Best overall

Federal Direct Unsubsidized and Subsidized Loans
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- Min. credit score:
- Not disclosed
- Fixed APR From:
- 3.73% –6.28%
- Loan amount:
- $5,500– $57,500
- Term lengths:
- 20 to 20 years
- Min. annual income:
- Not disclosed
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.
Aylea Wilkins is an editor specializing in student loans. She has previously worked for Bankrate editing content about personal and home equity loans and auto, home and life insurance. She has been editing professionally for nearly a decade in a variety of fields with a primary focus on helping people make financial and purchasing decisions with confidence by providing clear and unbiased information.
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 — whether you’re going for 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 have an interest rate of 6.54 percent, and private student loans typically have rates ranging from 3 percent to 15 percent.
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.
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Competitive rates, no origination fees, and flexible repayment options.
The Bankrate scoring system evaluates lenders' affordability, availability and customer experience based on 11 data points selected by our editorial team. | An annual percentage rate (APR) represents the interest and fees you'll pay on top of your initial amount every month. A fixed rate will not change during your repayment period. | The range of loan amounts that a lender will service. The maximum value is the largest amount a lender will give although this amount may not be available to borrowers who don’t have good or excellent credit. Amount ranges may vary for non-loan products. Term refers to the amount of time you have to repay the loan. | The minimum credit score typically required to qualify for a loan with a given lender. Exact thresholds are not always disclosed by a lender and in certain cases the minimum score is the best estimate based on publicly available information. Credit score refers to FICO 9.0 unless otherwise stated. | |||
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4.6 Bankrate Score | Fixed APR From 4.50- 14.83% with AutoPay | Loan Amount Cost of attendance minus aid Term: 10-15 yr | Min. Credit Not disclosed | ![]()
Rates: Lowest rates shown include the auto debit discount. Fixed - 4.50% APR-14.83% APR and Variable - 5.99%-16.33% APR. Additional information regarding the auto discount: Advertised APRs for undergraduate students assume a $10,000 loan to a student who attends school for 4 years and has no prior Sallie Mae-serviced loans. Interest rates for variable rate loans may increase or decrease over the life of the loan based on changes to the 30-day Average Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) rounded up to the nearest one-eighth of one percent. Advertised variable rates are the starting range of rates and may vary outside of that range over the life of the loan. Interest is charged starting when funds are sent to the school. With the Fixed and Deferred Repayment Options, the interest rate is higher than with the Interest Repayment Option and Unpaid Interest is added to the loan’s Current Principal at the end of the grace/separation period. To receive a 0.25 percentage point interest rate discount, the borrower or cosigner must enroll in auto debit through Sallie Mae. The discount applies only during active repayment for as long as the Current Amount Due or Designated Amount is successfully withdrawn from the authorized bank account each month. It may be suspended during forbearance or deferment. Advertised APRs are valid as of 4/25/2023. No payment penalty: Although we do not charge a penalty or fee if you prepay your loan; any prepayment will be applied as outlined in your promissory note- first Unpaid Fees and costs, then to Unpaid interest, then to Current Principal. Terms: Examples of typical costs for a $10,000 Smart Option Student Loan with the most common fixed rate, fixed repayment option, 6-month separation period, and two disbursements: For a borrower with no prior loans and a 4-year in-school period, it works out to a 10.28% fixed APR, 51 payments of $25.00, 119 payments of $182.67 and one payment of $121.71, for a Total Loan Cost of $23,134.44. For a borrower with $20,000 in prior loans and a 2-year in-school period, it works out to a 10.78% fixed APR, 27 payments of $25.00, 179 payments of $132.53 and one payment of $40.35 for a total loan cost of $24,438.22. Loans that are subject to a $50 minimum principal and interest payment amount may receive a loan term that is less than 10 years. Variable Rate: 5.99% to 16.33% APR (with autopay) Fixed Rate: 4.50% to 14.83% APR (with autopay) Effective Date: 5/25/2023 | Apply on partner site | |
