BestGuide is reader supported and may earn affiliate commission. Learn More.

X Compensation, along with the company's reviews, determines which of the qualified companies we recommend as well as the order by which the companies appear. Learn More.

Best Private Student Loan Companies of 2026

Krystine Carneiro's Photo

By Krystine Carneiro

Journalist

Fact Checked

Published on June 15, 2026

Updated on June 15, 2026

Overview

Top-Rated Private Student Loans Compared

Compare top Private Student Loans on Minimum Credit Score, Cosigner Release Timeline, Prequalification Soft Credit Pull, and Multi-Year Approval

Yrefy

Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Half Star 4.6

VISIT SITE

Specialized refinancing for distressed private student loans.

  • PRIVATE STUDENT LOANS
  • REFINANCING
  • INTEREST RATES
  • COSIGNER RELEASE
  • CREDIT SCORE
  • MULTI-YEAR APPROVAL
  • STUDENT DEBT
  • FUNDING
  • LOAN COMPARISON

Best Private Student Loan

Choosing the right private student loan requires a careful understanding of rates, repayment structures, and unique benefits. Private student loans can fill the financial gaps left when federal funding does not cover the complete cost of higher education. Whether you are aiming to cover current tuition costs or seeking to refinance existing debt, understanding the specific requirements and protections of each lender is paramount.

Our team has analyzed top lenders to help you identify which platforms align with your credit profile and academic goals. From flexible grace periods to multi-year approval options, evaluating these details will help you avoid unnecessary debt and find the most cost-effective path to funding your degree.

Key Takeaways

  • Citizens: Ideal for securing multi-year funding with combined rate discounts.
  • College Ave: Offers exceptional flexibility with extended grace periods.
  • Credible: A marketplace that allows you to compare multiple lenders quickly.
  • Earnest: Provides customizable terms for precise monthly budgeting.
  • Sallie Mae: Features an industry-leading 12-month cosigner release option.
  • SoFi: Known for fee-free structures and strong unemployment protections.
  • Yrefy: Specializes in alternative refinancing for distressed private student loans.

Ultimately, selecting the best private student loan requires balancing immediate funding needs against long-term repayment realities. Carefully compare interest rates, forbearance options, and cosigner release timelines to make an informed decision that safeguards your financial future.

Best Flexible Terms

College Ave

College Ave's Logo

Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Half Star 4.1

VISIT

Best Cosigner Release

Sallie Mae

Sallie Mae's Logo

Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Half Star 4.1

VISIT

Best Zero-Fee Structure

SoFi

SoFi's Logo

Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Half Star 4.1

VISIT

Top Multi-Year Approval

Citizens Bank

Citizens Bank's Logo

Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Empty Star 4

VISIT

Best Custom Budgets

Earnest

Earnest's Logo

Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Empty Star 4

VISIT

Minimum Credit Score Minimum Credit Score Minimum Credit Score Minimum Credit Score Minimum Credit Score Minimum Credit Score
Cosigner Release Timeline Cosigner Release Timeline Cosigner Release Timeline Cosigner Release Timeline Cosigner Release Timeline Cosigner Release Timeline
Prequalification Soft Credit Pull Prequalification Soft Credit Pull Prequalification Soft Credit Pull Prequalification Soft Credit Pull Prequalification Soft Credit Pull Prequalification Soft Credit Pull
Multi-Year Approval Multi-Year Approval Multi-Year Approval Multi-Year Approval Multi-Year Approval Multi-Year Approval
Read our review Read our review Read our review Read our review Read our review

Top Private Student Loans Providers

1. College Ave

College Ave excels in providing customizable repayment structures, offering term choices ranging from 5 to 20 years. Borrowers benefit from multiple in-school payment options and extended grace periods for specific graduate programs.

College Ave

  • Minimum Credit Score

    Not Disclosed

  • Cosigner Release Timeline

    Varies By Loan

  • Prequalification Soft Credit Pull

    Yes

2. Sallie Mae

Sallie Mae provides excellent accessibility, approving a high percentage of applications supported by creditworthy cosigners. It offers up to 100% cost coverage and features an industry-leading 12-month cosigner release option.

Sallie Mae

  • Minimum Credit Score

    Varies

  • Cosigner Release Timeline

    12 Months

  • Prequalification Soft Credit Pull

    No

3. SoFi

SoFi delivers a comprehensive, fee-free loan experience with strong protections like a generous unemployment forbearance program. It is an excellent choice for creditworthy graduates seeking reliable refinancing.

SoFi

  • Minimum Credit Score

    670 Minimum Score

  • Cosigner Release Timeline

    None Available

  • Prequalification Soft Credit Pull

    Yes

4. Citizens Bank

Citizens stands out for offering a robust multi-year approval process that allows students to secure continuous funding with a single credit check. The bank also provides notable interest rate discounts for existing customers and automatic payments.

Citizens Bank

  • Minimum Credit Score

    640 Minimum Score

  • Cosigner Release Timeline

    36 Months

  • Prequalification Soft Credit Pull

    Yes

5. Earnest

Earnest offers highly granular repayment customization, allowing borrowers to select exact terms between 5 and 20 years. Its skip-a-payment benefit provides additional flexibility for managing personal budgets.

Earnest

  • Minimum Credit Score

    650 Minimum Score

  • Cosigner Release Timeline

    Varies By Product

  • Prequalification Soft Credit Pull

    Yes

6. Yrefy

Yrefy operates a unique platform specifically designed to refinance delinquent and defaulted private student loans. With custom fixed-rate terms, it evaluates borrowers on a holistic basis rather than relying solely on credit scores.

Yrefy

  • Minimum Credit Score

    Flexible Requirements

  • Cosigner Release Timeline

    Custom Refinancing

  • Prequalification Soft Credit Pull

    Yes

7. Credible

Credible is a powerful marketplace that allows users to compare personalized rates from up to 11 partner lenders using a single soft credit inquiry. It features a best rate guarantee and supports parent loan transfers.

Credible

  • Minimum Credit Score

    670 Minimum Score

  • Cosigner Release Timeline

    Varies By Lender

  • Prequalification Soft Credit Pull

    Yes