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Compare Personal Loans

The best graduate student loans for financing an advanced degree, these lenders can help grad student loan borrowers of all types..

Deciding whether or not to go to graduate school is an expensive decision to make. Graduate degree programs typically cost more than undergraduate programs, plus some students enter their grad school era already carrying student loan debt from their undergrad years.

At the same time, however, grad school can pay off. Many people pursue an advanced degree to become more specialized in their field and, ideally, earn more money in the future.

To lessen the burden that an advanced degree can have on your finances, give good consideration to how you'll pay for it. The most favorable borrowing option for graduate students is generally federal direct unsubsidized loans through the government. But because there's an annual $20,500 limit, you'll likely need to turn to grad PLUS loans or private student loans to finance the rest.

CNBC Select  set out to find the best graduate school student loans from private lenders. In choosing the top ones, we focused on lenders' loan amounts, loan specializations offered, credit requirements and eligibility, as well as repayment terms, interest rates and fees. (See our methodology for more information on how we made this list.)

Best graduate student loans

• Best for instant credit decision : College Ave
• Best for multi-year financing : Citizens Bank
• Best for applying with a co-signer : Sallie Mae
• Best for applying without a co-signer : Ascent
• Best for fair credit : Earnest
• Best for a grad-level certificate : SoFi

Best for instant credit decision

College ave, eligible borrowers.

Undergraduate and graduate students, parents

Loan amounts

$1,000 minimum; maximum up to cost of attendance

Range from 5 to 20 years

Variable and fixed

Borrower protections

Deferment, forbearance and grace period options available

Co-signer required?

Only for international students

Offer student loan refinancing?

Yes - click here for details

Terms apply.

• High loan amount
• Flexible repayment terms
• Variable and fixed rates, so you can choose
• Borrowers have hardship protections
• No co-signer required for U.S. students
• Offers co-signer release
• No origination, application or prepayment fees
• 0.25% interest rate discount for autopay
• Offers student loan refinancing
• Accepts in-school payments
• Non-cosigned loans tend to charge higher interest rates
• Co-signer release can't be made until half of repayment term has passed

With College Ave , borrowers can apply within minutes and get an instant decision on their student loan so they can quickly know their next move.

[ Jump to more details ]

Best for multi-year financing

$150,000 maximum, or cost of attendance, whichever is lower

Range from 5 to 15 years

Forbearance options available

• No co-signer required
• Up to 0.50% interest rate discount for autopay
• Loan amount is limited to $150,000 maximum, or cost of attendance, whichever is lower

Instead of having to re-apply each year for grad school funding, Citizens Bank lets borrowers apply for all years in one go. This relieves the stress of worrying about how you'll pay for that next semester. (Borrowers may need to verify their continued eligibility.)

Best for applying with a co-signer

Sallie mae student loan.

Undergraduate and graduate students, borrowers seeking career training

Range from 10 to 15 years

Deferment and forbearance options available

• Doesn't offer student loan refinancing

Sallie Mae offers a co-signer release option with a relatively easy-to-meet threshold: Borrowers can apply to let go of their co-signer after they graduate, make 12 on-time principal and interest payments and meet certain credit requirements. This could be an incentive for a co-signer to sign on, knowing they don't have to be on the hook the whole loan term.

Best for applying without a co-signer

Ascent® funding.

Qualifying undergraduate juniors and seniors, graduate students

Up to $200,000 for undergraduate and $400,000 for graduate loans

• Considers borrowers with no credit
• Up to 1% interest rate discount for autopay
• 1% cash back rewards

Ascent can be a good lender to consider if you don't have access to a co-signer. Borrowers without a co-signer must meet the following requirements to get a grad school loan: either a U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident or someone with DACA status, an annual income of at least $24,000 and at least two years of credit history. There are minimum credit score requirements as well, but these vary. To help with your grad school funding, Ascent also offers its own graduate school scholarships .

Best for fair credit

Undergraduate and graduate students, parents, half-time students, international and DACA students

$1,000 minimum (or up to state); maximum up to cost of attendance

9-month grace period

• Applicants with fair credit can qualify
• No origination or prepayment fees
• Allows qualified borrowers to skip one payment every 12 months and make it up later
• No co-signer release option available
• Variable rates not available everywhere

Actual rate and available repayment terms will vary based on your income. Fixed rates range from 5.19% APR to 9.74% APR (excludes 0.25% Auto Pay discount). Variable rates range from 5.99% APR to 9.74% APR (excludes 0.25% Auto Pay discount). Earnest variable interest rate student loan refinance 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. The maximum rate for your loan is 9.99% if your loan term is 10 years or less. For loan terms of more than 10 years to 15 years, the interest rate will never exceed 9.95%. For loan terms over 15 years, the interest rate will never exceed 11.95%. Please note, we are not able to offer variable rate loans in AK, IL, MN, NH, OH, TN, and TX. 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.

Those with fair credit should look to private lender Earnest to help finance their graduate degree. Earnest allows borrowers — or their co-signers — with a minimum FICO® Score of 650 to apply. Earnest also stands out for offering a Rate Match Guarantee where the lender will match a competing lender's rate, plus give a $100 Amazon gift card upon rate match confirmation.

Best for a grad-level certificate

Undergraduate and graduate students, parents, health professionals

$5,000 minimum (or up to state); maximum up to cost of attendance

Range from 5 to 15 years; up to 20 years for refinancing loans

Offer parent loan?

• 0.125% interest rate discount on any additional SoFi lending product
• Loan size minimum of $5,000

It can be harder to find financing for those seeking just a graduate certificate instead of a full-on graduate degree since not all graduate certificate programs qualify for federal aid. However, SoFi provides lending to eligible borrowers in graduate-level certificate programs, as well as to half-time graduate students (which not many private lenders accommodate).

More on our top graduate school student loans

College Ave offers competitive interest rates, plus no application, origination or prepayment fees. Borrowers can choose a fixed or variable rate and there's a 0.25% rate discount when signing up for autopay. College Ave also offers hardship protections like deferment, forbearance and grace period options. Borrowers with College Ave student loans can start repaying while still in school.

In addition to a generic graduate student loan, College Ave offers financing for those pursuing degrees in the following programs: dental, law, medical, MBA and health professions.

Eligible loans

Undergraduate and graduate loans, parent loans

5, 8, 10, 15 years; graduate loans up to 20 years

[ Return to account summary ]

Citizens Bank

Citizens Bank is a big bank that offers competitive student loan rates, plus no application, origination or prepayment fees. Citizens Bank also offers hardship protections like forbearance, and student loan borrowers can start repaying while still in school.

Citizens Bank provides loans for master's degrees, MBAs, law school, medical school and dental school.

5, 10, 15 years

Sallie Mae has interest rates that are competitive with other private lenders, and they can be variable or fixed. Borrowers can score a 0.25% autopay rate discount and take advantage of no origination, application or prepayment fees. Borrower protections include deferment and forbearance. Sallie Mae lets its borrowers start repaying their loans while still in school.

Sallie Mae offers general graduate school loans (for master's or doctoral degrees), MBA loans, medical school and medical residency loans, health professions loans, dental school and dental residency loans, law school and bar study loans.

Undergraduate and graduate loans

10, 15 years

Ascent borrowers can choose between a fixed or a variable rate, and there's an up to 1% interest rate discount for autopay. There are no fees for paying off your loan early, as well as no origination or application fee. Ascent also offers  rewards  like 1% cash back on principal loan amounts at graduation. There are also deferment and forbearance options available to borrowers. Ascent student loan borrowers can start making their payments while in school.

Ascent offers the following graduate school loan options: MBA loans, medical school loans, dental school loans, law school loans, doctorate and master's loans, plus health professional loans.

$2,001 minimum; maximum up to $200,000 for undergraduate loans and up to $400,000 for graduate loans

5, 7, 10, 12, 15, 20 years

With Earnest , there are competitive interest rates and the option to choose between variable or fixed. Borrowers will also get a 0.25% autopay rate discount. There are no origination fees or prepayment penalties. Borrower protections include a 9-month grace period and borrowers can make payments while in school.

Earnest offers general graduate student loans, MBA loans, medical school loans and law school loans.

Undergraduate and graduate loans, parent loans, international and DACA student loans

5, 7, 10, 12, 15 years

SoFi offers solid interest rates, both fixed and variable, as well as a 0.25% autopay rate discount. There are no application or origination fees and no prepayment penalties. Borrowers can get unemployment protection and other forbearance options, plus make student loan payments while still in school.

SoFi offers general graduate school loans, law school loans, MBA loans and health professions loans. As a SoFi student loan borrower, you'll get exclusive member benefits  like premium travel offers, personalized career advice, financial planning from real-life advisors and more.

5, 7, 10, 15 years; refinancing loans up to 20 years

Compare offers to find the best personal loan

Types of graduate school loans.

Graduate student loans consist of both federal and private loans. Under the federal student loan umbrella, there are federal direct unsubsidized loans and grad PLUS loans. (Unlike undergraduate borrowers, graduate borrowers can't access federal direct subsidized loans.)

Federal direct unsubsidized loans are low-interest, fixed loans that don't have any credit requirements and come with federal benefits like income-driven repayment (IDR) plans and loan forgiveness programs. Borrowers can only borrow up to $20,500 per year, however.

To finance the rest of grad school after reaching this limit, borrowers can either turn to the other federal loan option, grad PLUS loans or private student loans.

Grad PLUS loans and private student loans both require a credit check but should be weighed against one another. PLUS loans come with federal borrower protections but charge a loan origination fee. Meanwhile, many private lenders offer zero origination fees and lower interest rates for those with good credit. Plus, private lenders tend to have loans for specialized programs such as law school, medical school, dental school, residencies, MBAs or certain health professions, as well as general graduate loans for those pursuing a master's or doctoral degree.

What kind of loan is best for graduate school?

The loan that's best for graduate school is a federal student loan from the government, also known as federal direct unsubsidized loans. Note that grad students can't get access to subsidized loans like undergraduate students can. Federal direct unsubsidized loans have low, fixed interest rates and come with all the typical federal benefits like income-driven repayment (IDR) plans and loan forgiveness programs. Borrowers aren't required to meet any credit requirements like they have to with private student loans.

What is a good interest rate for grad school loans?

A good interest rate for grad school loans is in line with the current rate on federal direct unsubsidized loans for graduate students, which, at the time of this writing, is 7.05% .

