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Highly Rated Private Student Loans

Whether you've maxed out your federal student loans or just need a little more to cover tuition, choosing the right private student loan can make a big difference. Choosing the right loan could offer lower rates, flexible repayment options, and less stress after graduation.

We’ve highlighted private student loans below to help you find the best private student loan to match your financial needs. Explore loans with competitive rates, borrower benefits, and terms that work for you.

LAST UPDATED: August 11, 2025
1
abe-logo
5.0

Rating from NerdWallet as of June 25, 2025

AbeSM Offers Low Rates & In-School Default Protection1

Fixed rates: 2.85 - 15.61% APR2,3
  • Up to 100% of college expenses covered4
  • No application fees, processing fees, or late fees
  • Find your rate in minutes5
  • Four repayment options, five loan terms6
  • In-School Default Protection1
Apply Now
2
custom-choice-logo
5.0

Rating from NerdWallet as of June 25, 2025

Custom Choice - Repayment on Your Terms

  • Fixed Rates: 3.24% - 15.71% APR1,2
  • Design a loan customizable to your needs
  • 2% principal reduction with Grad Reward3
  • Could cover up to 100% of the cost of attendance4
  • Flexible repayment terms5
Apply Now
3
union-federal-logo

Not Yet Rated

Fee-Free Borrowing With Union Federal

  • Fixed Rates: 3.24% - 15.71% APR1,2
  • No fees! Not even late payment fees
  • Cosigner release option3
  • Loan options for international students4
  • Returning Borrower Advantage5
Apply Now
4
citizens-bank-logo
3.6

Rating from NerdWallet as of June 25, 2025

Citizens Bank Offers Multi-Year Approval

  • Fixed Rates: 3.24% - 14.99% APR1,2
  • Students may qualify for multi-year approval3
  • Loyalty discount4 for borrowers or their co-signer (if applicable) with a qualifying Citizens account
  • Find your rate in 2 minutes with no hit to your credit score5
  • Unlock better rates when you apply with a cosigner
Apply Now
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Home Privacy Policy Terms of Use Legal Notice

Abe

Before applying for a private student loan, DR Bank and Monogram LLC recommend exhausting all financial aid alternatives including grants, scholarships, and federal student loans.

The AbeSM student loan is made by DR Bank, Member FDIC (“Lender”).  All loans are subject to individual approval and adherence to Lender’s underwriting guidelines.  Program restrictions and other terms and conditions apply.  LENDER AND MONOGRAM LLC EACH RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. TERMS, CONDITIONS AND RATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE.

