Student loans & interest rates for May 2026
The team at Rate has helped thousands of student loan borrowers and managed more than $2.7 billion in 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.
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 recommended 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.
Available student loan lender options
These four stand out for their competitive rates, flexible repayment options and reliable borrower support. Compare at least two before making your decision.
Earnest
Key factor: Fast cosigner release timeline and holistic underwriting.
Fixed APR range
4.41% - 16.99%*
Variable APR range
5.09% - 16.99%*
Repayment options
- Deferred
- Interest-only
- Flat $25/month
Fees
$0 application or origination fees
Cosigner support
Cosigner release after 12 consecutive on-time payments
Sallie Mae
Key factor: Well-known brand with wide school acceptance.
Fixed APR range
4.50% - 15.96%*
Variable APR range
5.04% - 16.20%*
Repayment options
- Deferred
- Interest-only
- Fixed $25/month
Fees
$0 application or origination fees
Cosigner support
Cosigner release after 12 on-time payments
How to choose the right student loan lender
1. Review our recommended lenders
See why each of these lenders earned our recommendations, 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.
Trusted by Thousands of Students
We've helped thousands of young professionals make smarter money decisions. Our approach is educational, not pushy.
Student Loans FAQ's
Student loan repayments while still in school could end up saving borrowers from paying more than they need to.
Unlike federal loans, private lenders offer flexible repayment options while you're in school. 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.
A cosigner with a credit score of 670 or higher could lower your student loan rate by up to 4 points.
While lowering the rate on your student loans by 4 points 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 four student loan lenders have proven themselves to be quality options for those looking to get and repay student loans.
We've found these four consistently excel with competitive rates, flexible repayment, no hidden fees, clear cosigner release and strong customer service. Other lenders have higher fees, limited flexibility or inconsistent performance.
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.
