Best Graduate School Loan Rates In November 2022 Bankrate

Best Graduate School Loan Rates In November 2022 Bankrate

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Best graduate school loan rates in November 2022

Chelsea has been with Bankrate since early 2020. She is invested in helping students navigate the high costs of college and breaking down the complexities of student loans. Mark Kantrowitz is an expert on student financial aid, the FAFSA, scholarships, 529 plans, education tax benefits and student loans. Book What to know first Menu List On this page Bankrate logo The Bankrate promise

What To Know First

Collapse Caret Up A graduate school loan is a type of student loan specifically designed for graduate studies - whether that's a law degree, an MBA, a medical degree or any number of other focus areas. Graduate school loans are used to pay for tuition and fees, although most lenders let you use the funds for books, supplies, housing and more. Whether you're thinking about getting a master's or a Ph.D, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid is the key to unlocking federal student loans. The application opens on Oct. 1, and it's best to fill out the application as soon as it opens. Methodology To find the best graduate school student loans, we first compiled lenders that are reputable and have a wide reach, offering loans to students across the United States. We also considered lenders' starting interest rates to ensure that they fell below national averages. From there, we narrowed down our list by comparing interest rate ranges, available loan amounts, required fees, repayment options and degree types to ensure that our picks catered to a variety of graduate students. To determine our final rankings, we selected lenders with unique features, such as a quick application process or multiyear approval.

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Advertiser DisclosureThe listings that appear on this page are from companies from which this website receives compensation, which may impact how, where and in what order products appear. This table does not include all companies or all available products. Bankrate does not endorse or recommend any companies.Definition of terms Apply