How can I get the best student loans for graduate school?

To get the best student loans for graduate school, start by filling out and submitting the FAFSA ® form (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to see what federal aid you qualify for. This type of aid can include federal student loans, scholarships, grants and work-study. After you exhaust all federal aid — and any college savings you have — then move on to a private lender on this list to fill in any financial gaps.

What is the maximum federal loan for graduate school?

The maximum federal loan for graduate school is up to $20,500 per year (unsubsidized only).

Bottom line

The best graduate school student loans are federal direct unsubsidized loans from the government. But because they have a funding limit of up to $20,500 per year, to fill in the remaining gap consider the private student loan lenders on this list.

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Why trust CNBC Select?

At  CNBC Select , our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every student loan review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of student loan products. While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics. See  our methodology  for more information on how we choose the best graduate school student loans.

Our methodology

To determine the best graduate school student loans, CNBC Select analyzed and compared private student loan funding from national banks, credit unions and online lenders. We narrowed down our ranking by only considering those that offer competitive student loan rates and prequalification tools that don't hurt borrowers' credit.

While the companies we chose in this article consistently rank as having some of the market's lower interest rates, we also compared each company on the following features:

• Broad availability: All of the companies on our list offer undergraduate and graduate private student loans, and they all offer variable and fixed interest rates to choose from
• Flexible loan terms:  Each company provides a variety of financing options that borrowers can customize based on their monthly budget and how long they need to pay back their student loan. Each company also allows borrowers to start repaying their student loans while still in school, ultimately saving them money
• No origination or signup fee: None of the companies on our list charge borrowers an upfront "origination fee" for taking out their loan
• No early payoff penalties:  The companies on our list do not charge borrowers prepayment penalties for paying off loans early
• Streamlined application process:  We made sure companies offered a fast online application process
• Autopay discounts:  All of the companies listed offer an autopay interest rate discount
• Private student loan protections: Each company on our list offers some type of financial hardship protection for borrowers
• Loan sizes:  The above companies offer private student loans in an array of sizes, all the way up to the cost of college attendance. Each company advertises its respective loan sizes, and completing a preapproval process can give borrowers an idea of what their interest rate and monthly payment would be
• Credit requirements/eligibility: We took into consideration the minimum credit scores and income levels required if this information was available
• Customer support:  Every company on our list provides customer service available via telephone, email or secure online messaging. We also opted for lenders with an online resource hub or advice center to help borrowers educate themselves about student loans in general

After reviewing the above features, we sorted our recommendations by best for instant credit decision, best for multi-year financing, best for applying with a co-signer, best for applying without a co-signer, best for fair credit and best for a grad-level certificate.

Note that the rates and fee structures for private student loans are not guaranteed forever; they are subject to change without notice and they often fluctuate in accordance with the Fed rate. Choosing a fixed-rate APR will guarantee that one's interest rate and monthly payment will remain consistent throughout the entire term of the loan.

A borrower's interest rate depends on their credit score, income, debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, savings, payment history and overall financial health. To take out private student loans, lenders will conduct a hard credit inquiry and request a full application, which could require proof of income, identity verification, proof of address and more.

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• College Ave
• Custom Choice
• Federal Direct

Best Graduate Student Loans of April 2024

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate student loans to write unbiased product reviews.

Student loans may allow people to bridge the gap between what they can afford for college and the overall cost of an education. If you've already used your "free money" (scholarship, grants, and your savings) to pay for college and still find that you're unable to pay for school, a student loan could be a good option.

6.69% - 15.19% variable and 5.01% - 14.81% fixed (with AutoPay discount, varies by program)

Undisclosed

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. No prepayment or origination fees
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Low APRs
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Multiple ways to contact customer support
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. May be eligible without a cosigner
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Cashback reward after graduation
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Credit check required
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Late payment fee
• Apply through your computer
• Customer service available via phone, email, and physical mail
• Provided you are eligible, you'll receive 1% of your initial loan balance as a cashback bonus after graduation
• Seven, 10, 12, or 15-year repayment terms available (15-year term only available for variable loans)
• Loan minimum of $2,001*, maximum up to 100% cost of attendance per term
• *The minimum amount is $2,001 except for the state of Massachusetts. Minimum loan amount for borrowers with a Massachusetts permanent address is $6,001.
• Overall maximum loan amount of $400,000
• Loans made through Bank of Lake Mills, Member FDIC

When considering your options, federal student loans should always take precedence over private ones. Federal loans have the lowest interest rates and come with a level of protection that private lenders don't offer.

The Best Graduate Student Loans of 2024

Ascent graduate student loans, college ave graduate student loans, earnest graduate student loans, sallie mae graduate student loan, custom choice graduate student loans.

• Federal Direct 

Best Graduate Student Loan Company Reviews

Graduate students don't qualify for all types of federal loans, but they are able to take out Direct Unsubsidized loans and Direct PLUS loans.  Here are some of the best options for graduate students looking to take out private loans. 

Ascent has a lower minimum APR on fixed-rate graduate student loans than most other competitors. However, its maximum APRs on both fixed and variable are higher than what you'll find at most comparable companies. 

Ascent also doesn't charge any origination fees. 

What to watch out for: Late payment fee. Ascent charges a late payment fee equivalent to 5% of the past due amount, up to a maximum of $25.

Read our Ascent graduate loans review .

5.59% - 14.49% variable and 4.07% - 14.49% fixed (with AutoPay discount, varies by program)

mid-600s for cosigners

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. International students eligible with an eligible cosigner
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Multiple options for repayment term length
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Many ways to contact customer support
• Apply through your computer or mobile device
• Customer service available via phone, text, email, and live chat
• Five, eight, 10, or 15 year repayment terms available
• Late payment of 5% of the amount due, capped at $25
• Loan minimum of $1,000, maximum up to 100% cost of attendance
• Loans made through Firstrust Bank, member FDIC or M.Y. Safra Bank, FSB, member FDIC

College Ave offers many term lengths and doesn't charge any origination or prepayment fees. Five, eight, 10, or 15 year repayment terms are available. A longer repayment term will reduce out your monthly payments, but you'll pay more in overall interest.

What to watch out for: Middle-of-the pack interest rates. College Ave's graduate student loans aren't quite as good of an offering as its undergraduate students loans, as the lender has so-so APRs compared to competitors and comes with no extra perks.

Read our College Ave graduate loans review .

5.89% - 15.97% variable and 4.11% - 14.30% fixed (with AutoPay discount)

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. No origination fees, prepayment penalties, or late fees
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Great APR
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Many options for repayment term length
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Quick application process
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Skip a payment option
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Low loan minimum
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Credit check
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. May need a cosigner
• Five, seven, 10, 12, 15, and 20-year repayment term lengths available
• Customer service available via phone, live chat, email, and standard mail
• Skip a payment feature allows you to forgo making one payment every year
• Loans are originated by Earnest Operations LLC
• This is an advertisement. You are not required to make any payment or take any other action in response to this offer.

Earnest's loans have a distinguishing feature: the ability to skip one payment every year. You can request your first skip once you've made at least six months of consecutive on-time, full principal and interest payments, as long as your loan is in good standing.

However, interest will accrue during this time, and the lender will extend the final payoff date of your loan by the length of the skipped payment period. 

What to watch out for: May need to add a cosigner. To get the lowest rates, you may need to enlist a cosigner to help. Cosigners can also help you qualify for a loan where you otherwise might not have. 

Read our Earnest graduate loans review .

6.62% - 16.22% variable and 4.99% - 14.48% fixed

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Part-time students are eligible
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. High APR
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Only one repayment term length
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Customer service unavailable on Saturday and Sunday
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No loan preapproval
• Customer service available via phone Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET or on Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET
• 15 year repayment term
• Loan approval requires a hard credit pull
• $1,000 loan minimum
• Member FDIC

Sallie Mae loans are available to international students with an eligible cosigner. Not all lenders allow international students to apply, so Sallie Mae may be able to help you if you're coming to the US to study from abroad. 

What to watch out for: Only one repayment term option. Your repayment term will be set for you at 15 years. However, if you want to pay off your loan earlier and avoid forking over more cash in interest, you won't pay any prepayment penalties. 

Read our Sallie Mae graduate loans review .

5.37% - 15.19% variable and 4.43% - 14.66% fixed

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Can receive graduation discount
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Get your rates within a few minutes
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Low minimum loan amount
• 7, 10, or 15-year repayment terms available
• Customer service available by phone, email, or standard mail
• $1,000 loan minimum, up to $180,000 lifetime loan limit
• 2% principal reduction upon graduation
• Loans are made by Citizens Bank, Member FDIC

Custom Choice offers a 2% reduction of your loan's principal after you graduate. This may not seem like much, but will save you some on the overall cost of your loan. 

What to watch out for: Credit check required. While most of the lenders on the list require a credit check, you run the risk of not qualifying if your credit isn't in the best shape. 

Read our Custom Choice graduate loans review .

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan

5.50% undergraduates and 7.05% graduate and professional students

1.057% loan fee

Not applicable

Up to $5,500 for first-years, scales up each year you're in school

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Low interest rate
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. No credit check needed
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. No cosigner
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Not based on financial need
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Interest accrues while you're in school
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No variable loans
• 10-year standard repayment term
• Rates are fixed, but new rates for each school year
• Loan maximum of $5,500 for first-years, $6,500 for second-years, and $7,500 per year for each school year after that

Federal loans have some of the lowest rates around. And you don't need to have a superb credit score to qualify for them like you would with the private lenders on our list.

You'll also qualify for certain protections with federal loans that you otherwise wouldn't with private loans. This includes the ongoing repayment pause on federal loans and the potential for student loan forgiveness — though that is currently being challenged in courts.

What to watch out for:  Interest will begin to accrue shortly after you take out the loan. This means that if you don't pay off your interest while in school, you'll end up with a higher balance than you initially borrowed. 

Federal Direct PLUS Loan

Federal loans offer some of the lowest rates available, and you don't need to have excellent credit to qualify for them like you would with the private lenders on our list.

Additionally, you'll qualify for certain protections with federal loans that you otherwise wouldn't with private loans. This includes the ongoing repayment pause on federal loans and the potential for student loan forgiveness.

What to watch out for: You'll pay an origination fee of 4.228% with Direct PLUS loans, which will be deducted from the loan disbursement. However, there are no prepayment penalties with a Direct PLUS Loan, so you can pay it off early without facing a fee.

