Student Loans Without Co-Signer

Highly reviewed and rated, these student loan companies can help you make your educational dreams a reality. Quickly apply and get an instant decision. Compare offers from multiple private lenders to find the lowest student loan interest rate — but only after you'veexhausted all federal financial aid.
Private student loans are best used to pay college costs after you’ve borrowed the maximum you qualify for in both subsidized and unsubsidized federal student loans. Private student loans come from banks, credit unions and online lenders, and unlike federal student loans for undergraduates, they require a credit check.
That’s why there is no five-star lender on our list of private student loans: In the vast majority of cases, the best college financing option is a federal student loan. Check out our list of top lenders, along with how you can secure the lowest rates in 2025.

Compare the Best Student Loans

LENDER LEARN MORE FIXED APR VARIABLE APR MAX. LOAN AMOUNT MIN. CREDIT SCORE
Sallie Mae
Sallie Mae
4.4
See Offers 4.50% to 15.49% with autopay 6.12% to 16.45% with autopay Cost of attendance, minus aid Mid 600s
Earnest
Earnest
4.7
See Offers 4.43% to 15.90% with autopay 5.39% to 16.20% with autopay No maximum 650
SoFi
SoFi
4.6
See Offers 4.49% to 14.83% with autopay 5.49% to 14.03% with autopay Cost of attendance, minus aid 640
Credible
Credible
4.9
See Offers 3.22% to 14.75% wih autopay 1.79% to 13.85% with autopay Not disclosed 640
Education Loan Finance
Education Loan Finance
4.5
See Offers 4.48% to 12.29% 4.73% to 12.54% Not disclosed 680
Ascent Funding
Ascent Funding
4.7
See Offers 4.48% to 15.38% with autopay 5.94% to 15.83% with autopay $200,000 Not disclosed
Citizens
Citizens
4.4
See Offers 4.43% to 12.86% with auto and loyalty discount* 5.98% to 14.05% with auto and loyalty discount* Up to $350,000 Not disclosed
LendKey
LendKey
4.5
See Offers 4.89% to 10.39% with autopay 5.36% to 10.51% with autopay Cost of attendance, minus aid Not disclosed
MPower Financing
MPower Financing
3.6
See Offers As low as 14.75% with discounts 100000 Not required
Nelnet Bank
Nelnet Bank
4.3
See Offers 4.49% with autopay to 14.82% 6.04% with autopay to 15.55% Cost of attendance, minus aid Not disclosed
Discover
Discover
4.2
See Offers 5.49% to 13.99% with autopay 4.29% to 14.09% with autopay Not disclosed Not disclosed
EDvestinU
EDvestinU
4
See Offers 6.250% – 9.935% 7.960% – 10.885% Not disclosed 750
Prodigy Finance
Prodigy Finance
3.2
See Offers Not available 6.7% to 14.5% 220000 Not required

Best Private Student Loans

Sallie Mae
Sallie Mae
Minimum FICO Credit Score
Mid 600s
BBB Rating
A+
Earnest
Earnest
Minimum FICO Credit Score
650
BBB Rating
A+
SoFi
SoFi
Minimum FICO Credit Score
640
BBB Rating
A+
Credible
Credible
Minimum FICO Credit Score
640
BBB Rating
A+
Education Loan Finance
Education Loan Finance
Minimum FICO Credit Score
680
BBB Rating
A+
Ascent Funding
Ascent Funding
Minimum FICO Credit Score
Not disclosed
BBB Rating
A
Citizens
Citizens
Minimum FICO Credit Score
Not disclosed
BBB Rating
A+
LendKey
LendKey
Minimum FICO Credit Score
Not disclosed
BBB Rating
A+
MPower Financing
MPower Financing
Minimum FICO Credit Score
Not required
BBB Rating
A+
Nelnet Bank
Nelnet Bank
Minimum FICO Credit Score
Not disclosed
BBB Rating
A-
Discover
Discover
Minimum FICO Credit Score
Not disclosed
BBB Rating
A+
EDvestinU
EDvestinU
Minimum FICO Credit Score
750
BBB Rating
N/A
Prodigy Finance
Prodigy Finance
Minimum FICO Credit Score
Not required
BBB Rating
N/A

Student Loan Forgiveness Requirements

Student loan forgiveness refers to programs or policies that cancel or reduce the outstanding balance of student loans for eligible borrowers. The specific requirements for student loan forgiveness can vary depending on the type of forgiveness program. Below are some common student loan forgiveness programs and their general requirements:

1. Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Borrowers must work full-time for a qualifying public service organization or non-profit organization.

