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Best student loans without a cosigner in June 2025

Updated May 19, 2025

What to know first: Borrowing a student loan without a cosigner can be tricky, as many lenders require a good-to-excellent credit score. But you still have options, even if you’re establishing a credit history for the first time. Federal student loans don’t require a cosigner, and a few lenders offer outcome-based approval.

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College Ave: Bankrate 2025 Award Winner Best For Multiyear Approval

4.5
Fixed APR from
3.43- 17.99%
Loan term
5-15 yrs
Loan amount
$1,000-100% cost of attendance
See offersArrow Right

On College Ave's website

Ascent: Bankrate 2025 Award Winner Best For Bootcamps And Vocational Programs

4.6
Fixed APR from
3.45- 16.49%
Loan term
10-15 yrs
Loan amount
$1,000-100% cost of attendance
See offersArrow Right

On Sallie Mae's website

STUDENT LOAN

Earnest: Best for repayment flexibility

4.4
Fixed APR from
3.47- 16.49%
Loan term
5-15 yrs
Loan amount
$1,000-100% cost of attendance
See offersArrow Right

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Citizens Bank: Bankrate 2025 Award Winner Best For Parents

4.6
Fixed APR from
3.49- 14.99%
Loan term
5-15 yrs
Loan amount
$1,000-$225,000
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STUDENT LOAN

Custom Choice: Best for short co-signer release period

4.2
Fixed APR from
3.49- 14.04%
Loan term
7-15 yrs
Loan amount
$1,000-$180,000
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SoFi: Bankrate 2025 Award Winner For Borrowers With Good Credit

4.8
Fixed APR from
3.54- 15.99%
Loan term
5-15 yrs
Loan amount
$1,000-100% cost of attendance
See offersArrow Right

Check rate with SoFi

STUDENT LOAN

Education Loan Finance: Best for customer service

4.4
Fixed APR from
3.69- 14.22%
Loan term
5-15 yrs
Loan amount
$1,000-100% cost of attendance
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STUDENT LOAN

INvested: Best for Indiana-based students

Fixed APR from
4.62- 8.58%
Loan term
5-15 yrs
Loan amount
$1,000-100% cost of attendance
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STUDENT LOAN

MEFA: Best for low maximum APR

Fixed APR from
5.75- 8.95%
Loan term
10-15 yrs
Loan amount
$1,500-100% cost of attendance
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Ascent: Best for outcomes-based approval

4.7
Fixed APR from
8.49- 14.01%
Loan term
5-15 yrs
Loan amount
$2,001-$400,000
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A closer look at the best student loans without a cosigner 

Dive into each lender’s details, including what helps it stand out and what type of borrowers it suits best.

College Ave: Bankrate Award 2025 winner best for multiyear approval

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
4.5

Overview: College Ave was founded in 2014 and offers undergraduate and graduate private student loans. College Ave also offers career loans, making its products available to a wide range of students in every phase of their educational journey.

Fixed APR
3.43%–17.99%
Loan amount
$1,000-100% cost of attendance
Loan term
5-15 yrs

Earnest: Best for repayment flexibility

Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5
4.4

Overview: Earnest is a fintech company headquartered in California that offers undergraduate, graduate and refinance student loans. It also provides a rate match guarantee, matching any competitor rate and giving you an Amazon gift card bonus.

Fixed APR
3.47%–16.49%
Loan amount
$1,000-100% cost of attendance
Loan term
5-15 yrs

Sallie Mae: Bankrate 2025 Award winner for best bootcamps and vocational programs

Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5
4.6

Overview: Sallie Mae is one of the most well-known student loan lenders in the U.S market due to its size, flexible repayment terms and free online tools. Plus, the lender supports a variety of career programs and students, including those attending half-time or less, students enrolled in online or summer classes, students studying abroad and those pursuing a professional certification course.

Fixed APR
3.45%–16.49%
Loan amount
$1,000-100% cost of attendance
Loan term
10-15 yrs

Citizens Bank: Bankrate 2025 Award winner best for parents

Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5
4.6

Overview: Citizens Bank is the oldest lender on this list and has been serving student loan borrowers for about 40 years. Although its loans are available to borrowers across the nation, those who live in one of the 14 states with a physical branch can receive in-person assistance.

