Looking for the best private graduate student loans? Comparing lenders carefully can help you secure lower interest rates, better repayment terms, and more flexibility. Here are our top picks for private student loans for graduate students.
Use the table below to compare interest rates, repayment options, and special features.
You can also view the top private student loans for graduate students by category:
Be sure to pursue other options, such as any financial aid you receive from the FAFSA, before turning to private student loans to fill any funding gaps. These may include scholarships, grants, work-study, or other student loan options, such as a graduate PLUS loan
Some lenders offer a cosigner release option, ideal for parents willing to help you get a loan but may not want a long-term commitment. Here is a list of the student loan providers with the best cosigner release options.
Input your loan terms and we’ll tell you how much you can expect to pay monthly and in total
Your repayment term will vary depending on the loan and lender you choose. Flexibility is critical for all borrowers since anyone can face an unexpected setback, such as a job loss or medical emergency.
The following lenders offer the most flexibility regarding repayment plans, repayment terms, monthly payments, loan terms, grace periods, forbearances, and discharge options.
Use this calculator to estimate your Student Aid Index (SAI)
If your parents are willing to help you pay for college, they may have considered a federal Parent PLUS loan. However, depending on their credit score, your parent may be able to qualify for a lower interest rate and avoid origination fees by cosigning a loan with you.
Private student loans originate from banks, credit unions, or other financial institutions. They generally have higher interest rates and fewer borrower protections than federal loans.
Private loans are a suitable choice if you:
You don't want to take out a private student loan if you aren't confident in your ability to repay it once you graduate. That's why these loans can best fit graduate programs like law or medicine, or those who have exhausted all other options.
Federal loans have fixed rates set by the government, typically providing more predictable repayment terms. Private student loan rates vary based on your credit and cosigner status, potentially offering lower interest but fewer protections, making it important to compare options.
Qualification varies by lender but typically requires good credit, steady income, or a creditworthy cosigner. A strong employment history or stable income can also improve your eligibility.
Getting a private loan with poor credit is difficult without a cosigner. Students with bad credit should prioritize federal loans or financial aid alternatives before considering private options.
Savingforcollege.com provides our readers with free access to objective information, articles and tools to help them make informed decisions about saving and paying for education. We are able to do this because we are compensated by our partners, including some private student lenders. Some, though not all, of the products featured here are offered by partners who may pay us a sales commission. Our partnerships do not influence our ratings or reviews, which are based on in-depth research and objective methodologies, though they may influence which products we write about and where those products appear on our site. Our opinions are our own.
While Savingforcollege.com strives to keep our information up to date, the lender rates, terms and other information are subject to change at any time.
Exhaust all other resources, such as scholarships and grants, before borrowing student loans. If you need to borrow loans, federal student loans offer many benefits that private student loans do not. Read the fine print and disclaimer from any potential lender and understandhow student loans work before borrowing.
Savingforcollege.com is an independent publisher. We do not provide legal, financial, accounting or tax advice. The information and tools published on this website are general in nature and may not apply to your specific circumstances. You should seek specific guidance from a qualified legal, financial, accounting or tax professional.
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