4.7 Bankrate Score | Fixed APR From 4.49- 13.80% with AutoPay | Loan Amount $1k- $500K Term: 5-15 yr | Min. Credit 640 | ![]()
UNDERGRADUATE LOANS: Fixed rates from 4.49% to 13.80% annual percentage rate ("APR") (with autopay), variable rates from 5.16% to 13.07% APR (with autopay). GRADUATE LOANS: Fixed rates from 5.25% to 13.60% APR (with autopay), variable rates from 5.79% to 13.07% APR (with autopay). PARENT LOANS: Fixed rates from 6.50% to 13.98% APR (with autopay), variable rates from 6.32% to 13.13% APR (with autopay). For the SoFi variable-rate product, the variable interest rate for a given month is derived by adding a margin to the 30-day average SOFR index, published two business days preceding such calendar month, rounded up to the nearest one hundredth of one percent (0.01% or 0.0001). APRs for variable-rate loans may increase after origination if the SOFR index increases. Interest rates for variable rate loans are capped at 13.95%, unless required to be lower to comply with applicable law. Lowest rates are reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. If approved for a loan, the interest rate offered will depend on your creditworthiness, the repayment option you select, the term and amount of the loan and other factors, and will be within the ranges of rates listed above. The SoFi 0.25% autopay interest rate reduction requires you to agree to make monthly principal and interest payments by an automatic monthly deduction from a savings or checking account. The benefit will discontinue and be lost for periods in which you do not pay by automatic deduction from a savings or checking account. Information current as of 04/28/2023. | Apply on partner site | |
4.1 Bankrate Score | Fixed APR From 3.65- 16.18% with AutoPay | Loan Amount $1k- $400K Term: 5-20 yr | Min. Credit 640 | ![]()
Variable rates will fluctuate over the term of the borrower's loan with changes in the LIBOR rate. The maximum variable rate on the Education Refinance Loan is the greater of 21.00% or Prime Rate plus 9.00%. Rates are subject to change at any time without notice. Your actual rate may be different from the rates advertised and/or shown above and will be based on factors such as the term of your loan, your financial history (including your cosigner’s (if any) financial history) and the degree you are in the process of achieving or have achieved. While not always the case, lower rates typically require creditworthy applicants with creditworthy co-signers, graduate degrees, and shorter repayment terms (terms vary by lender and can range from 5-20 years) and include loyalty and Automatic Payment discounts, where applicable. Loyalty and Automatic Payment discount requirements as well as Lender terms and conditions will vary by lender and therefore, reading each lender’s disclosures is important. Additionally, lenders may have loan minimum and maximum requirements, degree requirements, educational institution requirements, citizenship and residency requirements as well as other lender-specific requirements. | Apply on partner site | |
4.3 Bankrate Score | Fixed APR From 4.44- 15.32% with AutoPay | Loan Amount $1k- $500K Term: 5-20 yr | Min. Credit 680 | ![]()
*College Ave Student Loans products are made available through Firstrust Bank, member FDIC, First Citizens Community Bank, member FDIC, or M.Y. Safra Bank, FSB, member FDIC.. All loans are subject to individual approval and adherence to underwriting guidelines. Program restrictions, other terms, and conditions apply. Rates shown are for the College Ave Undergraduate Loan product and include autopay discount. The 0.25% auto-pay interest rate reduction applies as long as a valid bank account is designated for required monthly payments. If a payment is returned, you will lose this benefit. Variable rates may increase after consummation. This informational repayment example uses typical loan terms for a freshman borrower who selects the Deferred Repayment Option with a 10-year repayment term, has a $10,000 loan that is disbursed in one disbursement and a 8.35% fixed Annual Percentage Rate (“APR”): 120 monthly payments of $179.18 while in the repayment period, for a total amount of payments of $21,501.54. Loans will never have a full principal and interest monthly payment of less than $50. Your actual rates and repayment terms may vary. As certified by your school and less any other financial aid you might receive. Minimum $1,000. Information advertised valid as of 05/01/2023. Variable interest rates may increase after consummation. Approved interest rate will depend on the creditworthiness of the applicant(s), lowest advertised rates only available to the most creditworthy applicants and require selection of full principal and interest payments with the shortest available loan term. | Apply on partner site | |