Graduate Student Loans FAQs

Federal student loans have a number of protections that private student loans don't. These include  income-based repayment plans , which help to lower payments to a percentage of a person's income. It's always best to use all of your available federal loan options first to take advantage of these protections.

As you'll likely be repaying your student loans over a longer period, you'll want to know your options for your term length. You may want an extended length to spread your costs out, but be aware that you'll pay more in overall interest this way. Some lenders, like Sallie Mae, set your repayment term for you.

Your choice depends on your financial situation and the value you place on your education. You may consider alternatives such as a less expensive school, scholarships, or a side job to bring in more cash. Whatever your decision, make sure you fully understand the terms of your loan before making a commitment.

Interest will accrue during the six-month grace period after you graduate, similarly to how it does while you are in school.  

Which Graduate Student Loan Lender Is the Most Trustworthy?

We've only selected student loan lenders with no public controversies in the last three years. We've also compared each institution's Better Business Bureau  score.

The BBB, a non-profit organization focused on consumer protection and trust, evaluates companies by judging a business's responses to consumer complaints, honesty in advertising, and clarity about business practices. Here is each company's score:

Of our top private lender picks, only Custom Choice is not currently rated an A- or higher by the BBB. The BBB doesn't have a rating for Custom Choice. That said, this doesn't necessarily reflect Custom Choice's trustworthiness, and you should ask others about their experiences with the businesses before deciding against borrowing from the companies. 

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Chose the Best Graduate Student Loans

Personal Finance Insider's mission is to help smart people make the best decisions possible with their finances. To do that, we looked through many student loan companies, comparing interest rates, terms, and fine print so you don't have to. We looked for several factors in determining the best student loans, including: 

• Interest rates: The lower the interest rate the better, and we prioritized lenders with the lowest interest rates for graduate students.
• Nationwide availability: We searched for student loans available in all or most US states. 
• Flexibility of repayment plans:  There are four main options for repayment offered by most lenders: defer payments until after school; interest-only payments in school; small, fixed payments in school; and full monthly in-school payments. We looked for lenders with the most ways to pay.
• No or few fees: We prioritized lenders that didn't charge fees, like origination fees or prepayment penalties.

See our full ratings methodology for student loans >>

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

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• Student Loans

Best Graduate Student Loans of 2024

Earnest offers the best graduate student loans

Based on our research, we believe Earnest is the best graduate school student loan lender because of its low rates, specialty-targeted loan programs, and flexible repayment plans. We researched and evaluated more than 30 lenders across 60+ factors, including interest rates, repayment plans, deferment policies, and more.

• Best Overall, Best for Medical School: Earnest
• Loan Marketplace: Credible
• Best for Law School Loans: SoFi
• Best for Fair Credit Borrowers: Ascent
• Best Without a Co-Signer: MPOWER
• Best for Student Loan Refinancing: Splash Financial
• Best for International Student Loans: Citizens Bank

Before turning to a private graduate loan, it’s usually a good idea to max out your eligibility for federal Direct unsubsidized loans, which come with low fixed interest rates and a variety of repayment plans. If you’ve exhausted your federal student loan options and still have a gap in funding, though, it’s worth exploring your options for private graduate school loans.

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• Our Top Picks

Splash Financial

• Citizens Bank
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Final Verdict

• How to Choose

Methodology

Best overall , best for medical school : earnest.

• APR Range: Fixed 4.11%–15.00%, Variable 5.89%-16.42%
• Loan Amounts: $1,000–$250,000
• Loan Terms: 5–15 years

9-month grace period 

Option to skip a payment once per year 

Loans for graduate school, medical school, law school, and MBAs 

No option for co-signer release 

Not available in Nevada 

Earnest tops our list of the best graduate student loans thanks to its flexible repayment terms, customized loan options, and transparency around lending requirements. When you borrow from Earnest, you can choose repayment terms from five to 15 years, making it easy to find a term that works for your budget.

Plus, you have four different repayment options after you borrow, whether you want to start making partial or full payments right away or defer payments until after you graduate. Earnest offers a nine-month grace period on student loans, too, which is three months longer than the grace period you’ll find from most other lenders.  

While Earnest offers a general graduate school loan option, it also customizes loans for specific degree types. Specifically, Earnest offers graduate student loans for medical school, law school, and MBA programs, as well as loan options for half-time students. 

Finally, Earnest is upfront about its eligibility criteria, sharing the residency, financial, and other requirements that you or your co-signer need to meet to borrow a loan. As long as you or your co-signer have a minimum FICO score of 650 and make at least $35,000 per year, a graduate student loan from Earnest could be a good fit.  

For more information, see the full Earnest Student Loans Review . 

• In-school deferment: You can postpone payments while you’re in school and for up to nine months after you graduate. 
• Fixed payments of $25: To get a head start on your student loan payments, you can opt to pay $25 per month while you’re in school and throughout your grace period. 
• Interest-only payments: To prevent your balance from ballooning, you can pay off the accrued interest while you’re in school. You can continue paying only interest for nine months after graduation, before starting full payments.
• Full payments: Students with a source of income could opt to make full principal and interest payments while in school. As with interest-only payments, this option doesn’t come with deferment after graduation.  

To borrow a graduate student loan from Earnest, you must meet the following eligibility requirements: 

• Live in a participating state or Washington, D.C. (anywhere but Nevada)
• Be the age of majority in your state 
• Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or have a Social Security number 
• Be enrolled in a Title IV-qualified institution 

As for Earnest’s financial requirements, the lender asks that you or your co-signer have a minimum FICO score of 650 and annual income of at least $35,000. You also can’t have any past-due balances in the past year, accounts in collections, or bankruptcies on your credit reports.  

Loan Marketplace : Credible

• APR Range: Fixed 4.07%–15.66%, Variable 4.98%-16.70%
• Loan Amounts: Varies by lender
• Loan Terms: Varies by lender

Check rates with multiple lenders at once 

Best rate guarantee 

Competitive rates 

Options limited to partner lenders 

May need to research individual lenders for full details 

Credible is an online lending marketplace that enables you to check your rates with multiple lenders at once. With no impact on your credit, you can pre-qualify for a graduate student loan from Credible’s partners, which include: 

• College Ave
• Custom Choice 
• Sallie Mae 

Since every lender sets its own borrowing requirements, you may not qualify with each one. After submitting your information, you can compare offers and see if any are the right fit. 

If you decide to move forward, you can select an offer and submit a full application. Most of Credible’s partner lenders offer student loans starting at $1,000 and going up to your school-certified cost of attendance.  

You may need to head to an individual lender’s website or call its customer support team if you need additional details about its loan amounts, repayment options, or other loan features. 

For more information, see the full Credible Student Loans Review .

Your repayment options will vary by lender, but you may find the following: 

• Deferred payments
• Fixed payments 
• Interest-only payments 
• Immediate repayment 

Since Credible is a loan marketplace that partners with various lenders, the specific eligibility requirements will vary by lender. However, most require that you’re the age of majority in your state and are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Through Credible, you can find loans in all 50 states. 

Credible’s partners require a minimum credit score of 670, but you or your co-signer will need a score of 700 or higher to access the most competitive rates.

Best for Law School Loans : SoFi

• APR Range: Fixed 4.99%–14.05%, Variable 5.99%-14.05%
• Loan Amounts: $1,000 up to cost of attendance
• Loan Terms: 5, 7, 10, or 15 years

Student loans for law school, medical school, MBAs, and graduate school 

Access to member benefits, including career coaching 

Not transparent about credit score requirements

Maximum APR can exceed 13% 

SoFi provides graduate student loans to qualifying borrowers across the country. Along with its general graduate school loan, SoFi also designs loans specifically for law school, medical school, and MBA programs. 

If you borrow from SoFi, you can choose between fixed and variable rates and loan terms of five to 15 years. You’ll also get access to a range of SoFi member benefits, which include career coaching and estate planning. 

SoFi doesn’t charge any fees on its student loans, so you don’t have to worry about an origination fee or prepayment penalty. Plus, the lender gives you the option to defer payments if you go back to school, undergo disability rehabilitation, or serve in the military. 

If you apply with a co-signer, SoFi allows you to apply for co-signer release after 24 months of on-time payments. However, the lender isn’t particularly transparent about its underwriting criteria and does not disclose its minimum credit score or income requirements on its website. 

For more information, see the full SoFi Student Loans Review . 

• Deferred payments: Postpone payments while you’re in school and for an additional six months after you graduate. 
• Interest-only payments: Pay off the interest that accrues while you’re in school. 
• Partial payments: Make monthly payments of $25. 
• Immediate repayment: Start making full principal and interest payments right away.  

SoFi provides graduate student loans in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. while it doesn’t disclose specific requirements, you’ll need to meet SoFi’s criteria for credit, income, and debt-to-income ratio to qualify. You also have the option of applying with a co-signer. Along with its general graduate student loans, SoFi also designs loans for law students, health professions students, and MBA programs.

Best for Fair Credit Borrowers : Ascent

• APR Range: Fixed 5.09%–14.76%, Variable 7.22%-15.18%
• Loan Amounts: $2,001 to cost of attendance; aggregate total of $400,000 
• Loan Terms: 5, 7, 10, 12, 15, and 20 years

1% cash back reward upon graduation 

Co-signer release option after 12 months

Forbearance in the event of financial hardship 

Does not disclose credit requirements 

Charges late fees 

Maximum APR can exceed 15% 

Ascent is a solid student loan lender, with a fairly rare perk for eligible borrowers: If you meet certain requirements, including graduating with the degree you took the loan out for, you can get 1% of your loan proceeds back. This could be a nice (and fairly sizable) treat for all your hard work.

Ascent gives you the option to pre-qualify with no impact to your credit, so you can enlist a co-signer if you’re having trouble qualifying on your own. Its graduate school loans come with flexible repayment options and loan terms of five to 20 years.

Unlike most other private lenders, Ascent offers the option of graduated repayment, meaning you can choose to start with lower payments that increase over time. You also don’t have to worry about origination fees or prepayment penalties. 

If you apply with a co-signer, you can pursue co-signer release after 12 months of on-time payments, as long as you’re a U.S. resident or permanent citizen. Ascent also offers various deferment and forbearance options in the event of financial hardship. 

For more information, see the full Ascent Student Loans Review . 

