Best for low rates

College Ave
4.3Check rate with Bankrate
- Min. credit score:
- 680
- Fixed APR From:
- 4.44% –15.32%
- Loan amount:
- $1,000– $500,000
- Term lengths:
- 5 to 20 years
- Min. annual income:
- $35,000
Holly Johnson writes expert content on personal finance, credit cards, loyalty and insurance topics. In addition to writing for Bankrate and CreditCards.com, Johnson does ongoing work for clients that include CNN, Forbes Advisor, LendingTree, Time Magazine and more.
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 of the best MBA student loans factors in the interest rates, terms and features each lender offers. You’ll also find information about how much an MBA costs, how to apply for loans, and how to choose between federal and private loans.
MBA loans are a type of student loan designed for students looking to earn a Master of Business Administration. MBA degrees are pricey, costing up to $120,000 per year at top-ranked programs. For many students, gift aid and savings aren’t enough to cover that cost. That’s when MBA loans can come in handy.
Borrowers should typically start their search with federal student loans, which come with one fixed interest rate for all borrowers, plus perks like income-driven repayment plans. However, borrowers can also find MBA loans with private lenders, which feature a wide range of loan amounts and repayment terms. Private lender rates range between about 4 percent and 15 percent, depending on your credit score and history.
While federal loans come with low fixed interest rates and protections like deferment and forbearance, private student loans for an MBA program may also make sense. That’s especially true if you have a solid credit score and a stable source of income.
When choosing private lenders, comparing quotes is key to finding the best offer. Here are some of the most important factors to consider to ensure you get the best deal:
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 4.24- 13.55% with AutoPay | Loan Amount $1k- $500K Term: 5-15 yr | Min. Credit 640 | ![]()
UNDERGRADUATE LOANS: Fixed rates from 4.24% to 13.55% annual percentage rate ("APR") (with autopay), variable rates from 5.24% to 12.82% APR (with autopay). GRADUATE LOANS: Fixed rates from 5.00% to 13.35% APR (with autopay), variable rates from 5.74% to 12.82% APR (with autopay). PARENT LOANS: Fixed rates from 6.25% to 13.73% APR (with autopay), variable rates from 6.07% to 12.88% 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 05/31/2023. | 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 06/01/2023. 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. |
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When shopping for an MBA 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 Dec. 8, 2022. Check the lenders’ websites for more current information. The MBA loan companies listed here are selected based on factors such as APR, loan amounts, fees, credit requirements and more. To learn more about how we selected lenders, see our methodology section below.
LENDER | CURRENT APR RANGE FOR MBA STUDENT LOANS* | LOAN TERMS | LOAN AMOUNT RANGE | MINIMUM CREDIT SCORE |
---|---|---|---|---|
Federal grad PLUS student loans | 7.54% fixed | Standard term is 10 years | Up to 100% total cost of attendance | None |
College Ave | Fixed: 4.44%-13.99% (with autopay); Variable: 5.09%-13.99% (with autopay) | 5-15 years | $1,000-$150,000 | Not disclosed |
SoFi | Fixed: 5.00%-12.90% (with autopay); Variable: 5.74%-12.52% (with autopay) | 5-15 years | $1,000-100% total cost of attendance | 640 |
Sallie Mae | Fixed: 5.25%-14.48% (with autopay); Variable: 6.50%-16.09% (with autopay) | 15 years | $1,000-100% total cost of attendance | Not disclosed |
Citizens Bank | Fixed: 5.00%-10.75%; Variable: 6.53%-12.19% | 5-15 years | $1,000-$225,000 | Not disclosed |
Earnest | Fixed: 4.45%-14.75% (with autopay); Variable: 5.49%-16.42% (with autopay) | 5-15 years | $1,000-100% total cost of attendance | 650 |
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Borrowers must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents or apply with a co-signer who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. They must also be attending an MBA program at a participating degree-granting school; certificates and continuing education programs are not eligible. Sallie Mae does not disclose its credit or income requirements.
Borrowers may be assessed a 5 percent fee for late payments, up to $25, and a returned check fee of up to $20.
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Citizens Bank borrowers must be U.S. citizens, permanent residents or eligible noncitizens with a co-signer who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Co-signers are also required for borrowers who do not have “reasonably strong credit” or who are not the age of majority. Borrowers must also be enrolled at least half-time in a degree-granting program and have no prior student loan defaults.
Citizens Bank may charge late and returned payment fees.
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When looking for a loan for your MBA degree, you have two options: federal or private.