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Answer a few questions in two minutes or less to see which student loans you pre-qualify for. It's free and will not impact your credit score.The Bankrate scoring system evaluates lenders' affordability, availability and customer experience based on 11 data points selected by our editorial team.An annual percentage rate (APR) represents the interest and fees you'll pay on top of your initial amount every month. A fixed rate will not change during your repayment period.The range of loan amounts that a lender will service. The maximum value is the largest amount a lender will give although this amount may not be available to borrowers who don’t have good or excellent credit. Amount ranges may vary for non-loan products. Term refers to the amount of time you have to repay the loan.The minimum credit score typically required to qualify for a loan with a given lender. Exact thresholds are not always disclosed by a lender and in certain cases the minimum score is the best estimate based on publicly available information. Credit score refers to FICO 9.0 unless otherwise stated. 4.6Bankrate Score4.50- 14.83with AutoPay Term: 10-15 yr See offersArrow Right Offer DetailsLender InfoBankrate's ViewCompetitive variable and fixed interest ratesNo origination fee or prepayment penaltyInterest, $25 Fixed, or Deferred Repayment Options Apply on partner site4.7Bankrate Score3.99- 13.50with AutoPay$5k- $500kTerm: 5-15 yr See offersArrow Right Offer DetailsLender InfoBankrate's ViewEasy online application!No origination fees, late fees, and no insufficient fund fees. PeriodFlexible repayment options to help you find the right loan for you0.25% discount when you set up autopay*Apply on partner site4.1Bankrate Score3.65- 15.75with AutoPay$1k- $400kTerm: 5-20 yr See offersArrow Right Offer DetailsLender InfoBankrate's ViewCompare real, pre-qualified rates from up to 10 lenders in under 2 minutesNo hidden fees, origination fees or prepayment penaltiesChecking your rates won't affect your credit scoreVariable rates will fluctuate over the term of the borrower's loan with changes in the LIBOR rate. The maximum variable rate on the Education Refinance Loan is the greater of 21.00% or Prime Rate plus 9.00%. Rates are subject to change at any time without notice. Your actual rate may be different from the rates advertised and/or shown above and will be based on factors such as the term of your loan, your financial history (including your cosigner’s (if any) financial history) and the degree you are in the process of achieving or have achieved. While not always the case, lower rates typically require creditworthy applicants with creditworthy co-signers, graduate degrees, and shorter repayment terms (terms vary by lender and can range from 5-20 years) and include loyalty and Automatic Payment discounts, where applicable. Loyalty and Automatic Payment discount requirements as well as Lender terms and conditions will vary by lender and therefore, reading each lender’s disclosures is important. Additionally, lenders may have loan minimum and maximum requirements, degree requirements, educational institution requirements, citizenship and residency requirements as well as other lender-specific requirements.Apply on partner site4.5Bankrate Score3.99- 14.96with AutoPay$1k- $500kTerm: 5-15 yr See offersArrow Right Offer DetailsLender InfoBankrate's ViewCompetitive fixed and variable rates starting at 2.99%*Four different repayment optionsChoice of loan terms (5, 8, 10, and 15 years)*No application, origination or disbursement feesBorrow up to 100% of your school's cost of attendance**College Ave Student Loans products are made available through Firstrust Bank, member FDIC, First Citizens Community Bank, member FDIC, or M.Y. Safra Bank, FSB, member FDIC.. All loans are subject to individual approval and adherence to underwriting guidelines. Program restrictions, other terms, and conditions apply.
Rates shown are for the College Ave Undergraduate Loan product and include autopay discount. The 0.25% auto-pay interest rate reduction applies as long as a valid bank account is designated for required monthly payments. Variable rates may increase after consummation.
This 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. As certified by your school and less any other financial aid you might receive. Minimum $1,000.
Information advertised valid as of 10/20/2022. Variable interest rates may increase after consummation. Approved interest rate will depend on the creditworthiness of the applicant(s), lowest advertised rates only available to the most creditworthy applicants and require selection of full principal and interest payments with the shortest available loan term.Apply on partner siteINCOME BASED REPAYMENTIncome-Based Repayment (IBR) is a student loan repayment program that regulates the monthly repayment amounts based on a percentage of one's gross earned income for a set period of time. IBRs are an alternative to traditional private student loans. Income Based Repayment - No Cosigner Required Get approved in minutes. Pre-qualify without affecting your credit score.See offersArrow Right Offer DetailsLender InfoBankrate's ViewNo cosigner requiredGet approved in minutesPre-qualify without affecting your credit scoreIncome-based repayment with built-in protections, like deferred payments if you lose your jobNo in-school payments. Monthly payments only begin when you land a job grossing at least $30,000 yearly.Never pay more than the maximum payment cap. Edly Student IBR Loans are unsecured personal student loans originated by FinWise Bank, a Utah chartered commercial bank, member FDIC. All loans are subject to eligibility criteria and review of creditworthiness and history. Terms and conditions apply. Loans from $5,000 - $20,000 Example: $10,000 IBR Loan with a 7% gross income payment percentage for a Senior student making $65,000 annually throughout the life of the loan. Payments deferred for the first 12 months during final year of education. After which, $270 Monthly payment for 12 months. Then $379 Monthly payment for 44 months. Followed by one final payment of $137 for a total of $20,610 paid over the life of the loan. About this example The initial payment schedule is set upon receiving final terms and upon confirmation by your school of the loan amount. You may repay this loan at any time by paying an effective APR of 23%. The maximum amount