They must make 120 qualifying monthly payments while working for the qualifying employer.

The payments must be made under an eligible repayment plan (such as an income-driven repayment plan).

After meeting these requirements, the remaining loan balance is forgiven.

2. Teacher Loan Forgiveness

Teachers must work full-time for five consecutive years in a low-income school or educational service agency.

The type of loan and the subject taught will determine the amount of forgiveness.

3. Income-Driven Repayment Plan Forgiveness

Borrowers on income-driven repayment plans may qualify for forgiveness after making qualifying payments for 20 or 25 years, depending on the plan.

Any remaining loan balance after the specified period is forgiven.

4. Perkins Loan Cancellation

Individuals must work in specific public service fields or professions, such as teachers, nurses, or law enforcement officers.

Eligibility criteria and the amount forgiven may vary based on the profession and the length of service.

5. Closed School Discharge

Borrowers may be eligible for discharge of their federal student loans if the school closes while they are enrolled or within 120 days of withdrawal.

6. Total and Permanent Disability Discharge

Borrowers who are totally and permanently disabled may qualify for loan forgiveness through a discharge program.

Please note that these are general guidelines, and the specific eligibility criteria and requirements for each forgiveness program can change over time. It is crucial to verify the latest information from official sources and consult with the U.S. Department of Education or your loan servicer for the most up-to-date details on student loan forgiveness programs in 2023.

How To Choose Student Loans Without Co-Signer?

When it comes to choosing student loans without a co-signer, there are several important factors to consider. These include the type of loan, the interest rate, repayment terms, loan limits, and the lender’s credit requirements. Here are the six most important factors to consider when selecting a student loan without a co-signer.

1. Type of Loan

The type of loan you choose will depend on your individual needs and financial situation. Federal student loans are typically the best option for students without a co-signer, as they offer lower interest rates and more flexible repayment terms. Private student loans, on the other hand, may offer higher loan limits and more flexible repayment options, but they typically require a co-signer.

2. Interest Rate

The interest rate on your loan will have a major impact on the total cost of your loan. Federal student loans typically have lower interest rates than private student loans, so it’s important to compare rates before making a decision. It’s also important to consider the type of interest rate (fixed or variable) and the length of the loan term.

3. Repayment Terms

The repayment terms of your loan will determine how long you have to pay back the loan and how much you will pay each month. Federal student loans typically offer more flexible repayment terms than private student loans, so it’s important to compare the options before making a decision. It’s also important to consider the loan’s deferment and forbearance options.

4. Loan Limits

The loan limits for federal and private student loans vary, so it’s important to compare the options before making a decision. Federal student loans typically have lower loan limits than private student loans, so it’s important to consider your individual needs and financial situation before making a decision.

5. Credit Requirements

The credit requirements for federal and private student loans vary, so it’s important to compare the options before making a decision. Federal student loans typically have more lenient credit requirements than private student loans, so it’s important to consider your individual credit history before making a decision.

6. Fees and Other Costs

The fees and other costs associated with student loans can vary significantly, so it’s important to compare the options before making a decision. Federal student loans typically have lower fees and other costs than private student loans, so it’s important to consider your individual needs and financial situation before making a decision.

Private Student Loan Interest Rate Trend

Private student loan interest rates have been on the rise in recent years, due to a variety of factors. The Federal Reserve has raised interest rates several times in the past few years, which has caused private student loan interest rates to increase as well. Additionally, the cost of college tuition has been increasing, which has caused lenders to charge higher interest rates in order to offset the risk of lending to students.

The average private student loan interest rate is currently around 8.5%, which is significantly higher than the average federal student loan interest rate of 4.53%. Private student loan interest rates can vary significantly depending on the lender, the borrower’s credit history, and the loan terms. Some lenders may offer lower interest rates for borrowers with excellent credit, while others may offer higher interest rates for borrowers with less-than-perfect credit.

Private student loan interest rates can also vary depending on the type of loan. Fixed-rate loans typically have higher interest rates than variable-rate loans, as the interest rate is locked in for the life of the loan. Variable-rate loans, on the other hand, can have lower interest rates, but the rate can change over time.

It’s important to compare private student loan interest rates before making a decision, as the interest rate can have a major impact on the total cost of the loan. Additionally, it’s important to consider the loan terms, fees, and other costs associated with the loan before making a decision.

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