimated payment amount of $49,530.60. For a variable loan, after your starting rate is set, your rate will then vary with the market. Fixed interest rate: A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $275.17) and a 16.85% interest rate (14.67% APR) would result in a total estimated payment amount of $49,530.60. 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 when the deferred repayment option has been selected and the loan is in the interim period. The calculation assumes that the “in-school” period is 4 years (48 months) and includes our 9 month grace period, during which the monthly payment will be $0.