you will pay is $22,500 (not including Late Fees and Returned Check Fees, if any). The maximum number of regularly scheduled payments you will make is 60. You will not pay more than 23% APR. No payment is required if your gross earned income is below $30,000 annually or if you lose your job and cannot find employment. Apply on partner site4.3Bankrate Score3.99- 12.78with AutoPay$1k- $350kTerm: 5-20 yr See offersArrow Right Offer DetailsLender InfoBankrate's ViewLower rates based on your future potential and full financial profile, not just your FICO scoreFlexible terms that let you pick your exact monthly paymentLifetime service provided in-house. Unlike other lenders, we will never pass you off to third-party servicersNo fees for origination, prepayment, or loan disbursementTwo-minute rate check with no obligation at www.earnest.comActual rate and available repayment terms will vary based on your income. Fixed rates range from 4.24% APR to 13.03% APR (excludes 0.25% Auto Pay discount). Variable rates range from 3.83% APR to 12.53% APR (excludes 0.25% Auto Pay discount). Earnest variable interest rate student loans are based on a publicly available index, the 30-day Average Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The variable rate is based on the rate published on the 25th day, or the next business day, of the preceding calendar month, rounded to the nearest hundredth of a percent. The rate will not increase more than once per month. Although the rate will vary after you are approved, it will never exceed 36% (the maximum allowable for this loan). Please note, Earnest Private Student Loans are not available in Nevada. Our lowest rates are only available for our most credit qualified borrowers and contain our .25% auto pay discount from a checking or savings account. It is important to note that the 0.25% Auto Pay discount is not available while loan payments are deferred.Apply on partner site4.0Bankrate Score3.99- 10.32with AutoPay$1k- $500kTerm: 5-20 yr See offersArrow Right Offer DetailsLender InfoBankrate's View2-Minute rate check with no impact on your credit scoreNo origination fees or prepayment penaltiesNetwork of 300+ community lenders means higher chances for approval and lower ratesAvailable for private and federal, undergraduate and grad school student loans0.25% Interest Rate Reduction with automatic paymentsOne of the largest unemployment protection offers in the market; up to 18 monthsCosigner release available after 12 monthly paymentsLoan products, terms, and benefits may be modified or discontinued by participating lenders at any time without notice. Rates displayed are reserved for the most creditworthy consumers who enroll to make automatic monthly payments. Your initial rate will be determined after a review of your application and credit profile. Variable rates may increase after consummation. You must be either a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident in an eligible state and from an eligible school, and meet the lender's credit and income requirements to qualify for a loan. Certain membership requirements (including the opening of a share account, a minimum share account deposit, and the payment of any applicable association fees in connection with membership) may apply in the event that an applicant wishes to apply with, and accept a loan offered from, a credit union lender. If you are not a member of the credit union lender, you may apply and become a member during the loan application process if you meet the lender's eligibility criteria. Applying with a creditworthy cosigner may result in a better chance of loan approval and/or lower interest rate. Loans for exam preparation classes, including, but not limited to, loans for LSAT, MCAT, GMAT, and GRE preparation, are not available via LendKey.com.Apply on partner siteBEST WITH CO-SIGNERAdding a co-signer increases loan approval likelihood and could help you borrow more money or get a lower interest rate – meaning lower monthly payments & less interest paid over the life of the loan. 4.4Bankrate Score5.99- 12.90with AutoPay$1k- $350kTerm: 5-15 yr See offersArrow Right Offer DetailsLender InfoBankrate's ViewWith the most options of any lender, we'll help you find a great way to pay for collegeNo application, origination or disbursement feesMulti-year approval provides a simple way to secure funding for additional years in school†Interest rate discounts available.Variable Rate Disclosure: Variable interest rates are based on the 30-day average Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) index, as published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. As of October 1, 2022, the 30-day average SOFR index is 2.38%. Variable interest rates will fluctuate over the term of the loan with changes in the SOFR index, and will vary based on applicable terms, level of degree and presence of a co-signer. The maximum variable interest rate is the greater of 21.00% or the prime rate plus 9.00%. Fixed Rate Disclosure: Fixed rate ranges are based on applicable terms, level of degree, and presence of a co-signer. Lowest Rate Disclosure: Lowest rates are for the most creditworthy applicants, require a 5-year repayment term, immediate repayment, a graduate or medical degree (where applicable), and include Loyalty and Automatic Payment discounts of 0.25 percentage points each. Subject to additional terms and conditions and may change at any time without notice. Such changes apply to applications taken after effective date of change.
Apply on partner site4.2Bankrate Score3.21- 11.99$1k- $500kTerm: 5-15 yr See offersArrow Right Offer DetailsLender InfoBankrate's ViewPrequalify to estimate your rate without affecting your credit score,Submit online application in minutes,No application fees, origination fees, or prepayment penalties,Low rates and flexible repayment terms to fit your needs and goals,Student Loan Advisor to guide you through the application processThe interest rate and monthly payment for variable rate loans may increase after closing. Your actual interest rate may be different from the rates shown above and will be based on the term of your loan, your financial history, and other factors, including your cosigner’s (if any) financial history. For example, a 10 year loan with a fixed rate of 6% would have 120 payments of $11.00 per $1,000 borrowed. Education Loan Finance Parent Loans are limited to a maximum of the 10-year term.Apply on partner site

