Undergraduate Private Student Loans
100% college coverage is just the beginning
If it's a college-certified expense, we can help. Tuition, books, laptops, study abroad costs, and more are all covered, and you'll
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The Earnest Difference
Above and beyond tuition coverage
Our clear application helps undergrads make responsible choices, that’s why over 74% choose to make payments while in school – potentially saving thousands of dollars over the life of their loan. With Earnest, you also get:
Minutes-long eligibility check without credit impact
Mobile-friendly application protected by end-to-end encryption. Fill it out using your computer, tablet, or phone
0.25%
discount that could help you save and never miss a payment
, including late payment, disbursement, or origination fees
4
, including $25 in-school repayment
Flexible term options so you can adjust for the best payment and due date
A
vs. the 6-month you get with most competitors
Questions or concerns? Our in-house Client Happiness team is here for you at 1 (888) 601-2801, 6 am-5 pm PT, Monday-Friday.
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Low Fixed Rates
It pays to have a cosigner
Students who apply with a cosigner increase their chances of approval by 5X and could get a lower interest rate.
Cosigners tend to have a longer credit history than most students, and most qualify for better rates, which could help the student save over the life of the loan.
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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Get the FAQ’s on undergraduate private student loans
Have more questions? Visit the Help Center.
The Earnest Blog
Learn about paying for college
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.
Repayment terms and repayment options available vary based on loan type.
Available interest rates are subject to change. Interest rates as of 9/4/2026. Earnest’s Loan Cost Examples:
Principal and Interest Payments: 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 $154.61) and a 17.10% interest rate without Auto Pay (17.10% APR) would result in a total estimated payment amount of $27,829.80. 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 $152.07) and a 16.74% interest rate without Auto Pay (16.74% APR) would result in a total estimated payment amount of $27,372.60.
Interest-Only Payments: 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 $154.61) and a 17.10% interest rate without Auto Pay (17.10% APR) would result in a total estimated payment amount of $35,952.30. 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 $142.50 for 57 months. Fixed interest rate: A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $152.07) and a 16.74% interest rate without Auto Pay (16.74% APR) would result in a total estimated payment amount of $34,324.10. 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 $139.50 for 57 months.
Fixed $25 Payments: 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 $258.16) and a 17.10% interest rate without Auto Pay (15.11% APR) would result in a total estimated payment amount of $47,893.80. 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 $251.31) and a 16.74% interest rate without Auto Pay (14.84% APR) would result in a total estimated payment amount of $46,660.80. 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 $25.00.
Deferred Payments: These examples provide estimates based on deferred payments. Variable interest rate: A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $280.20) and a 17.10% interest rate without Auto Pay (14.85% APR) would result in a total estimated payment amount of $50,436.00. 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 $272.98) and a 16.74% interest rate without Auto Pay (14.58% APR) would result in a total estimated payment amount of $49,136.40. 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.
last updated: 09/15/2026