Student loans & interest rates for August 2026

The Rate Marketplace features lenders who have helped numerous student loan borrowers and managed significant volumes of debt and assets. With that kind of experience, we have a proven track record to help you find student loan options to suit your needs. 

 

Check out the available lenders that consistently deliver competitive rates, flexible repayment options and strong borrower support.*

 

Compare optionsCalculate my savings**
Students at a university

Available student loan lender options

These three stand out for their competitive rates, flexible repayment options and reliable borrower support. Compare them before making your decision.

 

Rate will receive compensation for products purchased from rates and lenders featured. Compensation will not impact how or where products appear on the platform. The rates and information shown do not include all financial service providers or all displayed products and available services. When you select a lender below you are leaving Rate and being sent to third-party Platform Partners. 

College ave logo

Key factor: Four payment plans to choose from.

 

Fixed APR range

1.97% - 17.99%*

Variable APR range

3.89% - 17.99%*

Repayment options

  • Four repayment options, including $25/month in-school payments to reduce interest

  • Start repaying now or after graduation

  • Choose your repayment term: 5, 8, 10, or 15 years2

Fees

$0 application, origination or prepayment fees

Cosigner support

Cosigner can increase your chances of getting approved and could result in a lower interest rate.

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Sallie Mae logo

Key factor: Well-known brand with wide school acceptance.

 

Fixed APR range

1.95% - 17.49%*

Variable APR range

3.62% - 16.83%*

Repayment options

  • Deferred
  • Interest-only
  • Fixed $25/month

Fees

$0 application or origination fees

Cosigner support

Cosigner release after 12 on-time payments

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LendKey lender logo

Key factor: Access to local credit unions with competitive rates.

 

Fixed APR range

4.89% - 16.99%*

Variable APR range

5.89% - 16.99%*

Repayment options

  • Deferred
  • Interest-only
  • Immediate repayment

Fees

$0 application or origination fees

Cosigner support

Varies by lender within network

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Student loan repayment calculator

Enter details including loan amount and years left until graduation to see how much you could save by making payments while you’re still in school. Then compare our third-party lenders.

 

Be sure to take note of how your repayment choice during school could affect your total loan cost. Small payments now could save thousands later.

Students running down the stairs

How to choose the right student loan lender

1. Review our third-party lenders

See why each of these lenders earned our trust, including key factors that can differentiate them from one another and help you make your choices.

2. Compare rates and terms

Look beyond the headline rate. Be sure to take note of the repayment details and fees, as well as cosigner options.

3. Visit the lender directly

Click through to check your personalized rate and apply on the lender's website.

 

Student Loans FAQ's

Student loan repayments while still in school could end up saving borrowers from paying more than they need to.

Student loan repayment options vary from full deferment to interest-only or full payments. Choosing to pay at least interest during school could save thousands in the long run.

When looking at fixed or variable rate student loan repayments, the most affordable option depends on how quickly you plan to pay off your loan and the predictability of your payments.

Fixed-rate loans offer the same payments through your entire loan. Variable rates on your student loans will change over time.

If you are looking for stability with your student loan payments, fixed rates might be better for you. If you are hoping to pay off your student loans faster, you may want to consider a variable rate as the initial rate you will get tends to be slightly lower than a fixed rate.

While lowering the rate on your student loans might not seem like much, it could save you thousands over the life of your loan. It is important to note that a cosigner is equally responsible for the loan. Most lenders will offer cosigner release after 12-24 months of on-time payments.

Student loan rates can vary among lenders. Comparing two to three lenders is a smart decision for anyone looking to get a student loan.

Rates can vary by several points depending on your lender. Comparing several lenders could help you get the best rate possible. Make sure you check with student loan lenders within 14-30 days as it counts as a single credit inquiry.

When you look at lenders, also compare fees, repayment flexibility and cosigner release policies.

These three student loan lenders have proven themselves to be quality options for those looking to get and repay student loans.

We've found these three consistently excel with competitive rates, flexible repayment, no hidden fees, clear cosigner release and strong customer service.

The most affordable student loan repayment option depends on your budget and how soon you could start paying back your student loan.

Paying at least interest while in school could save you significantly. On a $30,000 loan at 6%, deferring all payments for four years adds $7,000+ to your balance. Even small $25-$50 flat payments could help reduce long-term costs.

To choose the right student loan lender, make sure you compare all factors of every lender and what they mean to you.

We have selected a few lenders that have been helpful to many borrowers. See why each of these lenders earned our recommendations, including key factors that can help differentiate your choices. Be sure to take note of the rate, repayment details and fees, as well as cosigner options.

When you are ready, click through to check your personalized rate and apply on the lender's website.

Students walking on campus

1All rates include the auto-pay discount. The 0.25% auto-pay interest rate reduction applies as long as a valid bank account is designated for required monthly payments. If a payment is returned, you will lose this benefit. Variable rates may increase after consummation. 

 

*Information advertised valid as of 8/10/2026. Variable interest rates may increase after consummation. Approved interest rate will depend on creditworthiness of the applicant(s), lowest advertised rates only available to the most creditworthy applicants and require selection of the Flat Repayment Option with the shortest available loan term.

 

**Your actual savings will vary based on your specific loan amount, interest rate, repayment term, and creditworthiness. Checking your rate involves a soft credit inquiry only; a hard credit inquiry will be required to complete a full application. This is not an offer or commitment to lend.

 

2This informational repayment example uses typical loan terms for a freshman borrower who selects the Deferred Repayment Option with a 10-year repayment term, has a $10,000 loan that is disbursed in one disbursement and a 8.35% fixed Annual Percentage Rate (“APR”): 120 monthly payments of $179.18 while in the repayment period, for a total amount of payments of $21,501.54. Loans will never have a full principal and interest monthly payment of less than $50. Your actual rates and repayment terms may vary.

 

This marketplace is operated by Rate, which connects borrowers to our lender partners (Lendkey, Sallie Mae, College Ave). All credit decisions are determined by Rate’s student loan lending partners. Rate will receive compensation for products purchased from these lenders. Compensation will not impact how or where products appear on the platform when requesting prequalified rates and loans. Not all lenders participate in the marketplace.

 

Before applying for a private student loan, students should first consider federal student aid, grants, scholarships, work-study, and federal student loans.

Autopay is not required to obtain a loan. The APR’s advertised are offered by third-party lending institutions and not Rate. Rate is not a student loan lender, and does not participate in credit decisions. Final rates may differ based on your credit profile and other factors. Your actual rate will be based on your loan term, financial history (including any cosigner’s), and degree earned. Lenders may also have minimum/maximum loan amounts, degree, institution, citizenship, and other eligibility requirements. Final rates may differ based on your credit profile. Consult a qualified adviser before accepting an offer.