• Deferred payments: You can postpone payments while you’re in school and for nine months after you graduate on Ascent’s graduate, health professional, MBA, and law school loans. Ascent dental school loans come with a 12-month grace period, and Ascent medical school loans offer a grace period of up to 36 months. 
• Interest-only payments: You can pay the interest that accrues on your loans while in school. If you choose this option, expect your first payment to be due 30 to 45 days after your loan is disbursed. 
• Partial payments: You can also pay $25 per month toward your loan while in school.

Ascent’s graduate student loans are available in all 50 states, as well as Washington, D.C. and U.S. territories. While Ascent doesn’t share its minimum credit score requirement, it does say you or your co-signer must have at least two years of credit history and an annual income of at least $24,000. International students are eligible to apply as long as they apply with a U.S. citizen or permanent resident as their co-signer. 

Best Without a Co-Signer : MPOWER

• APR Range: 13.98%
• Loan Amounts: $2,001–$100,000
• Loan Terms: 10 years

No co-signer or collateral required 

Available to international students 

Interest rate discounts available 

Relatively high interest rate 

Must pay interest while in school 

Only one loan term 

MPOWER Financing offers student loans without requiring a co-signer or collateral; along with the traditional borrower qualifications, MPOWER also considers your future earning potential, which can help you get approved if you’re applying on your own. While domestic students are eligible to borrow from MPOWER, this lender is largely geared toward helping international students attend school in the U.S. and Canada. 

Along with student loans, MPOWER provides visa support and career development guidance. Its graduate loans come with a relatively high fixed interest rate of 13.98%, though you can qualify for a 0.25% interest rate discount by setting up autopay.  

Unlike some other lenders, MPOWER doesn’t let you postpone payments completely while you’re in school. Instead, you’ll have to pay the interest while you’re in school and during your six-month grace period. 

After that, you’ll be set up on a repayment term of 10 years.

For more information, see the full MPOWER Student Loans Review . 

• Interest-only payments: You’re required to pay the interest while in school and for six months after you graduate.

MPOWER Financing provides loans for graduate students, specifically focusing on international students attending graduate school in the U.S. and Canada. Unlike most other lenders in the U.S., MPOWER doesn’t require international students to apply with a co-signer or collateral. 

Because it doesn’t require a creditworthy co-signer, MPOWER requests other documents when you apply, such as your resume, standardized test scores, and transcripts. You also must be attending one of the schools on its approved list in order to borrow a student loan. 

Best for Student Loan Refinancing : Splash Financial

• APR Range: Fixed 5.19%–10.24%, Variable 5.99%-10.24%
• Loan Amounts: Minimum of $5,000, maximum varies by lender
• Loan Terms : Not disclosed

Connects borrowers with student loan refinance offers 

Lets you check your rates with multiple lenders at once 

Rates start as low as 3.99% 

Refinance offers limited to Splash’s exclusive partner lenders 

Loan terms and conditions can vary by individual lender 

Splash is a student loan network that can connect you with student loan refinance offers from several lenders that are exclusive to Splash; you won’t be able to apply with them through other means. If you’ve already borrowed graduate student loans and are looking to lower your rates, Splash is worth exploring. 

You can pre-qualify for student loan refinancing with no impact on your credit score and access extra-low rates.

Splash can also connect you with graduate school loans, specifically from its partner Earnest. As mentioned, Earnest provides loans for graduate school, as well as specific programs, including medical, law, and MBAs. 

For more information, see the full Splash Financial Student Loan Refinancing Review .

Refinancing student loans can help you lower your interest rate and restructure your repayment terms, but be cautious about refinancing federal loans. If you refinance federal loans, you turn them private and thus lose access to federal repayment plans, forgiveness programs, and other protections. 

• Full principal and interest: Since refinancing is typically done after graduation, you'll begin paying full payments right away as you were with your previous loan or loans.
• Medical and dental school repayment : Refinanced medical or dental school loans only require fixed monthly payments of $100 while you're in a residency or fellowship, and for a six-month period after you leave those programs.

The Splash Financial network is available to borrowers in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. The credit and income requirements will vary by lender, but you’ll need strong credit (or a creditworthy co-signer) to access the lowest rates. Some of Splash’s partner lenders offer co-signer release after a certain period of on-time repayment.

Best for International Student Loans : Citizens Bank

• APR Range: Fixed 5.99%–12.64%, Variable 6.97%-14.18%
• Loan Amounts: $1,000–$150,000, or more with some degrees

Multi-year approval

International students eligible with a co-signer 

Multiple loan types for specific graduate programs 

No option to prequalify 

Co-signer release only available after 36 months 

Applying for more funding for every year you want to go to school can be a hassle, and if you fail to secure the funds your education may suffer. Citizens offers multi-year approval to help erase this concern. If you apply for a loan, are approved, and are given multi-year approval, you won’t have to submit a full, formal application for later school years. Instead, you can simply request more funds without the need for further hard inquiries or documentation.

If you’re already a Citizens banking customer, you could qualify for a 0.25% interest rate discount, in addition to the 0.25% automatic payment discount. Unfortunately, Citizens doesn't give you the option to check your rates through pre-qualification, so you’ll need to submit a full application to see your options. 

Citizens does not charge origination, application, disbursement, or prepayment fees. Along with its graduate school loan option, Citizens also offers MBA, law, medical, dental, and medical residency refinance loans. 

For more information, see the full Citizens Student Loans Review . 

• Deferred: You can defer payments while you’re in school and for six months after you graduate.  
• Interest-only: You can start paying the interest right away to prevent your balance from growing while you’re in school. 
• Immediate repayment: You can choose to make full payments from the get-go. 

Citizens looks for a strong credit history when you apply for a loan. You’ll also need to provide your personal details, school’s cost of attendance, and information about any financial aid you’ve already received. International students can qualify if they apply with a co-signer who’s a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Citizens student loans are available in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. 

You have many options when it comes to borrowing a private student loan for graduate school. Earnest tops our list of the best graduate school loans overall and best for medical school, thanks to its low rates, flexible repayment options, and transparent lending practices. 

However, there are a variety of lenders that might be a good fit depending on your situation. MPOWER Financing could be a good choice for international students who want to take out a loan on their own, without a co-signer. Citizens stands out for its multi-year approval option, while Ascent offers a 1% cash-back bonus to qualifying students. 

Because every lender has its own pros and cons, it’s worth shopping around before you pick one. Many of these lenders let you pre-qualify online, so you can check your rates with no obligation or impact on your credit score. 

Taking the time to compare your options can help you find a graduate school loan that’s the best fit for you and your finances. 

Guide to Choosing the Best Graduate Student Loan

How do graduate student loans work.

Graduate student loans offer funding that you can use on qualified education expenses, such as tuition, fees, room, board, books, supplies, and living expenses. Most lenders send your loan proceeds directly to your financial aid office, which will apply it to required expenses, like tuition. Then, the office will send the remaining amount to you. 

Most private lenders give you the option of postponing payment while you’re in school and for six or nine months after you graduate. However, make sure to read the fine print to confirm when your first payment is due. If you can afford in-school payments, you could reduce your overall interest charges. 

Private student loans are different from federal loans, which typically don’t require a credit or income check. Federal loans are also eligible for a variety of federal repayment plans, forgiveness programs, deferment and forbearance programs, and other protections. 

Graduate students are eligible to borrow Direct unsubsidized loans and grad PLUS loans. It’s often a good idea to max out your eligibility for Direct unsubsidized loans, since they come with relatively low fixed interest rates. If you need additional funding for graduate school, compare private student loans with federal grad PLUS loans to see which would be the better option. 

How to Compare Graduate Student Loans

When comparing graduate student loans, there are a number of features to consider: 

• APR: The loan with the lowest APR will likely be the most affordable one.  
• Fees: Look out for application, origination, administrative, disbursement, or late fees that could add to your costs of borrowing. 
• Repayment terms: Choose a loan with a repayment term that works for your budget, whether it spans five or 15 years. Find out what your options are for in-school payment too, and whether the lender offers a grace period. 
• Borrower protections: When comparing private lenders, find out if they offer any benefits, such as forbearance in the event of financial hardship or deferment if you go back to school. 
• Co-signer release: If you need to apply with a co-signer to qualify, find out if the lender offers the option of co-signer release after a certain period of time. 
• State availability: Some lenders provide loans in all 50 states, while others are restricted to certain areas.
• School eligibility: Finally, make sure your school is on a lender’s list of eligible institutions for a graduate student loan. 

How to Qualify for Private Graduate Student Loans

To qualify for a private graduate student loan, you may need to meet the following requirements: 

• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, or apply with a co-signer who is (this requirement varies among lenders) 
• Have a strong credit history 
• Meet a minimum threshold for annual income 

If you can’t meet a lender's underwriting requirements on your own, you may still be able to qualify by applying with a co-signer. 

What Can Graduate Student Loans Be Used for?

Graduate student loans can be used for qualified education expenses, which include: 

• Tuition and fees 
• Room and board 
• Off-campus rent 
• Books, computers, and other supplies 
• Transportation
• Living expenses 

In fact, your lender probably isn’t going to monitor how you use your student loans. It’s up to you to follow guidelines and spend responsibly so you don’t take on more debt than you need.

How Much Should You Borrow for Graduate School?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how much you should borrow for graduate school. However, some experts recommend not taking on a monthly payment that exceeds 8% of your post-graduation income. Others suggest not borrowing any more than you can afford to pay off in 10 years. Consider your post-graduation career plans and projected income to decide on an amount that will work for your budget.

What Are the Requirements for Private Graduate Student Loans?

Private graduate student loans typically require that you: 

• Are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, or apply with a co-signer who is 
• Are the age of majority in your state 
• Reside in a state where the lender operates
• Are enrolled in an eligible school 
• Meet the lender’s requirements for credit and income (on your own or with a co-signer)

Investopedia is dedicated to providing consumers with unbiased, comprehensive reviews of student loan lenders. We collected thousands of data points across 30 lenders—including loan types, interest rates, fees, loan amounts, and repayment terms—to ensure that we help readers make the right borrowing decision for their education needs.

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Best graduate school loan rates in April 2024

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Kim Porter is a former contributor to Bankrate, a personal finance expert who loves talking budgets, credit cards and student loans. Porter writes for publications such as U.S. News & World Report, Credit Karma and Reviewed.com. When she’s not writing or reading, you can usually find her planning a trip or training for her next race.

