Should I Refinance or Wait for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)?
Tax-free student loan forgiveness sounds like a great deal, but there are times quickly paying off your student debt is the best approach.
Rank | Lender | Interest_Rates_ | Loan_Amounts____ |
---|---|---|---|
1 | ![]() | 3.94%* – 9.99% | $5,000 – No Max |
Splash Financial Review: Splash has competitive rates, but they start slightly higher than the top lenders. Splash also offers unique 8 and 12 year repayment terms. | Application + Up to $500 Bonus | ||
2 | ![]() | 4.86% – 8.44% | $10,000 – No Max |
ELFI Review: ELFI routinely offers excellent interest rates. Even though ELFI is new, it is the product of a regional bank that has been in business for decades. | Application + $150 Bonus | ||
3 | ![]() | 4.49% – 9.99% | $5,000 – No Max |
SoFi Review: SoFi is the biggest name in student loan refinancing for a simple reason – their rates are reliably among the best on the market. | Application | ||
4 | ![]() | 4.29% – 9.73%^ | $5,000 – No Max |
Earnest Review: The rates advertised by Earnest are among the best, but in head to head comparisons, Earnest often falls short in actual rates offered. Earnest scores points because it has by far the most flexibility on loan repayment length. | Application + $150 Bonus^ | ||
5 | ![]() | 4.68% – 9.12% | $5,000 – $300,000 |
LendKey Review: LendKey partners with local banks and credit unions to provide their loans. The end result is competitive rates provided by local reputable businesses. | Application + $150 Bonus |
Note: The lowest listed rate for each lender is listed as an APR (Annual Percentage Rate) with all discounts available. The industry standard among nearly all lenders is to offer a .25% autopay discount. Listed rate for SoFi is Fixed Rate APR.
Click here for the full list of national lenders and reviews.
Methodology: Learn how these rankings are generated.
Tax-free student loan forgiveness sounds like a great deal, but there are times quickly paying off your student debt is the best approach.
Borrowers don’t have to combine all of their student loans when they refinance. In some cases, keeping a couple loans separate is a really smart idea.
Private consolidation of federal loans has major risks and major rewards. With no way to undo the decision, borrowers need to be certain they’re not making a mistake.
Borrowers should pay close attention to the specific terms of their student loan refinance agreement.
Student loan refinancing is normally a free process. However, there are a few expenses that borrowers should try to avoid.
Negotiating terms with student loan lenders isn’t easy, but it is possible in several different circumstances.
Consolidating or refinancing student loans usually impacts borrower credit scores. However, the impact is typically small and short-lived.
Refinancing and Consolidation of American Education Services (AES) loans can save borrowers a ton of money if done properly.
Great Lakes does not directly offer student loan consolidation or refinancing. However, both moves are possible for loans with MyGreatLakes.