Income Based Repayment - No Cosigner Required Get approved in minutes. Pre-qualify without affecting your credit score. | ![]()
Edly Student IBR Loans are unsecured personal student loans originated by FinWise Bank, a Utah chartered commercial bank, member FDIC. All loans are subject to eligibility criteria and review of creditworthiness and history. Terms and conditions apply. Loans from $5,000 - $20,000 Example: $10,000 IBR Loan with a 7% gross income payment percentage for a Senior student making $65,000 annually throughout the life of the loan. Payments deferred for the first 12 months during final year of education. After which, $270 Monthly payment for 12 months. Then $379 Monthly payment for 44 months. Followed by one final payment of $137 for a total of $20,610 paid over the life of the loan. About this example The initial payment schedule is set upon receiving final terms and upon confirmation by your school of the loan amount. You may repay this loan at any time by paying an effective APR of 23%. The maximum amount you will pay is $22,500 (not including Late Fees and Returned Check Fees, if any). The maximum number of regularly scheduled payments you will make is 60. You will not pay more than 23% APR. No payment is required if your gross earned income is below $30,000 annually or if you lose your job and cannot find employment. | Apply on partner site | ||||
4.5 Bankrate Score | Fixed APR From 5.74- 14.90% with AutoPay | Loan Amount $1k- $350K Term: 5-15 yr | Min. Credit 680 | ![]()
Actual rate and available repayment terms will vary based on your income. Fixed rates range from 4.70% APR to 15.15% APR (excludes 0.25% Auto Pay discount). Variable rates range from 5.40% APR to 16.67% APR (excludes 0.25% Auto Pay discount). Earnest variable interest rate student loan origination 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. Although the rate will vary after you are approved, it will never exceed 36% (the maximum allowable for this loan). Please note, Earnest Private Student Loans are not available in Nevada. 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. It is important to note that the 0.25% Auto Pay discount is not available while loan payments are deferred. | Apply on partner site | |
4.0 Bankrate Score | Fixed APR From 4.89- 10.39% with AutoPay | Loan Amount $1k- $500K Term: 5-20 yr | Min. Credit 660 | ![]()
Loan products, terms, and benefits may be modified or discontinued by participating lenders at any time without notice. Rates displayed are reserved for the most creditworthy consumers who enroll to make automatic monthly payments. Your initial rate will be determined after a review of your application and credit profile. Variable rates may increase after consummation. You must be either a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident in an eligible state and from an eligible school, and meet the lender's credit and income requirements to qualify for a loan. Certain membership requirements (including the opening of a share account, a minimum share account deposit, and the payment of any applicable association fees in connection with membership) may apply in the event that an applicant wishes to apply with, and accept a loan offered from, a credit union lender. If you are not a member of the credit union lender, you may apply and become a member during the loan application process if you meet the lender's eligibility criteria. Applying with a creditworthy cosigner may result in a better chance of loan approval and/or lower interest rate. Loans for exam preparation classes, including, but not limited to, loans for LSAT, MCAT, GMAT, and GRE preparation, are not available via LendKey.com. | Apply on partner site | |
BEST WITH CO-SIGNER Adding a co-signer increases loan approval likelihood and could help you borrow more money or get a lower interest rate – meaning lower monthly payments & less interest paid over the life of the loan. | 4.0 Bankrate Score | Fixed APR From 4.44- 11.94% with AutoPay | Loan Amount $1k- $225K Term: 5-15 yr | Min. Credit 640 | ![]()
Variable Rate Disclosure: Variable interest rates are based on the 30-day average Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) index, as published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. As of June 1, 2023, the 30-day average SOFR index is 4.99%. Variable interest rates will fluctuate over the term of the loan with changes in the SOFR index, and will vary based on applicable terms, level of degree and presence of a co-signer. The maximum variable interest rate is the greater of 21.00% or the prime rate plus 9.00%. Fixed Rate Disclosure: Fixed rate ranges are based on applicable terms, level of degree, and presence of a co-signer. Lowest Rate Disclosure: Lowest rates are only available for the most creditworthy applicants, require a 5-year repayment term, immediate repayment, a graduate or medical degree (where applicable), and include our Loyalty and Automatic Payment discounts of 0.25 percentage points each, as outlined in the Loyalty Discount and Automatic Payment Discount disclosures. Rates are subject to additional terms and conditions, and are subject to change at any time without notice. Such changes will only apply to applications taken after the effective date of change. | Apply on partner site |