It’s typically best to opt for federal student loans before taking out private ones. Federal loans come with robust borrower protections, repayment programs such as income-driven repayment and forgiveness programs such as Public Service Loan Forgiveness. If you have bad credit, federal loans will likely offer you better rates than private lenders.
There are some circumstances when private student loans might be a better choice. If you have excellent credit and reliable income, you may qualify for lower rates with private lenders. Private student loans may also be your only option if you’re an international student.
Federal student loans are offered by the federal government and managed by private servicers. Interest rates and standard term lengths are the same for all borrowers, regardless of financial profile.
Graduate students can choose between Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Direct grad PLUS loans. Direct Unsubsidized Loans allow you to borrow up to $20,500 annually and $138,500 total with an interest rate of 6.54 percent, and they don't require a credit check. Students need to be enrolled at least half-time and be in good academic standing to qualify.
Grad PLUS loans allow you to borrow up to the total cost of attendance, as certified by the school, with an interest rate of 7.54 percent. Although these loans don’t have a minimum credit score requirement, if you have an adverse credit history you may need to add a co-signer or prove your poor credit report is due to circumstances beyond your control.
The FAFSA is the only way to apply for federal student loans. Here's what to know:
Whether you opt to max out your federal loan options or go with a private lender, here are the most important factors you should consider:
MBA student loans are loans that can help you pay for the cost of your Master of Business Administration (MBA). They typically have flexible repayment terms and can be used for tuition, fees, housing, books, supplies and more. Some lenders allow you to defer payments during your degree and internship. Rates range from about 4 percent to 15 percent.
MBA student loans can come from either the federal government or private lenders. While there may be lifetime limits, often you can borrow up to the full cost of your education. Most lenders also give you the option of making payments while you’re still in school, but you may also be able to make interest-only payments or partial payments until you graduate.
Many MBA loans also let you defer payments until six months or longer after you graduate, which can give you time to get on your feet and into a new job before you have to worry about your student loan debt. Most MBA loans are repaid over a term of five to 25 years.
A National Center for Education Statistics study found that the average student loan balance for MBA graduates who borrow for their education is around $66,300. Of course, that number could be higher or lower depending on the price of your school and how many scholarships or grants you earn. Many MBA student loan lenders will let you borrow up to the full cost of education, although some impose lifetime limits.
It's usually best to start your student loan search with federal student loans. Federal loans come with protections you can’t get with private student loans, such as income-driven repayment plans and loan forgiveness programs. Even private lenders encourage you to exhaust federal options first — you can always use private loans to supplement what a federal loan won't cover.
If you've decided to take out a private student loan, take the time to compare lenders in terms of the rates they offer, their repayment options and other perks you can qualify for. It can be helpful to find a lender that offers a discount for autopay, for example, and one that will let you borrow up to the cost of attendance for school.
Your repayment period for an MBA loan will depend on the lender you choose. Most lenders set repayment terms between five and 15 years, while federal repayment plans range between 10 and 25 years. Of course, you can always pay off the debt early to save on interest charges.
Whether an MBA degree is worth the price tag depends on your circumstances. One Gallup poll found that 42 percent of graduates considered their MBA degree worth the cost; however, this depends on how much debt you incur and what your job prospects are after graduation. For instance, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for marketing managers is $153,440, while the average salary for market research analysts is $76,080.
In August 2022, the Biden administration announced a plan to cancel up to $20,000 in federal student loan debt for eligible borrowers. Although the plan is currently on hold until the current litigation between the U.S. Department of Education and the Supreme Court is resolved, it is estimated that 43 million borrowers are eligible for relief.
In the meantime, federal student loan payments will remain paused until 60 days after the litigation is resolved or 60 days after June 30, 2023 — whichever comes first.
If all of your debt is held by private lenders, the Biden administration’s student loan forgiveness plan will not impact you. However, if you hold federal loan debt, you could qualify for up to $20,000 in forgiveness.
Borrowers are eligible for up to $10,000 in federal student loan forgiveness — including both undergraduate and graduate debt — if their adjusted gross income is under $125,000 annually. Married borrowers who file their taxes jointly and make under $250,000 a year are also eligible for up to $10,000.
If you meet the income requirements and are a current or former Pell Grant recipient, you are eligible for up to $20,000 in forgiveness.
You can apply for debt relief on the studentaid.gov website until website once the form becomes available.
To find the best MBA student loans, we first sought out lenders that are reputable and available to borrowers throughout the United States. We also ensured that any lenders we chose advertised low starting interest rates.
To determine our final rankings, we then compared lenders' APR ranges, repayment terms, loan amounts and fees. The best lenders offered perks beyond the standard loan, such as multiyear approval or rewards for good grades and timely payments.