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Hannah has been editing for Bankrate since late 2022. They aim to provide the most up-to-date information to help people navigate the complexities of loans and make the best financial decisions.

Mark Kantrowitz is an expert on student financial aid, the FAFSA, scholarships, 529 plans, education tax benefits and student loans.

Bankrate's ranking for the best student loan lender for graduate school considers lender terms, interest rates and additional features to help you find a loan that is right for you. 

A graduate school loan is a type of student loan specifically designed for graduate studies, including a traditional master’s degree, a Ph.D, law degree, an MBA or a medical degree. Graduate school loans are used to pay for tuition and fees, although most lenders let you use the funds for books, supplies, housing and other expenses.

Graduate school loans are a great option for people who don't have the money to pay for college out of pocket and who have exhausted scholarships, grants and other aid opportunities. If you're searching for a loan, it's generally best to start with federal loans, as they offer flexible repayment options and you may qualify for forgiveness. However, private student loans can also be a good option. Many lenders don’t charge application or origination fees and borrowers with good credit could secure lower rates than those offered by federal loans.

Federal student loans for graduate school in the 2023-2024 school year have an interest rate of 7.05 percent for direct unsubsidized loans and 8.05 percent for PLUS loans. Private student loans typically have rates ranging from 3 percent to 15 percent.

How to apply for a student loan

Fill out the fafsa., get prequalified with private lenders., submit an application., sign loan documents., how to choose a student loan, look at federal student loan options., compare offers from a few private lenders., consider interest rates and terms., look into unique features., on this page, the bankrate promise.

The 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.

• Student loan refinancing Refinance
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Secure a great loan in 3 easy steps

Answer a few questions, compare your offers, lock in your rate, the bankrate guide to choosing the best graduate student loans.

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. Check the lenders’ websites for the most up-to-date information. The graduate student loan lenders listed here are selected based on factors such as APR, loan amounts, fees and repayment options. The methodology section at the bottom of the page has more details.

The best graduate student loan rates in April 2024

*The rates in this table are the rate ranges given for graduate student loans. The information on lenders below reflect the overall student loan rate range offered by each lender.

**The minimum amount is $2,001 except for the state of Massachusetts. Minimum loan amount for borrowers with a Massachusetts permanent address is $6,001.

Best overall

Federal Direct Unsubsidized and Subsidized Loans

on Bankrate

Pros & Cons

• Several repayment plan options.
• Forgiveness opportunities.
• One interest rate for all borrowers.
• Annual loan amount cap of $20,500.
• Loan fees for all loan disbursements.
• Not available to international or DACA students.

Eligibility & More

Best if you don’t have a co-signer.

Check rate with Credible

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.

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

Best for multiyear approval

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

Bankrate 2024 Awards Winner: Best student loan for graduate students

College Ave

• Three-minute initial application.
• Available to borrowers enrolled less than half time.
• Several repayment options and terms.
• Forbearance limited to 12 months over the life of the loan.
• Maximum loan amount of $150,000 for some degrees.
• Limited eligibility information.

Best low APR

• Discounts for existing SoFi members.
• Member rewards.
• Vague income eligibility requirement.
• Relatively short grace period of six months.
• Maximum term length of 15 years.

What is a graduate student loan?

A graduate school loan is a type of student loan 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. They may also have perks specific to your degree — for instance, extended deferment during a clerkship or fellowship opportunities.

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. 

Federal graduate student loans

Federal student loans are backed 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.

• 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.
• 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 about 4 percent to 17 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 law school , medical school , business school and more.

• 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.
• No defined hardship plans.
• No income-driven repayment or forgiveness plans.
• Harder to qualify with poor credit.

FAQ about graduate student loans

Do graduate students qualify for subsidized 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.

What is the average interest rate for graduate student loans?

How much can i borrow in graduate student loans.

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.

Is taking out loans for graduate school worth it?

You should never take on a large amount of debt without careful consideration; student loans in particular tend to stick around for a decade or more, which can delay wealth-building and eat into your monthly budget. However, for many students, taking out loans is the only way to achieve an advanced degree and potentially open up higher-paying careers.

Ultimately, it's up to you to decide whether it's worth it to take out loans for graduate school. You can start by weighing how much you need to borrow (and what your monthly payment will be) against projected future incomes for your career path. Remember to borrow the minimum amount you need; this limits how much interest builds up and how large your monthly payments will be after graduation.

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, discounts and degree types covered 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.

Discover is no longer accepting new student loan applications. Applications received on or before January 31, 2024, 11:59 pm CT will be processed as usual.

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Graduate Student Loans

Fixed Rates xxx - xxx APR

Variable Rates xxx - xxx APR

Lowest APRs are available for the most creditworthy applicants, and include an interest-only repayment discount and Auto Debit Reward . 1   Applying with a creditworthy cosigner may improve your likelihood for loan approval and you may receive a lower rate.

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Discover® Student Loans has you covered

That means no application, origination, or late fees.

Auto Debit Reward

Get a 0.25% interest rate reduction while enrolled in automatic payments. Learn more

Rewards for Good Grades

Get a cash reward for your good grades on each new student loan. Learn more

Repayment Options

Choose from in-school or deferred repayment options, and there is never a penalty for prepayment. Learn more

Common Graduate Loan Questions

Graduate loan features, am i eligible for a discover graduate student loan.

To qualify for a Discover Graduate Student Loan, you must:

• Be enrolled at least half-time in a graduate program at an eligible school.
• Be seeking a degree.
• Be making satisfactory academic progress as defined by your school.
• Be a US citizen, permanent resident, or international student (International students require a cosigner who is a US Citizen or permanent resident).
• Be 16 years or older at the time you apply.
• Pass a credit check.

How much can I borrow with a graduate loan?

• You can borrow up to 100% of your school-certified cost of attendance (including tuition, housing, books, and more) minus other financial aid. Aggregate loan limits apply.
• The minimum amount is $1,000 for each loan.
• We certify and disburse loan amounts through your school so you do not borrow more than you need.

Do I need a cosigner?

Private student loans are credit based. Students with no credit history or a low credit score may find it difficult to qualify for a private student loan on their own. Students may have the option to apply for a Discover student loan with a creditworthy cosigner . By applying with a creditworthy cosigner, you may improve your likelihood for approval and may receive a lower interest rate on your graduate loan.

What is the difference between a fixed interest rate and variable interest rate?

• A fixed interest rate is set at the time of application and does not change during the life of the loan unless you are no longer eligible for one or more discounts.
• A variable interest rate may change quarterly during the life of the loan if the rate index changes. This may cause the monthly payment to increase, the number of payments to increase, or both.

What is 3-Month CME Term SOFR?

The variable rate for student loan applications received on or after November 14, 2021, is based on the 3-Month CME Term SOFR index. 3-Month CME Term SOFR (Secured Overnight Financing Rate) is a rate index based on what the market expects rates to be over the next three-month time period. You can find more information on 3-Month CME Term SOFR at CME Group .

What are Rewards for Good Grades?

Doing your homework has its rewards. Students who get at least a 3.0 GPA (or equivalent) may qualify for a one-time cash reward of 1% of the loan amount on each new Discover Graduate Loan. Reward redemption period is limited.

Rewards for Good Grades Policy

What is an Auto Debit Reward?

Get a 0.25% interest rate reduction while enrolled in automatic payments. To enroll, log in to your secure account or call us at 1‑800‑STUDENT. Auto Debit Reward Policy

Graduate Loan Repayment

What is a deferment period.

If you are in school at least half-time, on active military duty, serving a public service organization, or in a medical residency, you may qualify for a deferment. A deferment period is a period of time when a borrower is not required to make any payments. During deferment, interest will continue to accrue. At the end of a deferment period, any unpaid interest will be added to your principal balance. This may increase the amount of your monthly payments and the total cost of your loan(s). Deferment options

What is my repayment period?

A repayment period is the period of time during which scheduled payments are required to be made to repay the principal balance and interest on a loan. Your repayment period is 20 years after the deferment period ends.

APR examples

What are my repayment options?

• In-School Interest-Only - Required to make interest-only monthly payments while you are in school and during your grace period to lower your overall loan cost and receive a 0.35% interest rate discount.
• In-School Fixed - Required to make $25 fixed, monthly payments while you are in school and during your grace period to lower your overall loan cost.
• Deferred - Monthly payments are not required until 9 months after you graduate or your enrollment drops below half-time.

You can make payments anytime to help reduce the overall cost of your graduate loan and there is never a penalty for prepaying. If you're not receiving monthly billing statements, we will send you quarterly statements showing you how much interest is accruing and how to make optional payments while you are in school.

What if I need help making my monthly payments?

If you are experiencing financial difficulties and you are unable to make your student loan payments, we have options to help. To learn more about your repayment assistance options  and determine if you qualify, please call our Repayment Assistance Department at 1-800-STUDENT.

Compare graduate student loans

The table below compares federal and private student loans for graduate students, including masters and doctoral candidates.

Select Loan Type

Direct Loans for Students

Direct PLUS Loans for Graduate / Professional Students

Comparisons based on information obtained from the US Department of Education as of August 2023. *Annual cost of attending a specific school, including tuition, fees, room and board, books and supplies, transportation, and personal expenses. This amount is determined by your school. FAFSA® is a registered trademark of the US Department of Education and is not affiliated with Discover Student Loans.

Resources for students and parents

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Jan 30, 2023, how to pay for graduate school.

With scholarships, loans, and more, you can get a graduate degree while balancing debt. Learn how to pay for graduate school with Discover Student Loans.

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Competition for graduate level scholarships can be fierce. Learn some key tips for getting scholarships for graduate school with help from Discover Student Loans

May 12, 2023

How much are private student loan interest rates.

Knowing what determines private student loan interest rates can help you save. Learn about APR, fixed vs. variable interest rates, & more with Discover Student Loans.

Mar 06, 2024

How to choose a private student loan lender.

Learn how to compare private student loans, from interest rates to customer service. Find out how to make the best choice with tips from Discover Student Loans.

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Here are four steps to consider before you take out a student loan to help pay for college.

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Unpack student loan interest rates with Discover Student Loans. Learn the differences between fixed and variable rates and the importance of interest rates when evaluating your loans.

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Student loan calculators.