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The Bankrate guide to choosing the best graduate student loans

Why trust Bankrate? At Bankrate, our mission is to empower you to make smarter financial decisions. We've been comparing and surveying financial institutions for more than 40 years to help you find the right products for your situation. Our award-winning editorial team follows strict guidelines to ensure the content is not influenced by advertisers. Additionally, our content is thoroughly reported and vigorously edited to ensure accuracy. When shopping for a graduate student loan, compare APRs across multiple lenders to make sure you're getting a competitive interest rate. Also look for lenders that keep fees to a minimum and offer repayment terms that fit your needs. Loan details presented here are current as of Aug. 18, 2022. Check the lenders' websites for more current information. The graduate student loan lenders listed here are selected based on factors such as APR, loan amounts, fees and repayment options. To learn more about how we selected lenders, see our methodology section at the bottom of the page.

The best graduate student loan rates in November 2022

LENDER APR LOAN TERMS MIN. LOAN AMOUNT MAX. LOAN AMOUNT U.S. Department of Education: Direct Unsubsidized Loan 6.54% fixed Standard repayment term is 10 years Not specified $20,500 per year (lifetime limit $138,500) Fixed: 4.12% – 15.75% (with autopay); Variable: 4.39% – 13.65% (with autopay) 7 – 20 years $2,001 $200,000 per year ($400,000 aggregage) Fixed: 5.99% - 12.90%; Variable: 5.99% - 12.64% 5 – 15 years $1,000 $350,000 Fixed: 4.24%% – 12.99% (with autopay); Variable: 3.49% – 12.99% (with autopay) 5 – 20 years $1,000 100% total cost of attendance ($150,000 maximum for some programs) U.S. Department of Education: Grad PLUS loan 7.54% fixed Standard repayment term is 10 years Not specified 100% total cost of attendance Fixed: 5.25% - 14.48% (with autopay); Variable: 4.50% - 14.10% (with autopay) 15 – 20 years $1,000 100% total cost of attendance Fixed: 4.50% – 13.50% (with autopay); Variable: 4.25% – 12.13% (with autopay) 5 – 15 years $1,000 100% total cost of attendance Check rate with Bankrate Min. credit score: Not disclosed Fixed APR From: 3.73% –6.28% Loan amount: $5,500– $57,500 Term lengths: 20 to 20 years Min. annual income: $0 Overview: Direct Unsubsidized Loans are originated by the U.S. Department of Education and are available to students seeking graduate degrees. Although loan amounts are lower and interest rates higher than those of some private lenders, the federal program offers the strongest borrower protections and most flexible repayment options available. Why federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans are best overall: Federal student loans are often a better choice than private student loans because of their suite of repayment options, including some repayment plans that end in loan forgiveness. Direct Unsubsidized Loans are a particularly good choice, since they have lower interest rates than grad PLUS loans.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Several repayment plan options. Forgiveness opportunities. One interest rate for all borrowers.

Cons

Annual loan amount cap of $20,500 for most degrees. Loan fees for all loan disbursements. Not available to international students.

Eligibility & More

Requirements: Borrowers must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and have a valid Social Security number. While in school, borrowers must be enrolled at least half time in an eligible degree or certificate program and maintain satisfactory academic progress. Fees: All borrowers are subject to a 1.057 percent loan fee. Check rate with Bankrate Min. credit score: Not disclosed Fixed APR From: 4.12% –15.75% Loan amount: $3,000– $20,000 Term lengths: 5 to 20 years Min. annual income: $0 Overview: is an online lender that offers student loans for borrowers with or without a co-signer. Ascent doesn't just look at your creditworthiness; it also considers your school, program, GPA and cost of attendance when approving you for a loan. Why Ascent is best if you don't have a co-signer: Ascent claims that it considers factors like your school, program and GPA in addition to your credit score, so you may have a better chance of getting a lower rate without a co-signer than you would with other lenders.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Forbearance for up to 24 months over the life of the loan. Extended in-school periods of up to 48 months for some loans. Considers factors outside of creditworthiness, such as school, program and GPA.

Cons

High APR caps. Not available to students attending less than half time. Borrowers must have at least two years of credit history.

Eligibility & More

Requirements: Borrowers must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or DACA student. Temporary residents may also apply with a qualified co-signer. Borrowers who are applying without a co-signer must have more than two years of credit history, and those with a co-signer must have a minimum credit score. Borrowers or co-signers must have a minimum gross annual income of $24,000. While in school, borrowers must be enrolled at least half time. Fees: Ascent does not charge any fees on its student loans. Check rate with Bankrate Min. credit score: Not disclosed Fixed APR From: 5.99% –12.9% Loan amount: $1,000– $350,000 Term lengths: 5 to 15 years Min. annual income: $12,000 Overview: is a traditional bank that offers private student loans for graduate students seeking master's, business, medical, law and health care degrees. Its unique multiyear approval process allows you to secure funding for each year of school with just one application. Why Citizens Bank is best for multiyear approval: With Citizens Bank, you can get approved for several years of student loan funds, saving you a hard credit check each year of school.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Get approved for multiple years of funding. Low starting APRs. Loyalty discount for existing Citizens Bank customers.

