Nelnet Student Loans: 2023 Review

Name: Nelnet Student Loans
Item: Nelnet
Rating: 4.2
Author: Hanneh Bareham

Written by

Hanneh Bareham

Edited by

Aylea Wilkins

Updated on Jan. 1, 2023

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At a glance

4.2

Bankrate Score

Repayment Options

4.6

Affordability

3.4

Customer Experience

4.5

Nelnet’s student loan business was called U-fi From Nelnet — but it has since incorporated U-fi under its main brand. New applications will all go through Nelnet Bank, rather than the U-fi. Though if you started an application before April 11, 2022, you can continue it from the U-fi website.

Loan amount $1,000 to $500,000

APR from 6.27% Variable; 4.49% Fixed

Term lengths 5 to 15 years

Min Credit Score 680

Nelnet Bank is best for borrowers with above-average credit who want flexibility when it comes to repayment terms and options, particularly because Nelnet's interest rates for good-credit borrowers are extremely low.

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Nelnet features

Nelnet offers private student loans and refinancing, with a simple application process and a robust catalog of articles about student loans and paying for college. Many Nelnet reviews are also positive making it a good option for students entering college for the first time.

That said, its borrowing caps are relatively low, especially if you’re applying as an undergraduate. While many student loan lenders let you borrow up to the total cost of your education, Nelnet sets the limit at $125,000 for undergraduates. Graduate students can borrow up to $500,000.

Nelnet: In the details

Loan Amount

$1,000 to $500,000 (depending on degree)

APR from

6.27% to 16.03% variable APR, 4.49% to 15.07% fixed APR (with autopay)

Min. credit score

680

Term lengths

5 to 15 years

Grace period

6 months

Repayment terms

5 to 15 years

Loan types

Undergraduate, graduate, MBA, law, health professions

Cosigner required?

Pros and cons of Nelnet student loans

Nelnet student loans are flexible and can fund your undergraduate or graduate education. Here’s what you need to know before you apply.

PROS

Clear eligibility requirements: Nelnet is upfront about its eligibility requirements for student loans, including minimum credit score and income requirements. This makes it easier to determine if the lender is right for you.
Plenty of repayment options: Borrowers can choose a term between five and 15 years.
Co-signer release: After 24 consecutive, on-time payments, you can release your co-signer if desired.

CONS

Low loan caps for undergraduates: Undergraduate borrowers may borrow only up to $125,000.
High credit score requirements: Borrowers with credit scores lower than 680 may find it harder to acquire a loan from Nelnet.
Not available in all states: Nelnet loans aren’t available in the state of Vermont.

Nelnet student loan requirements

In order to apply for a private student loan with Nelnet, you must:

Be enrolled at least half time at an eligible college or university.
Be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident, or have an eligible co-signer who meets the requirements.
Have an annual income of at least $36,000.
Have a credit score of at least 680.
Have no bankruptcies on file for the past seven years.
Have no previous defaults on a student loan.

Who is this loan good for?

Nelnet's student loans are good for borrowers with above-average credit who want flexibility when it comes to repayment terms and options, particularly because Nelnet's interest rates for good-credit borrowers are extremely low.

Interest rates and terms

Nelnet has an autopay discount: You can save 0.25 percent by setting up automatic payments. The rates below include this discount.

Loan product	Variable rate	Fixed rate
Private student loans	6.27%-16.03% APR	4.49%-15.07%

Fees and penalties

Nelnet does not charge an origination fee. However, it does charge a late payment fee of 5 percent of the amount of the due payment, or $25, whichever amount is less on payments that are more than 15 days past due. You will also be assessed a $20 fee on returned late payments.

Repayment terms and grace period

Nelnet has fairly straightforward repayment terms. The grace period is six months, and repayment terms are from five to 15 years. When you receive your loan, you have three repayment options:

Immediate repayment: Make full principal and interest payments as soon as the loan is disbursed.
Interest-only: Make interest-only payments while in school.
Deferment: Make no payments until after you graduate.

Customer service

Nelnet has an A+ rating. The BBB’s score considers complaint history and how well the institution has responded to those complaints. Its customer service can be reached at 800-446-4190 or by email. Its customer service can be reached at 800-446-4190 Monday through Friday from 7am to 8pm (Central Time) or by email. You can also send a message through the lender’s website.. can also send a message through the lender’s website.

How to apply for a loan with Nelnet

Nelnet’s application process is completely online. In order to apply, you’ll need to gather information like your Social Security number, your estimated annual income, your school name, the amount you’d like to borrow and your credit score. After approval, you’ll be offered an interest rate.

Here’s what the process looks like when applying for a student loan through Nelnet:

Start the loan application process on Nelnet's website. You’ll start by clicking on the “Get Started” button on the site.
Once you pick what type of applicant you are, you'll need to create an account. To create it, you will need to provide your name and email address and create a password.
Be prepared to provide personal information, including your date of birth and Social Security number. If you are applying with a co-signer, you can also add them.
Once you receive your loan offer, you can decide whether to accept it. If you do, your loan information will be sent to your school for certification.

How Bankrate rates Nelnet

Overall Score	4.2	Explanation
Availability	4.6	Nelnet has a low loan minimum and is available nationwide; however, its loan maximums are relatively low.
Affordability	3.4	Nelnet earns high marks for its low interest rates, though it does charge a few fees and has a short grace period.
Customer Experience	4.5	While Nelnet has a good online platform and a mobile app, its customer service hours are not disclosed.

Editorial disclosure: All reviews are prepared by Bankrate.com staff. Opinions expressed therein are solely those of the reviewer and have not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. The information, including rates and fees, presented in the review is accurate as of the date of the review. Check the data at the top of this page and the lender’s website for the most current information.

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