Fixed APR
3.49%–14.99%
Loan amount
$1,000-$225,000
Loan term
5-15 yrs

Custom Choice: Best for short cosigner release period

Rating: 4.2 stars out of 5
4.2

Overview: Custom Choice offers unique benefits that make it stand out. For one, the lender doesn't require that you meet your school's Satisfactory Academic Progress to get approved. And its graduation reward — a 2 percent principal discount — is twice the size of what other lenders offer.

Fixed APR
3.49%–14.04%
Loan amount
$1,000-$180,000
Loan term
7-15 yrs

SoFi: Bankrate 2025 Award winner for borrowers with good credit

Rating: 4.8 stars out of 5
4.8

Overview: SoFi is the 2025 Bankrate Award winner for borrowers with good credit. It offers private student loans for creditworthy undergraduate and graduate students who are in satisfactory academic and financial standing. Among its perks is access to professional financial planning.

Fixed APR
3.54%–15.99%
Loan amount
$1,000-100% cost of attendance
Loan term
5-15 yrs

ELFI: Best for customer service

Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5
4.4

Overview: Education Loan Finance's student loans come with low interest rates and a wide range of loan amounts. ELFI has stricter eligibility requirements than other lenders, with a minimum credit score of 680 and a minimum income of $35,000. However, it doesn't require undergraduates to add a cosigner if they meet these requirements on their own.

Fixed APR
3.69%–14.22%
Loan amount
$1,000-100% cost of attendance
Loan term
5-15 yrs

INvestED: Best for Indiana-based students

Overview: Indiana-based lender INvestED exclusively serves students who have a permanent address in or attend school in Indiana. The lender takes an active role in increasing state residents’ literacy around student loans by providing financial aid resources to high schools and hosting FAFSA filing events.

Fixed APR
4.62%–8.58%
Loan amount
$1,000-100% cost of attendance
Loan term
5-15 yrs

MEFA: Best for low maximum APR

Overview: Created by the Massachusetts state legislature in 1982, MEFA is an online lender with a mission to make college more affordable and accessible. Its low APR range and student success resources set this lender apart from the rest. The lender also offers saving plans to Massachusetts residents.

Fixed APR
5.75%–8.95%
Loan amount
$1,500-100% cost of attendance
Loan term
10-15 yrs

Ascent: Best for outcomes-based approval

Rating: 4.7 stars out of 5
4.7

Overview: Ascent offers student loans for undergraduate, graduate, international and DACA students, but it stands out for its non-cosigned options for undergraduates. There are two options: credit-based and outcomes-based loans. Both come with multiple repayment options and large loan amounts.

Fixed APR
8.49%–14.01%
Loan amount
$2,001-$400,000
Loan term
5-15 yrs

Federal student loans: Best overall

Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5
4.4

Overview: Federal Direct Unsubsidized and Direct Subsidized Loans are offered to all students attending qualifying institutions. Unlike private loans, they don't require a credit check to apply and carry the same fixed rate for all borrowers. Plus, when you apply for federal loans through the FAFSA, you're also applying for need-based financial aid and grants.

Fixed APR
6.53%–8.08%
Loan amount
$5.5k– $58k
Loan term
10-25 yrs

Funding U: Best for good grades

Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5
3.5

Overview: Funding U exclusively serves undergraduate borrowers without cosigners. Its loan amounts are relatively low, and its starting APR is relatively high. But for borrowers who wouldn’t qualify with most lenders based on credit score and income, it could be one of the cheapest loan options. Note that Funding U does check for past credit issues, like missed payments.

Fixed APR
8.49%–13.99%
Loan amount
$3,001-$20,000
Loan term
5-10 yrs

Calculate your student loans without a cosigner payment

Use Bankrate's calculator to find the perfect loan repayment plan for you. Enter different loan amounts, terms and interest rates to compare estimated monthly payments and see how much total interest you'll pay.

How to compare student loans without a cosigner

To find the best loan for your situation, you'll want to compare a few lenders. When doing your research, consider these factors:

  • Interest rate
  • Repayment terms
  • Minimum and maximum loan amounts
  • Grace period
  • Estimated monthly payment 
  • Lender reviews and customer support options

Prequalifying with lenders allows you to see interest rates and loan terms based on your financial information. With these numbers, you can use a student loan calculator to see what your estimated monthly payment would be. 