Cons

Aggregate loan limit of $150,000 to $350,000, depending on degree. Long co-signer release period of 36 months. Maximum repayment term of 15 years.

Eligibility & More

Requirements: Borrowers must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or eligible noncitizen with a co-signer who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Borrowers also must be the age of majority in their state or have a co-signer who is. To receive a Citizens Bank loan, students must be enrolled at least half time in a degree-granting program at an eligible institution. Fees: Citizens Bank charges a 5 percent late fee and a $15 returned payment fee. Check rate with Bankrate Min. credit score: Not disclosed Fixed APR From: 3.99% –14.96% Loan amount: $1,000– $500,000 Term lengths: 5 to 15 years Min. annual income: $35,000 Overview: is an online lender that offers private student loans to graduate students earning postgraduate, master's, doctoral and professional degrees. The lender specializes in a simple application process with an instant decision. Why College Ave is best for quick application process: While you'll need to go through a full application down the line, you can get prequalified with College Ave in three minutes.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Three-minute initial application. Available to borrowers enrolled less than half time. Several repayment options and terms.

Cons

Forbearance limited to 12 months over the life of the loan. Maximum loan amount of $150,000 for some degrees. Limited eligibility information.

Eligibility & More

Requirements: Borrowers must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and be enrolled in a degree program at an eligible institution, although international students with a U.S. Social Security number and qualified co-signer may apply. Students must make satisfactory academic progress while in school. Fees: College Ave may charge an unspecified late fee. Check rate with Bankrate Min. credit score: Not disclosed Fixed APR From: 3.73% –6.28% Loan amount: $0– $500,000 Term lengths: 10 to 10 years Min. annual income: $0 Overview: Borrowers who have maxed out their Direct Unsubsidized Loans may wish to apply for a grad PLUS loan, which lets you take out up to 100 percent of the cost of your education. These loans require an additional application, but they come with the same federal benefits as Direct Unsubsidized Loans - income-driven repayment plans, hardship options and potential loan forgiveness. Why federal grad PLUS loans are the best high-limit federal loan: Grad PLUS loans have the same benefits as other federal student loans, such as income-driven repayment plans and many deferment and forbearance opportunities. They have a higher interest rate than Direct Unsubsidized Loans (7.54 percent for the 2022-23 academic year), but they also let you borrow up to the full cost of attendance.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Opportunities for loan forgiveness. Cover up to the full cost of attendance. No minimum credit score.

Cons

May find lower rates with private lenders. Origination fee with each loan disbursement. Adverse credit history may require a loan endorser.

Eligibility & More

Requirements: Borrowers must be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen and have a valid Social Security number. Borrowers must also be enrolled at least half time and be making satisfactory academic progress in an eligible degree or certificate program. Borrowers will go through a credit check, but there is no minimum credit score; an adverse credit history will require the borrower to use a co-signer. Fees: Grad PLUS loans charge a loan fee of 4.228 percent. Check rate with Bankrate Min. credit score: 639 Fixed APR From: 4.5% –14.83% Loan amount: $1,000– $500,000 Term lengths: 10 to 15 years Min. annual income: $0 Overview: offers private student loans to graduate students seeking master's or doctoral degrees, and they're available even if you're enrolled less than half time. It's a standout option if you want to take just a few classes at a time or you work on the side. Why Sallie Mae is best for part-time students: Most student loan lenders require borrowers to be enrolled at least half time. Sallie Mae extends loans to students who are attending less than half time.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Borrowers may be enrolled less than half time. Defer payments for up to 48 months during residencies, fellowships and internships. Free quarterly FICO Score.

Cons

One repayment term for each degree. High rate caps. Few eligibility requirements disclosed.

Eligibility & More

Requirements: Borrowers must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident or have a co-signer who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Borrowers must be attending a participating school in the U.S. and be pursuing a degree - certificate and continuing education coursework is not eligible. The borrower or co-signer must be creditworthy, though Sallie Mae does not disclose a specific minimum credit score. Fees: Sallie Mae charges a 5 percent late fee up to $25, plus a returned check fee of up to $20. Check rate with Bankrate Min. credit score: Not disclosed Fixed APR From: 3.99% –13.5% Loan amount: $5,000– $500,000 Term lengths: 5 to 15 years Min. annual income: $0 Overview: is an online lender that offers private student loans for graduate degree programs, law school and business school. Why SoFi is best for a low APR: In addition to offering some of the lowest starting APRs on this list, SoFi also has ways to lower your interest rate further through autopay and member discounts.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Low starting APRs. Discounts for existing SoFi members. Unemployment protection and job placement assistance.