The fixed interest rate is set at the time of application and does not change during the life of the loan unless you are no longer eligible for one or more discounts. The variable interest rate and corresponding APR may increase over the life of the loan. The variable interest rate is calculated based on the 3-Month CME Term SOFR index plus the applicable margin percentage less any applicable discounts. The 3-Month CME Term SOFR index value for variable interest rate loans is X as of X . 3-Month CME Term SOFR is administered by CME Group and is published by CME Group on its website (cmegroup.com/termsofr). Discover Student Loans may adjust the variable interest rate quarterly on each January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1 (each an “interest rate change date”), based on the 3-Month CME Term SOFR rate available for the day that is 15 days prior to the interest rate change date, rounded up to the nearest one-eighth of one percent (0.125% or 0.00125), or 0%, whichever is greater. This may cause the monthly payments to increase, the number of payments to increase or both. If the 3-Month CME Term SOFR rate is less than zero percent, then the index will be deemed to be zero percent (as stated in the promissory note) for purposes of calculating your interest rate. Your variable interest rate (index + margin – applicable discounts) will not exceed 18%. Our lowest APRs are only available to applicants with the best credit. The APR will be determined after an application is submitted. It will be based on credit history, the selected repayment option and other factors, including a cosigner’s credit history (if applicable). If a student does not have an established credit history, the student may find it difficult to qualify for a private student loan on their own or receive the lowest advertised rate. Learn more about Discover Student Loans interest rates .

Borrow responsibly . 1. Maximize grants, scholarships, and other free financial aid. 2. Compare federal and private student loans. 3. Choose the loans that best fit your needs.

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• Education and learning
• Student finance

Doctoral Loan

A Postgraduate Doctoral Loan can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate doctoral course, such as a PhD.

There’s different funding if you normally live in Wales . Moving somewhere to study does not count as normally living there.

You can also get extra support if you have a disability .

You will not be eligible for an Adult Dependants’ Grant, a Childcare Grant or Parents’ Learning Allowance from Student Finance if you’re studying a doctoral course.

When you can apply

You can now apply for funding for the 2023 to 2024 academic year.

When you repay your loan

You’ll have to start repaying your loan when your income is over a certain amount (the ‘threshold’ amount).

You’ll be charged interest from the day you get the first payment.

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Student Loans

Student loans are commonly used financing options that are available to both residential and part-time online applicants, and require a minimum enrollment of 6 credits per term in a degree-granting program. Please note these pages provide information about both federal and supplemental (private) student loans, credit, and debt counseling. Some links will take you to sites outside of the HGSE Financial Aid Office. The HGSE Financial Aid Office is not responsible for the content of any external sites.

The Harvard Graduate School of Education, like all of Harvard University, participates in the Federal Direct Loan Program offered through the U.S. Department of Education. The only lender we list is Direct Lending, however you are free to research and borrow from any lender.

When considering a supplemental loan, we remind students there are many options in addition to those listed in these materials. We encourage students to consider all of their borrowing options to ensure the best possible choice for their individual needs. Remember, only Federal Direct Unsubsidized and Graduate PLUS Loans are administered by the HGSE Financial Aid Office; supplemental loans are available from numerous lenders and you are welcome to explore those that interest you.  Both Federal and supplemental loans are split and disbursed evenly across semesters for full-year students.   Harvard University and the Harvard Graduate School of Education have no financial interest in which supplemental loan you choose to borrow.

Federal Direct Loans

• Federal Direct Loan Program and Related Information
• Federal Student Aid (FSA) Loan Repayment Simulator  - learn about your repayment options using this FSA resource.
• Federal Student Aid Loan Information

Federal Direct Graduate PLUS & Supplemental Loans

Supplemental loans, like the Direct Graduate PLUS Loan, can be borrowed in addition to your Federal Loans to help meet the cost of education. Please note: students pursuing a supplemental loan should apply for the amount they wish to borrow for the entire academic year, and all supplemental loans are split and disbursed evenly across semesters for full-year students.

• Supplemental Education Loan Programs

Loan and Financial Management Information

• Federal Student Aid  - You can find information on all Federal Aid programs and loan repayment resources here.
• MyMoney.gov  - The U.S. Government's site dedicated to teaching financial literacy
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau  - This site presents information and assistance on a range of consumer financial products, including student loans.
• Student Loan Borrower Assistance  - This is a comprehensive and very useful website that covers almost all the basics regarding past, present, or future student loans of all varieties.

Understanding Your Credit

Applicants must demonstrate credit worthiness in order to be eligible for supplemental education loans such as the Federal Direct Grad PLUS Loan or loans from private lenders.  Supplemental education loan lenders carefully review an applicant's credit history to determine their eligibility for a loan.

Individuals establish a credit history in many ways, like borrowing money or charging retail purchases. Financial institutions and major retail stores report their customer's credit information to national credit bureaus, which, in turn, compile the information in the form of a credit report. A credit report is a record of every credit card, retail account, student and personal loan, and other credit accounts made or established in your name.

In reviewing your credit report, the lender is trying to determine your ability and willingness to pay based on your payment history. A good credit record indicates that you are likely to repay the loan for which you are applying. If you are unsure about the status of your credit, you should request a copy of your credit report from a credit bureau. You may contact a local credit bureau in your area or one of the three national credit bureaus listed below:

Equifax : 800-685-1111

Experian : 800-682-7654

TransUnion : 877-322-8228

You may also receive a free copy of your credit report from all 3 major credit bureaus listed above by visiting www.annualcreditreport.com , and we recommend reviewing your credit reports on an annual basis.

Once you have received your credit report check it for accuracy. If the information on your report is incorrect, you should contact the credit agency and request that the information be investigated. It is also advisable to contact the company that has reported you to that credit agency. If the information on your report is correct and you do have credit problems, it is imperative that you try to resolve these as soon as possible. Contact the company that has reported you to the credit agency and discuss the steps necessary to clear up your credit problem. If you do succeed in clearing up your credit, you should request this in writing from the reporting company and subsequently submit this information to the credit agency.

It may take several weeks to receive a credit report and several months to correct a credit problem, thus please plan accordingly. In the event that you may need to borrow through one of the alternative education loan programs, we encourage you to remedy any credit issues prior to coming to campus. Any questions or concerns that you may have regarding your credit worthiness should be addressed directly with the appropriate private education loan agency. Unfortunately, the HGSE Financial Aid Office is unable to assist you with personal credit problems or offer advice on the credit review process.

Debt Management Tools

Debt management is an important consideration when attending any college or university. You must properly prepare yourself financially in the near and long term. It is crucial that students have an understanding of the costs of education as well as how to plan and budget accordingly. We encourage students to begin this process as far in advance as possible when considering continuing their education to ensure the highest possible return on their academic investments.

• Federal Student Aid Loan Repayment Calculator
• Your Federal Student Loans: Learn the Basics and Manage Your Debt
• MyMoney.gov - the U.S. Government's site dedicated to teaching financial literacy
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
• Bankrate.com - interest rates for a variety of financial products and payment calculators
• Annual Credit Report - receive your free annual credit report from the 3 major credit bureaus
• IRS Tax Benefits for Education - find out what rules may benefit you when filing your U.S. taxes
• Student Loan Borrower Assistance - a comprehensive and very useful website that covers almost all the basics regarding past, present or future student loans of all varieties

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So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Here is a list of our partners .

What are HEAL Student Loans?

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

In 2014, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services transferred outstanding HEAL loans to the Department of Education. While no new HEAL loans have been disbursed since 1998, some borrowers are still repaying old HEAL debt.

Health and Human Services operated the Health Education Assistance Loan (HEAL) Program from 1978 until Sept. 30, 1998 to help offset the costs of medical school .

The program insured loans up to $80,000 made by lenders to graduate students in health-related fields, such as medicine, osteopathy, dentistry, veterinary medicine, optometry, podiatry, public health, pharmacy, chiropractic, health administration and clinical psychology.

Today, students can borrow federal health professions student loans , direct unsubsidized student loans and grad PLUS loans to pay for medical school.

» MORE: 10 best medical school loans

If you still have HEAL loans, you can get on the path to forgiveness if you consolidate by April 30, 2024. Here’s what you need to know.

Contact your servicer for HEAL loan help

HEAL loans were distributed by schools, banks, credit unions, state agencies and other authorized lenders. Student loan servicers manage HEAL loan repayment. If you’re unsure who your loan servicer is, check the paperwork on your latest bill to see which organization your loan is attached to.

While inquiries related specifically to your loan must be directed to your loan servicer, you can get answers to general HEAL Program questions by contacting the Department of Education’s HEAL Program team at 1-844-509-8957 or [email protected] .

Consolidate by April 30 to get HEAL loan forgiveness

You can consolidate HEAL loans into a federal Direct Consolidation Loan — and now is a good time to do so if you haven’t already. The Department of Education is encouraging borrowers to consolidate their HEAL loans by April 30, 2024 to benefit from the income-driven repayment (IDR) payment count adjustment and potentially get loan forgiveness in the future.

The IDR adjustment captures past periods of repayment that could count toward loan forgiveness under an IDR plan. The main benefits of the adjustment include reaching forgiveness faster, receiving immediate loan forgiveness or getting a refund for overpayment.

If you have a HEAL loan, you could get forgiveness soon if you consolidate it with a non-HEAL federal student loan, like an FFELP loan , Perkins loan or federal direct student loan , by April 30. Your new consolidation loan will get credit towards IDR forgiveness for the oldest non-HEAL loan included. So, if you've been repaying your HEAL loan for 25 years, and you consolidate it with a direct loan you've been repaying for 20 years, you'll get 20 years worth of IDR forgiveness — which could potentially result in loan forgiveness.

If you only have HEAL loans, you should still consolidate them by April 30 so you can access repayment options like the new IDR plan SAVE and Public Service Loan Forgiveness . But, your IDR forgiveness clock will start at zero after consolidating.

Unconsolidated HEAL loans are not eligible for the IDR account adjustment.

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Postgraduate loans for doctoral students

If you’re coming to Manchester this year to begin or continue postgraduate doctoral research, you could qualify for a loan from the UK government.

The maximum loan available for those starting a programme on or after 1 August 2022 is £27,892. Applications are open now.

This postgraduate student loan is paid directly to you and is non-means tested. The loan is a contribution towards the cost of study and is unlikely to fund the full cost of your doctoral studies. You will need to research how to fund any shortfall.

The information on this page is about the loan available to English students studying in the UK. There are similar funding arrangements for UK students resident in Wales; apply online at Student Finance Wales . Students ordinarily resident in Jersey , Guernsey and the Isle of Man may also be eligible for support.

