How to remove a cosigner from a student loan: what you need to know

By Willa Tellekson-Flash | Published on July 8, 2026

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Many borrowers rely on a cosigner to secure better loan terms—but it also means someone else is sharing responsibility for your debt. At some point, your cosigner may want to be removed from the loan and their partial responsibility for its repayment. Maybe it’s a parent nearing retirement or a family member trying to improve their own credit profile. Whatever the reason, here’s what you need to know if you’re looking to remove a cosigner from your loan.

Two main paths to removing a cosigner

1. Apply for cosigner release (and keep your current loan)

While some lenders make the process difficult, Earnest will automatically review eligible loans for cosigner release and notify you. Primary borrowers who meet the criteria can also apply directly.

To be considered for cosigner release, many lenders require that you meet certain criteria to show you can handle the debt independently, including:

• A history of consecutive on-time payments (typically 12-48 months).
• Proof of steady, stable income.
• A strong credit score.

2. Refinance your student loan (and get new loan terms and rates)

The most straightforward alternative to remove a cosigner from a loan is to refinance your student loan in your name. When you refinance, you apply for a new loan that pays off the original loan. The new loan is issued entirely in your name, and your cosigner is released from any further responsibility. This path is ideal if you are also looking to secure a lower interest rate or change your monthly payment timeline.

What does it take to qualify on your own?

To successfully refinance student loans or qualify for cosigner release, lenders will assess your financial stability. These are the key factors they’ll consider:

• Credit score: A higher credit score shows your ability to manage debt responsibly. A strong score will help you secure better terms, such as a lower interest rate.
• Income: Lenders will assess your income to ensure that you can comfortably cover the loan payments on your own.
• Debt-to-income ratio: This ratio measures your debt compared to your income. A lower ratio signals financial health and may increase your chances of qualifying for refinancing. Use Earnest’s debt-to-income ratio calculator to get a clear picture of where you stand.

What to do before you apply

If you’re ready to remove your cosigner, here’s what you can do to increase your chances of approval:

• Check your credit score: Review your credit report for any errors and work to improve your score by making on-time payments and keeping your credit utilization below 30%.
• Ensure you have stable income: Lenders want to see that you have a steady and stable source of income to make payments on your own. Consider taking on a side hustle if you need to boost your income.
• Manage your debt-to-income ratio: Lower your existing debt as much as possible to improve your ratio, making it easier to qualify for refinancing.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Does Earnest offer both cosigner release and refinancing?
Yes! Earnest will automatically review eligible loans for cosigner release and notify you, or you can apply to remove your cosigner from your eligible loans. Alternatively, you can apply to refinance the loan entirely in your own name.

Will applying for a cosigner release lower my interest rate?
No. A cosigner release simply removes the cosigner from your loan while keeping your original interest rate and terms exactly the same. If your goal is to lower your interest rate, refinancing is the better option.

How often can I apply to refinance with Earnest to remove a cosigner?
Earnest allows borrowers in good standing to apply for a refinance as often as every 30 days. If your financial profile improves, you can check your rate without hurting your credit score.

Ready to get started?

Whether you’re looking to remove a cosigner or lower your monthly payment, Earnest may be able to help. Earnest customers can explore cosigner release options to see if they’re eligible. Or, check your refinance rate in minutes with Earnest to see how much you could save!

About the Author

Willa Tellekson-Flash

Willa Tellekson-Flash is a freelance writer and product marketer specializing in finance and technology. With 10 years of experience, she focuses on making complex personal finance topics accessible and empowering for all audiences. When she’s not writing, you'll likely find her training for her next marathon.

Disclaimer

This blog post provides personal finance educational information, and it is not intended to provide legal, financial, or tax advice. It is accurate as of its publishing date.