Cons

High rate caps. Relatively short grace period of six months. Maximum term length of 15 years.

Eligibility & More

Requirements: Borrowers must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or nonpermanent resident alien and be the age of majority in their state. If they don't fulfill this criteria, borrowers must recruit a co-signer. In school, borrowers must be enrolled at least half time at an eligible institution. Fees: SoFi charges no fees.

What is a graduate student loan

A graduate school loan is a type of that can help pay for graduate school tuition, fees, books, housing and more. These loans often have higher borrowing limits than undergraduate student loans, since graduate school costs more, and they may have perks specific to your degree - for instance, extended deferment during a clerkship or fellowship.

Types of graduate student loans

When you need to borrow money to pay for graduate school, you have three main options: federal Direct Unsubsidized student loans, federal grad PLUS student loans and private student loans. There are pros and cons of each option, though in some cases you may need to borrow from both federal and private sources.

Federal graduate student loans

Federal student loans are originated by the U.S. Department of Education and are loaded with borrower protections and flexibility. Within this program, graduate students can choose between a Direct Unsubsidized student loan and a grad PLUS loan. You can borrow up to $20,500 each school year with a Direct Unsubsidized student loan, with a $138,500 aggregate limit for most degrees. A grad PLUS loan allows you to borrow more - up to 100 percent of the cost of attendance. In general, it's best to maximize your unsubsidized loan options first, as interest rates are lower than those of grad PLUS loans. Additionally, you must go through a credit check for grad PLUS loans, which is not the case for Direct Unsubsidized Loans. To apply for either of these loans, you'll have to complete the FAFSA, which opens on Oct. 1 each year. If you're applying for a grad PLUS loan, you'll also have to fill out a separate application once the FAFSA is complete. If this is your first time receiving a Direct Loan, you'll be required to complete entrance counseling.

Pros

Flexible repayment options, including income-driven repayment plans. The same fixed rates for all borrowers, regardless of credit score. Borrower protections, including deferment and forbearance options and potential loan forgiveness.

Cons

Relatively low loan limits for Direct Unsubsidized Loans. Origination fees. Potential for garnishment of wages or tax refunds if you default. Potentially higher interest rates than private lenders offer if you have excellent credit.

Private graduate student loans

Private student loans are originated by private financial institutions, such as banks, credit unions and online lenders. You have dozens of options to choose from, but each lender sets its own rates, terms and eligibility requirements. Rates are commonly anywhere from 3 percent to 15 percent and can be fixed or variable. The exact rate you're quoted depends on your credit score and financial profile. As such, you'll have to go through a hard credit check in order to be approved for a loan. Unlike with federal student loans, you'll generally have a range of repayment terms to choose from with private lenders, usually between five and 20 years. Private student loan lenders also often offer degree-specific loans that are tailored to the needs of , , and more.

Pros

Zero fees with many lenders. Lower interest rates if you have an excellent credit score. Choice between fixed and variable interest rates. High loan limits.

Cons

No defined hardship plans. No income-driven repayment or forgiveness plans. Harder to qualify with poor credit. FEDERAL GRADUATE STUDENT LOANS PRIVATE GRADUATE STUDENT LOANS APR 6.54% – 7.54% fixed 3.15% – 14.75% fixed; 1.73% – 12.8% variable Fees Origination fees of 1.057% – 4.228% Varies by lender; often only late fees Borrowing limits Direct Unsubsidized Loan: Up to $20,500 per year; Grad PLUS loan: Up to 100% total cost of attendance Up to 100% total cost of attendance Repayment terms Standard term is 10 years 5 to 20 years

FAQ about graduate student loans

As of July 1, 2012, graduate students are not eligible for subsidized Stafford loans. However, if you took out a subsidized loan before this time, that loan will still count toward your aggregate loan limits.

The interest rate for federal graduate student loans is 6.54 or 7.54 percent, depending on the type of loan you take out. The average interest rate for private graduate student loans is around 3 percent to 15 percent.

Many private student loan lenders will let you borrow up to the full cost of attendance, minus any financial aid received. However, you may be subject to aggregate limits based on your degree program. If you're taking out a federal loan, you may borrow up to $20,500 per year in Direct Unsubsidized Loans or up to the full cost of attendance with grad PLUS loans.

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