Private Student Loans

Student loans with zero fees¹ and maximum support

Flexible loan terms, low rates, and help whenever you need it

Let’s get started

Check your eligibility. No credit impact.

I am a

• Student
• Cosigner

I (my student) is earning this degree

• Bachelor’s
• Graduate

I live in

Continue

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Over 7,900 reviews and a 4.7 star rating

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US News named us one of the Best Loan Companies for private student loans

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Over 420,000 clients trust Earnest

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Trusted by over 1,300 universities nationwide as a preferred lender

Benefits

Financial responsibility meets college funding

Flexible terms. 4 repayment options² and loan terms ranging from 5-15 years³. So your loan works for your life, not the other way around.

Longer grace period. Get 9 months after graduation to start payments vs. most lenders’ 6 months— more breathing room after graduation.

Save on interest. 0.25% Auto Pay discount, plus an extra 0.25% for returning borrowers. Pay less over the life of your loan.

See what people say about us

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4.6 out of 5 star rating on Trustpilot
Based on 8,143 reviews

The Best Rates

100% Rate Match Guarantee

We’ll match any competitor rate and give you a $100 Amazon gift card once your rate match is finalized.

Call us today to get a rate match (888) 601-2801 .

Expert Help

Client Happiness is at the heart of Earnest

Questions or concerns? Our in-house Client Happiness team has the power to solve your problems and set you up for success.

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.

Find the best loan for you

• Undergrad
  Low-rate loans for undergraduates.
• Grad School
  Low-rate loans for grad school students.
• MBA
  Low-rate loans for business school students.
• Medical & Veterinary School
  Low-rate loans for healthcare professionals.
• Dental School
  Low-rate loans for dental school students.
• Law School
  Low-rate loans for law school students.
• Cosigned
  Low-rate loans for cosigners and parents.

A helping hand for cosigners

Cosigning isn’t always easy, unless it’s with Earnest. Our cosigners have access to expert help, a convenient mobile application and secure end-to-end encryption to protect their financial information.

Easily start the application for a student and share with a single tap of a button.

Mobile-friendly cosigner invitation if your student starts the application first.

Email and SMS updates to keep you informed about where you are in the application process.

Am I a good fit for an Earnest private student loan?

Before applying for private student loans with Earnest, use this checklist to see if you’re ready.

I’ve factored in contributions from my family, such as 529 plans(aka money already designated for your education).

I’ve applied for grants, scholarships, and work-study opportunities (aka money you don’t have to pay back).

I’ve filled out the FAFSA® to maximize my Federal financial aid (aka money you borrow that comes with repayment protections).

How are private student loans different from federal student loans?

Am I eligible for an Earnest Private Student Loan?

Can I apply for a private student loan without a cosigner?

How much can I borrow with an Earnest Private Student Loan?

What happens after I apply for a private student loan?

What can private student loans be used for?

What kinds of private loan options does Earnest offer?

What repayment options does Earnest offer?

What’s the difference between variable and fixed interest rates?

Are there fees for Earnest Private Student Loans?

Do you offer loans to international students?

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 repayment plan before signing.

Get your funds

We'll send details to your school for certification, then you're all set.

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.