Student loans without a cosigner interest rates

Interest rates for student loans without a cosigner are typically higher than loans with a cosigner because the lender is taking on more risk. For student loans with a cosigner, the cosigner's credit score is used to determine the rate, and a higher score will result in a better rate. A cosigner also adds a layer of protection — someone who can take over the financial responsibilities of a cosigned loan if the primary borrower (the student) can't make payments.

What are student loans without a cosigner?

A student loan without a cosigner is a loan for which the borrower is solely responsible and only their information is used to qualify and determine the rate and terms. It may be a riskier loan for lenders since college students typically won't have a built-up credit history, high credit score or qualifying income. To get a student loan without a cosigner, you'll need to meet the eligibility requirements yourself.

Federal loans are need-based, so most don't require a cosigner. However, you may have difficulty getting a private student loan without a cosigner because they typically have a minimum credit score requirement, usually in the mid-600s. If you haven't built a credit history, or have a lower income or credit score, you may need a student loan cosigner.

Pros and cons of student loans without a cosigner 

Consider both the pros and cons of taking out a student loan without a cosigner before making a final decision. 

Green circle with a checkmark inside

Pros

  • Don't need to find a creditworthy cosigner.
  • May be able to qualify based on academic merit or future earning potential.
  • Simpler application process, since you don’t have to submit a cosigner’s info.
Red circle with an X inside

Cons

  • Loans may be more expensive, depending on your credit score.
  • Generally harder to get approved for.
  • Offered by fewer lenders.

How to get a student loan without a cosigner

If you don’t have a creditworthy cosigner, or you simply want to get a student loan without a parent, federal student loans should be your first option. Once you've exhausted this financial assistance, look into private student loans.

  1. Fill out the FAFSA: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is your ticket to federal aid, including federal student loans. Fill out this form before every school year to see how much you can borrow in federal student loans. The application opens on Oct. 1, and it's the only way to access federal aid.
  2. Get prequalified with private lenders: A critical step in taking out private student loans is getting prequalified with several lenders — three is a good benchmark. Prequalification does not affect your credit score, and it allows you to compare your actual rates with private lenders.
  3. Send in an application: Most private lenders will have a completely digital application process. Once you've decided on a lender, you'll select your loan amount and loan term, then provide copies of personal and financial documents.
  4. Receive your loan funds: In most cases, student loan funds will be sent directly to your school to cover tuition and fees. Any amount remaining will be sent to you to cover books, supplies, housing and more.
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BANKRATE EXPERT FAQ

Ask the experts: Can you get a low rate without a cosigner?


Writer and Consumer Lending Analyst

“Federal student loans don't require cosigners and their interest rates are competitive. As for private loans, it's possible to get a low rate without a cosigner — but unlikely for most students, particularly undergraduates. That's because lenders award their basement APRs to applicants with excellent credit and strong income sources, among other criteria. If you're a teen or 20-something, you likely haven't had enough time to build an extensive credit history or even work a full-time job. On the other hand, if you're a graduate student or the parent of an undergrad (borrowing on behalf of your child), you might have the strong financials necessary to secure a low APR on a non-cosigned private loan.”

Bankrate Expert Contributor, Student Loans

"All federal education loans do not require a cosigner. Federal student loans have low fixed interest rates that do not depend on your credit score. If you have excellent credit, you might be able to qualify for a private student loan without a cosigner. But, most borrowers need a creditworthy cosigner to qualify for a private student loan and to get a low interest rate. More than 90 percent of private student loans to undergraduate students and more than two-thirds of private student loans to graduate students require a creditworthy cosigner. A cosigner with a better credit score can help you qualify for a lower interest rate."

FAQs about student loans without a cosigner

How we chose the best no-cosigner student loan providers 

Bankrate's trusted personal loans industry expertise

48

years in business

25

lenders reviewed

16

loan features weighed

400

data points collected

The Bankrate team evaluated over two dozen lenders to select our top picks for the best student loans. To do this, Bankrate uses a 16-point system to evaluate student loan lenders. This scoring criteria measures how lenders perform across three main categories.

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.