Private Parent Loans
Make college dreams a reality
Sending your student to college is a clear and painless process with Earnest. Cover up to 100% of your student's college costs with low rates and
.
Private Parent Loan 101
What’s a Private Parent Loan?
A loan for parents, guardians, or sponsors to help cover the cost of your student’s education. It differs from a cosigned loan because only the parent is responsible for paying it back.
If you’re interested in a cosigned private student loan, visit this page instead.
)
Our Benefits
A parent loan that won't leave you guessing
Zero fees. The number you see is the number you get: no origination, returned payment, or late payment
.
Not limited to parents. Guardians, sponsors, and parents can borrow for your student's undergraduate or graduate degree.
Cover the full cost. Borrow up to 100% of your student's school-certified cost of attendance.
Save on interest.
plus an extra
. Pay less over the life of your loan.
More breathing room. Get
after your student finishes school to start payments vs. most lenders’ 6 months.
)
Low Rates
Some of the lowest parent loan rates
Choose from a low variable or fixed interest rate. Learn more about the differences between fixed and variable rates on the Earnest Blog.
Fixed Rates
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.
.
Expert Help
Client Happiness is at the heart of Earnest
You’ve got backup when applying with Earnest. Our in-house Client Happiness team can help answer your questions and even help you submit 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.
)
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
before signing.
Sign and accept
We'll send details to the school for certification, then you and your student are all set.
Questions?
Get the FAQs on Earnest Private Parent Loans
The Earnest Blog
Learn more about parent loans 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