Eligibility

To apply for a postgraduate doctoral loan, you must:

• be a UK or Irish national or have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme  or indefinite leave to remain so there are no restrictions on how long you can stay;
• normally live in England;
• have been living in the UK, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or Ireland for three continuous years before the first day of your course, apart from temporary absences such as going on holiday; 
• UK applicants from Northern Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Channel Islands or the Isle of Man who move to England solely for the purpose of attending the course will not be eligible.

If you’re an EU national or a family member of an EU national

You may be eligible if you’re an EU national or a family member of an EU national, and all the following apply:

• you have settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme;
• you’ve normally lived in the UK, Gibraltar, EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein for the past three years (this is also known as being ‘ordinarily resident’);
• you’ll be studying at a university or college in England.

You could also be eligible if you’re:

• the child of a Swiss national and you and your parent have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme;
• a migrant worker from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein with pre-settled status, or a family member of a migrant worker where both have pre-settled status;
• a resident of Gibraltar who is a UK or EU national, or their family member.

You may also be eligible with another residency status. See the gov.uk website for full details.

You must be under 60 on the first day of the first academic year of your course to get a postgraduate doctoral loan.

Previous study

If you have a loan from a previous undergraduate course or postgraduate master’s course, it won’t affect your eligibility for a postgraduate doctoral loan.

You can only get a postgraduate doctoral loan if you don’t already have an equivalent doctoral qualification or a higher-level qualification such as a PhD.

If you borrow a postgraduate doctoral loan for a course but don’t complete it, you won’t be able to get a second postgraduate doctoral loan. However, if you have to withdraw from your course for compelling personal reasons, such as illness, you may still be able to apply for another postgraduate doctoral loan.

Other eligibility

You won’t be able to get a postgraduate doctoral loan if you are getting any Research Council funding.

Course eligibility

The course you’re studying must be a full postgraduate doctoral course leading to a qualification such as:

• subject specialist doctorates: a formal programme of study such as a PhD;
• integrated subject specialist doctorates: a supervised research project undertaken alongside a more structured taught course, or may depend on successful completion of taught elements and be undertaken in later years. Integrated doctorates normally offer exit awards at master's level based on successful completion of taught course units (students must register for the doctoral degree at the outset to be eligible for a postgraduate doctoral loan);
• professional and practice-based doctorates: post-experience qualifications aimed at mid-career professionals, for example, an Engineering Doctorate (EngD).

A postgraduate doctoral loan isn't available to students wanting to ‘top up’ a lower-level qualification to a doctoral degree. Your course must be a full standalone doctoral course. The loan is available whether you are studying your course in person or by distance learning, and your course can be:

• a full-time course lasting at least three years;
• a part-time course lasting up to eight years.

How to apply

You only need to apply once for the postgraduate doctoral loan, as the application and funding are for the duration of your course. If you’re studying over three or more academic years, you’ll get a letter each year confirming your payments for the upcoming academic year.

The quickest way to apply for a postgraduate doctoral loan is online .

If you can’t apply online, you should download a paper application form .  

When to apply

You should apply as soon as possible so that the Student Loans Company can contact you if they need any further information or evidence. You must apply no more than nine months after the first day of the last academic year of your course.

Please note if you apply after your first year, you might not get the maximum loan amount. 

When you’re paid

You get the first payment after your course start date, once your university or college confirms that you’ve registered.

The loan will be paid in three instalments of 33%, 33% and 34% each year. After your application has been approved you’ll be sent a letter with your payment dates or you can check them in your online account.

Interest will be charged from the day the first payment is made to you and will be charged at the Retail Price Index (RPI) plus 3%.

You’ll be due to start making repayments the April after you finish or leave your course, or the April four years after the beginning of your course, whichever is sooner. You’ll only start repaying when your income is over £21,000 per year, £1,750 a month, or £404 a week.

You will repay 6% of what you earn over the threshold. So if you’re paid monthly and earn £2,500 per month before tax, you’ll repay 6% of the difference between what you earn and the threshold.

For example:

• £2,500 - £1,750 = £750
• 6% of £750 = £45

The following table shows how much you’ll repay towards your loan: 

Previous loans

If you have had a previous loan from the Student Loans Company, you’ll continue to repay these loans at the same time. How much you’ll repay depends on when you started your undergraduate course. 

Courses that started after 1 September 2012

If you borrowed a loan for an undergraduate course that started after 1 September 2012, you’ll repay 9% of your income above £27,295 a year towards that loan and 6% of your income above £21,000 a year towards your postgraduate loan. If you borrowed a postgraduate loan for a master’s course as well as a doctoral programme, the repayment amount due will remain at 6%, combining both postgraduate loans.

The table below shows how much you’ll repay towards your loans. 

Find out more

Find out more about the Doctoral Loan on the UK government website.

Go to gov.uk

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Biden Announces New Plan for Student Debt Relief

President biden announced a large-scale effort to help pay off federal student loans for more than 20 million borrowers..

Today, I’m proud to announce five major actions to continue to relieve student debt for more than 30 million Americans since I started my administration. And starting this fall, we plan to deliver up to $20,000 in interest relief to over 20 million borrowers and full forgiveness for millions more. [applause] I will never stop to deliver student debt relief and hardworking Americans. And it’s only in the interest of America that we do it. And again, it’s for the good of our economy that’s growing stronger and stronger, and it is, by freeing millions of Americans from this crushing debt of student debt. It means they can finally get on with their lives instead of being put — their lives being put on hold.

By Erica L. Green

Reporting from Washington

President Biden released details on Monday of his new student loan debt forgiveness plan for nearly 30 million borrowers.

The proposal still needs to be finalized and will have to withstand expected legal challenges, like the ones that doomed Mr. Biden’s first attempt to wipe out student debt on a large scale last year.

Biden administration officials said they could begin handing out some of the debt relief — including the canceling of up to $20,000 in interest — as soon as this fall if the new effort moves forward after the required, monthslong comment period.

Here’s what is known so far about the program:

Who would benefit from the new plan?

The plan would reduce payments for 25 million borrowers and erase all debt for more than four million Americans. Altogether, 10 million borrowers would see debt relief of $5,000 or more, officials said.

The groups affected include:

— Borrowers whose loan balances have ballooned because of interest would have up to $20,000 of their interest balance canceled. The plan would waive the entire interest balance for borrowers considered “low- and middle-income” who are enrolled in the administration’s income-driven repayment plans.

The interest forgiveness would be a one-time benefit, but would be the largest relief valve in the plan. The administration estimates that of the 25 million borrowers that could see relief under this waiver, 23 million would see their entire interest balance wiped out.

— Borrowers who are eligible for, but have not yet applied for, loan forgiveness under existing programs like Public Service Loan Forgiveness or the administration’s new repayment program, called SAVE, would have their debts automatically canceled.

— Borrowers with undergraduate student debt who started repaying their loans more than 20 years ago, and graduate students who started paying their debt 25 or more years ago, would have their debts canceled.

— Borrowers who enrolled in programs or colleges that lost federal funding because they cheated or defrauded students would have their debts waived. Students who attended institutions or programs that left them with mounds of debt but bleak earning or job prospects would also be eligible for relief.

— Borrowers who are experiencing “hardship” paying back their loans because of medical or child care costs would also be eligible for some type of relief. The administration has not yet determined how these borrowers would be identified, but is considering automatic forgiveness for those at risk of defaulting.

How is this different from the last plan?

Mr. Biden initially tried to grant $400 billion in debt relief for 40 million borrowers by using the Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students Act of 2003, or HEROES Act, which the administration argued allowed the government to waive student debt during a national emergency like the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Supreme Court blocked that move , saying that Mr. Biden had exceeded his authority.

The new plan would forgive some or all loan debt for nearly 30 million borrowers under the Higher Education Act, the federal law that regulates student loan and grant programs. By targeting specific groups of borrowers — instead of offering broad loan forgiveness — the administration believes it can act within the narrower confines of that law.

The Biden administration said lawyers for the White House and the Education Department studied last year’s Supreme Court ruling and designed the new program to make sure it did not violate the principles laid out by the justices.

Still, there could be questions about whether the borrowers under the latest plan would be considered “limited,” as the Supreme Court said the Higher Education Act requires, or whether the administration again overstepped its authority.

What’s the timeline?

The new plan still needs to be published in the Federal Register, which then will start a monthslong public comment period. Administration officials have said they hoped some of the provisions would begin going into effect in “early fall.”

That could leave the debt relief plan unresolved as voters go to the polls in November to choose between Mr. Biden and former President Donald J. Trump.

But Biden campaign officials hope the latest effort will help rally voters who were sorely disappointed by the Supreme Court’s decision last year.

Erica L. Green is a White House correspondent, covering President Biden and his administration. More about Erica L. Green

Our Coverage of the 2024 Election

Presidential Race

The start of Donald Trump’s criminal trial in Manhattan  drew intense security, smothering media coverage and loud demonstrations to a dingy courthouse that will be the unlikely center of American politics for the next six weeks.

President Biden will kick off a three-day tour of Pennsylvania , a crucial battleground state, with a speech that focuses on taxes and aims to contrast his policies with those of Trump.

Trump leaned heavily on major Republican donors  in March as he sought to close the financial gap separating him from Biden, new federal filings showed.

Vice-Presidential Calculations: As Trump sifts through potential running mates, he has peppered some advisers and associates with a direct question: Which Republican could best help him raise money ?

Embracing the Jan. 6 Rioters:  Trump initially disavowed the attack on the Capitol, but he is now making it a centerpiece of his campaign .

Mobilizing the Left: Amid the war in Gaza, the pro-Palestinian movement has grown into a powerful, if disjointed, political force in the United States. Democrats are feeling the pressure .

On a Collision Course:  As president, Trump never trusted the intelligence community. His antipathy has only grown since he left office, with potentially serious implications should he return to power .

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How to Finance Your Master's Degree or Continuing Education

• Leigh Perkins
• January 19, 2022
• Professional Development
• Text-based Story

Don’t assume grad school or continuing education is out of reach for your budget. Paying for your post-grad or professional courses can be a challenge, but it’s completely doable. Put a little research, creative problem solving, and our easy tips into the task, and you’ll figure out how to finance your master’s degree or continuing education .