4.2 Bankrate Score | Fixed APR From 4.48- 12.29% | Loan Amount $1k- $500K Term: 5-15 yr | Min. Credit 680 | ![]()
The interest rate and monthly payment for variable rate loans may increase after closing. Your actual interest rate may be different from the rates shown above and will be based on the term of your loan, your financial history, and other factors, including your cosigner’s (if any) financial history. For example, a 10 year loan with a fixed rate of 6% would have 120 payments of $11.00 per $1,000 borrowed. Education Loan Finance Parent Loans are limited to a maximum of the 10-year term. | Apply on partner site | |
4.3 Bankrate Score | Fixed APR From 4.62- 15.91% | Loan Amount $2k- $200K Term: 5-15 yr | Min. Credit Not disclosed | ![]()
Updated disclosure: Ascent's undergraduate and graduate student loans are funded by Bank of Lake Mills, Member FDIC. Loan products may not be available in certain jurisdictions. Certain restrictions, limitations; and terms and conditions may apply. For Ascent Terms and Conditions please visit: www.AscentFunding.com/Ts&Cs. Rates are effective as of 5/1/2023 and reflect an automatic payment discount of either 0.25% (for credit-based loans) OR 1.00% (for undergraduate outcomes-based loans). Automatic Payment Discount is available if the borrower is enrolled in automatic payments from their personal checking account and the amount is successfully withdrawn from the authorized bank account each month. For Ascent rates and repayment examples please visit: AscentFunding.com/Rates. 1% Cash Back Graduation Reward subject to terms and conditions. Cosigned Credit-Based Loan student must meet certain minimum credit criteria. The minimum score required is subject to change and may depend on the credit score of your cosigner. Lowest APRs require interest-only payments, the shortest loan term, and a cosigner, and are only available to our most creditworthy applicants and cosigners with the highest average credit scores. |
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. Loan details presented here are current as of February 15, 2023. Check the lenders’ websites for more current information. The graduate student loan lenders listed here are selected based on factors such as APR, loan amounts, fees and repayment options.
LENDER | APR FOR GRADUATE STUDENT LOANS* | LOAN TERMS | MIN. LOAN AMOUNT | MAX. LOAN AMOUNT |
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U.S. Department of Education: Direct Unsubsidized Loan | 6.54% fixed | Standard repayment term is 10 years | Not specified | $20,500 per year (lifetime limit $138,500) |
Ascent | Fixed: 5.62% - 15.91% (with autopay); Variable: 7.18% - 15.74% (with autopay) | 5, 7, 10, 12, 15, or 20 years | $2,001 | $400,000 (aggregate) |
Citizens Bank | Fixed: 5.00%-10.75%; Variable: 6.36%-12.04% | 5-15 years | $1,000 | $350,000 |
College Ave | Fixed: 4.44%-13.99% (with autopay); Variable: 4.99%-13.99% (with autopay) | 5-20 years | $1,000 | 100% total cost of attendance ($150,000 maximum for some programs) |
U.S. Department of Education: Grad PLUS loan | 7.54% fixed | Standard repayment term is 10 years | Not specified | 100% total cost of attendance |
Sallie Mae | Fixed: 5.25%-14.48% (with autopay); Variable: 6.50%-16.09% (with autopay) | 15-20 years | $1,000 | 100% total cost of attendance |
SoFi | Fixed: 5.25%-13.60% (with autopay); Variable: 5.79%-13.07% (with autopay) | 5-15 years | $1,000 | 100% total cost of attendance |
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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.
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. These are some of the pros and cons of each one.
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.
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.
FEDERAL GRADUATE STUDENT LOANS | PRIVATE GRADUATE STUDENT LOANS | |
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APR | Fixed: 6.54%-7.54% | Fixed: 4.24%-16.43%; Variable: 3.99%-15.32% |
Fees | Origination fees of 1.057%-4.228% | Varies by lender; often only late fees |
Borrowing limits | Direct Unsubsidized Loan: Up to $20,500 per year; Grad PLUS loan: Up to 100% total cost of attendance | Up to 100% total cost of attendance |
Repayment terms | Standard term is 10 years | 5-20 years |
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.
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.
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.
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.