Financing Higher Education

According to Sallie Mae, almost a quarter of school costs are paid by grad students’ earnings or personal savings. If you don’t have that kind of cash flow, though, consider other options for financing higher education.

Start With Free Money

Loans may need to be part of your equation, but it’s best to begin your calculations with financial aid that doesn’t have to be repaid.

An estimated $2.6 billion in financial aid was left on the table in 2018 because students failed to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) from the U.S. Department of Education. And FAFSA is not just for undergraduates. It can help you land federal aid based on financial need for graduate school, too. The application is free, and there are several free-money options available to you when your FAFSA is complete, such as federal work study programs.

Grants and Fellowships

Federal aid is applicable to some continuing education programs, such as grants for medical residency or the Pell Grant for postbaccalaureate teacher certification, but federal aid in the form of grants does not apply to most graduate programs.

For graduate school, grants and fellowships are almost interchangeable terms, the main difference being what the institution bestowing the funding prefers to call it. There are government-backed grants, from organizations like the National Institutes of Health or the Department of Energy, and fellowships funded by private organizations, such as the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation or the American Economic Association. The best place to begin searching for grants and fellowships is through the websites of the schools you’re considering, in particular the programs you are targeting for grad school. You can also check out online scholarship search tools.

Most grants and fellowships are competitive, so do your homework, complete your applications carefully, and submit early. Preferably, you’ll be ready to hit send on your application the day you learn you’re accepted into your grad school program of choice.

Scholarships

Graduate tuition can cost tens of thousands of dollars each year. Because graduate students are considered independent, you will report your own income on the FAFSA, which could make you eligible for more need-based scholarships. Grad students can check out USF’s STARS Scholarship database to read about USF Foundation Scholarships and many other scholarships to students enrolling in master’s programs . There are millions of dollars available to grad students for national and niche scholarships .

Can you qualify for specific scholarships that take your background, interests, or undergrad degree into account?

• Your heritage: There are scholarships designated just for Hispanic grad students, Native Americans, Korean Americans, Pacific Islanders, and more.
• Your alma mater: You may qualify for a discount if you apply to graduate school where you earned your bachelor’s degree.
• Your area of specialization: Check into field-specific graduate scholarships, such as a master’s in education, women in technology, accounting scholarships, and MBA scholarships.

Assistantships

Graduate assistantships allow you to work in a support role at a university under the supervision of a faculty member. You may teach, be a research assistant, do clerical tasks, or help with grading. USF graduate assistants earn a stipend and are eligible for tuition payment and some additional benefits, such as health insurance.

Employee Benefits

Under U.S. tax code, employers may offer up to $5,250 per year in tuition reimbursement for college courses, which is deductible for your company and not counted as taxable income for you. More than half of employers are estimated to currently offer tuition assistance. If yours isn’t one of them, make a sales pitch. One possible incentive: Signing a contract to commit to working for the company for a minimum term after receiving your graduate degree.

College Savings Account

If you didn’t run through your entire 529 plan in undergraduate school, you can apply what’s left to your graduate school costs. Though the time horizon is shorter to save for graduate school, it is also possible to set up a 529 plan dedicated just for graduate school.

Take a Look at Loans

Although they account for only 25 percent of all students in higher education, graduate students account for nearly half of student debt . Because there is no cap for graduate school borrowing – up to the full cost of attendance charged by the college – nearly a quarter of graduate borrowers take out more than the lifetime limit for undergraduate borrowers in just a single year of grad school.

It is one thing to compare the average undergraduate debt ($28,950) to an MBA ($66,300). But it is a whole new level of payback stress for a law degree ($145,000) or a medical degree ($201,490). Add the fact that interest rates are higher for grad school than for undergrad, and the debt can turn into a long-term burden.

Wondering how to minimize the hit to your financial future when you really need a loan for graduate school? Take out only what is absolutely necessary, access every tax benefit available, and pull out all the stops to save pennies and earn cash while in grad school.

These are the types of loan programs available for graduate students:

• Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans: Sometimes called Stafford Loans, these are not based on financial need and do not require a credit check. You are responsible for paying all interest on these loans, which begins accruing while you’re still in school and during your grace period or deferment. It is best to max out these loans before you sign on to PLUS or private loans.
• Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans: These loans are for expenses not covered by other financial aid offered by your school. They require a credit check and carry a higher fixed-interest rate than federal direct loans.
• Private Loans: Depending on your credit score or a co-signer’s endorsement, you could qualify for a competitive rate on a loan from a private bank or other lender, usually without the origination and processing fees associated with federal programs. The downside is they don’t offer long forbearance periods. If you are planning on law school, medical school or business school, it’s likely you’ll find a lender offering a loan specific to your degree.

Paying for Continuing Education

While there are not as many options to finance your continuing education, the upside is that career training, certifications, and continuing ed programs are much less expensive than graduate school.

Philanthropic organizations, private agencies, state education departments, and the schools themselves often offer scholarships for continuing education and certification programs. For example, there are specific scholarships available for paralegal students .

State societies, clubs, and professional groups often subsidize travel and attendance at conferences, CEU courses, and training programs. If you’re in a regional human resources group, for example, they might underwrite your tuition for SHRM certification .

Federal student loans only apply to full-time graduate students, so stand-alone certification courses or part-time professional development programs don’t qualify. However, several private lenders do offer loans for career training programs. Sallie Mae’s Career Training Smart Option Student Loan is designed specifically for nondegree-seeking students, professional certifications, and culinary and technical school students.

If you’re confident the return on your investment will be adequate (and fairly immediate), you can also consider paying for a course with a credit card, but do so cautiously. Interest rates and fees for credit cards are often triple or quadruple a student loan rate.

The good news is that the IRS allowance for employer tuition reimbursement applies to career training and continuing education. The bad news is that only about half of employers offer this in an employee’s benefits package. If yours does not include the $5,250 that can be deducted by your company for courses, make a suggestion to your boss and to HR to add it. If it’s not a formal perk but there is a program that will help you perform your job better, write a letter to your supervisor explaining the benefits to your business. In your letter, ask if the company would be willing to pay for the program or at least approve paid time off for instruction.

USF Can Help You Reach Your Next Goal

No matter where you’re headed in your career, USF Corporate Training and Professional Education is here to guide you. Thinking of graduate school? We offer exceptional GMAT and LSAT prep courses. Planning a big pivot? Navigate a career change with our business, technology, and leadership training. Browse our programs to see if they can point you in the right direction for continuing education.

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Time to admit we need fewer students

Job opportunities for graduates are now falling faster than other roles. The great university con has been exposed

Your applications don’t get a reply. Running the university debating society or rowing team doesn’t seem to make any difference to your CV. And even your parent’s friends are too worried about accusations of nepotism to try and offer any work experience.

It has always been tough for new graduates to take their first steps towards a satisfying career, and we have all had plenty of rejection letters along the way. But this year it is likely to be harder than ever. Graduate vacancies are falling at 30pc annual rate, double that of the wider economy. With universities on the brink of bankruptcy, soaring student debts , and shrinking demand for the “product”, surely it is time the UK admitted that our higher education system is a mess that works for almost no one.

In reality, we need fewer students, and we need to be honest about that before it is too late.

There has probably never been a worse year to graduate than 2024. Another 900,000 twenty-somethings will come out of university this summer armed with new degrees, and enthusiastic to embark on their careers. The trouble is, no one really wants them.

According to a report by Bloomberg this week, analysis by the jobs website Adzuna has found that vacancies for graduates fell by 30pc over the last year, compared with a 15pc fall in vacancies across the economy. Even worse, salaries are completely flat this year, meaning that new graduates will struggle to pay their soaring rent, and other costs, even if they are lucky enough to get a foot in the door.

Even if they do land something, many of the traditional graduate training schemes that used to provide a gateway into the world of employment have withered away, with few older people still in the office, little mentoring, and few opportunities to learn new skills, or impress your new colleagues. It is a bleak outlook, and one that is getting worse. The demand for graduates is steadily falling, and even when they are hired their careers are not being shaped in the way they once were.

Unfortunately, we probably should not be too surprised by that. Over the last few years, the UK has created a stagnant, high-tax, over-regulated economy where nothing can get built, new businesses struggle to raise capital, and where even the servers that tech or other companies might need to expand are blocked because they might spoil someone’s view, or there isn’t enough electricity, or they might get in the way of our Net Zero targets. We shouldn’t expect an economy with so many obstacles put in the way of scaling businesses and borderline hostility toward enterprise to create lots of new opportunities for graduates.

Yet surely we also have to admit that we are producing far too many people with new degrees? Of course, the Labour Party’s typically top-down, state-directed solution is simply to mandate that more and more roles require a high-level qualification. It has already floated a plan to make child-minding a graduate only profession, and perhaps even estate agency, although it is hard to think of anything you could study for three years – apart from creative writing I suppose – that would make you better at hustling through a few property sales.

It probably won’t stop there. After a few years in office, a Starmer government will no doubt have made personal fitness training, or hairdressing, or driving for Uber, graduate-only professions, with a regulator for each industry to ensure compliance, and heavy fines for anyone who breaks the rules.

But that will only make the whole mess even worse. A quarter of a century after Tony Blair prioritised “education, education, education” and embarked on a massive expansion of the sector, complete with new forms of funding, we now have a university system that is completely broken. Many institutions are close to bankruptcy partly because no government any longer dares to increase the fees.

They are furiously plugging the gaps in their budgets with more and more overseas students, exacerbating the immigration crisis, yet it is still possible one or more may declare insolvency some time this year.

Meanwhile, the levels of student debt are running out of control, with £206 billion outstanding as of March last year, according to a House of Commons report, and with the total now forecast to go over £400 billion by the 2040s (and of course the real total may well be far higher). Even worse, the punishing rates of interest charged mean that those few graduates who are lucky enough to get a job and embark on a career now face marginal tax rates well above 50pc once they start earning even a fairly modest salary. And now there are not even enough jobs for them to go into, meaning even less of all that student debt will ever be repaid, and creating yet another black hole in the public finances that a future government will have to deal with.

This is madness. Even if one had purposefully set out to create a system that works for no one aside from, perhaps, some vice-chancellors, the outcome would likely have been better than the current mess.

Britain needs a much smaller, better financed university sector, where there are fewer graduates, more well-paid non-graduate jobs, and where our world-class universities are able to stay afloat without expanding places to international students. If it could also become a pro-growth, pro-enterprise nation, that would help too.

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