  1. Borrowers with Interest Only or Flat Payment Repayment loans that reach at least 90 days delinquent during an in-school deferment period will automatically have their repayment option transitioned from the Interest Only or Flat Payment Repayment option to the Full Deferment Repayment option. Under these circumstances, the interest rate on the loan will automatically increase to match the interest rate associated with the corresponding Full Deferment loan. For an Interest Only loan, the interest rate will increase by one percentage point (1.00%). For a Flat Payment Repayment loan, the interest rate will increase by one quarter of one percentage point (0.25%). Credit reporting prior to the transition of a loan to the Full Deferment repayment option will remain on your record. Any unpaid accrued interest at the end of an in-school deferment period may be capitalized in accordance with the Credit Agreement.
  2. Interest rates and APRs (Annual Percentage Rates) depend upon (1) the student’s and cosigner’s (if applicable) credit histories, (2) the repayment option and repayment term selected, (3) the expected number of years in deferment, (4) the requested loan amount and (5) other information provided on the online loan application. If approved, applicants will be notified of the rate applicable to your loan. Rates and terms are effective as of 8/11/25. The variable interest rate for each calendar month is calculated by adding the 30-Day Average Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) index, or a replacement index if the SOFR index is no longer available, plus a fixed margin assigned to each loan. The SOFR index is published on the website of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The current SOFR index is 4.375% as of 8/1/25. The variable interest rate will change if the SOFR index changes or if a new index is chosen or if you automatically qualify for In-School Default Protection (see footnote 1 for details). The applicable index or margin for variable rate loans may change over time and result in a different APR than shown. The fixed rate assigned to a loan will never change except as required by law or if you request and qualify for the on-time payment discount or auto pay discount or, automatically qualify for In-School Default Protection (see footnote 1 for details).
  3. APRs assume a $10,000 loan with one disbursement. The high APRs assume a 5-year term with the Interest-Only Repayment option, a 31-month deferment period, and a six-month grace period before entering repayment. The low APRs assume a 7-year term, and the Immediate Repayment option with payments beginning 30-60 days after the disbursement via auto pay. See footnote 7 for auto pay details.
  4. The minimum loan amount is $1,000, except for (a) student applicants who are permanent residents of Iowa in which case the minimum loan amount is $1,001, and (b) student applicants or cosigners who are permanent residents of Massachusetts in which case the minimum loan amount is $6,001. The maximum loan amount to cover in-school expenses for each academic year is determined by the school’s cost of attendance, minus other financial aid, such as federal student loans, scholarships, or grants.  The loan amount must be certified by the school. The loan amount cannot cause the aggregate maximum student loan debt (which includes federal and private student loans), on an undergraduate or graduate loan, to exceed $225,000 per applicant (on cosigned applications, separate calculations are performed for the student and cosigner).  On a specialty graduate loan (Dental, Medical, Healthcare, Law and MBA) the loan amount cannot cause the aggregate maximum student loan debt to exceed $350,000
  5. In order to estimate your available rates and loan options, DR Bank will perform a soft credit inquiry, as authorized by you. Soft credit inquiries do not affect your credit. If available, the rates and loan options offered to you are estimates only. Once you submit your application, DR Bank may perform a hard credit inquiry, as authorized by you. Loan approval, options, and final rates depend on the verification of information provided on your application, and information obtained from the credit inquiries of the student applicant and, if applicable, the cosigner.
  6. The 15- and 20- year term and Flat Payment Repayment option (paying $25 per month during in-school deferment) are only available for loan amounts of $5,000 or more. Making interest only or flat interest payments during deferment will not reduce the principal balance of the loan. Payment examples (all assume a 14-month deferment period, a six-month grace period before entering repayment, no auto pay discount, and the Interest Only Repayment option): 5 year term: $10,000 loan, one disbursement, with a 5-year repayment term (60 months) and a 9.30% APR would result in a monthly principal and interest payment of $209.04. 7-year term: $10,000 loan, one disbursement, with a 7-year repayment term (84 months) and a 6.50% APR would result in a monthly principal and interest payment of $148.49. 10-year term: $10,000 loan, one disbursement, with a 10-year repayment term (120 months) and a 6.35% APR would result in a monthly principal and interest payment of $112.79. 15-year term: $10,000 loan, one disbursement, with, a 15-year repayment term (180 months) and a 6.30% APR would result in a monthly principal and interest payment of $86.02. 20-year term: $10,000 loan, one disbursement, with, a 20-year repayment term (240 months) and a 8.38% APR would result in a monthly principal and interest payment of $86.02.
  7. Earn a 0.25% interest rate reduction for making automatic payments from a bank account (“auto pay discount”) by completing the direct debit form provided by the Servicer. The auto pay discount is in addition to other discounts. The auto pay discount will be applied after the Servicer validates your bank account information. Automatic payments and the associated discount will be temporarily discontinued (1) if you elect to stop automatic deduction of payments and (2) during periods when you are not required to make payments. The discount will be permanently discontinued in the event three automatic deductions are returned by the financial institution for any reason.

Abe is a service mark of Monogram LLC.

Monogram LLC (NMLS #2542102) NMLS Consumer Access

Monogram LLC is not an affiliate of DR Bank.

© Copyright 2025 Monogram LLC. All rights reserved.

DR Bank Privacy Notice

Custom Choice

Before applying for a private student loan, Citizens Bank N.A. and Monogram LLC recommend exhausting all financial aid alternatives including grants, scholarships, and federal student loans.

The Custom Choice Loan® is made by Citizens (“Lender”). All loans are subject to individual approval and adherence to Lender’s underwriting guidelines. Program restrictions and other terms and conditions apply. LENDER AND MONOGRAM LLC EACH RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. TERMS, CONDITIONS AND RATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE.

  1. Interest rates and APRs (Annual Percentage Rates) depend upon (1) the student’s and cosigner’s (if applicable) credit histories, (2) the repayment option and repayment term selected, (3) the expected number of years in deferment, (4) the requested loan amount and (5) other information provided on the online loan application. If approved, applicants will be notified of the rate applicable to your loan. Rates and terms are effective as of 8/1/25. The variable interest rate for each calendar month is calculated by adding the 30-Day Average Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) index, or a replacement index if the SOFR index is no longer available, plus a fixed margin assigned to each loan. The SOFR index is published on the website of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The current SOFR index is 4.35% as of 8/1/25. The variable interest rate will change if the SOFR index changes or if a new index is chosen. The applicable index or margin for variable rate loans may change over time and result in a different APR than shown. The fixed rate assigned to a loan will never change except as required by law or if you request and qualify for the auto pay discount. 
  2. APRs assume a $10,000 loan with one disbursement. The high APRs assume a 7-year term with the Flat Payment Repayment option, a deferment period greater than 30 months, and a six-month grace period before entering repayment. The low APRs assume a 7-year term, and the Immediate Repayment option with payments beginning 30-60 days after the disbursement via auto pay. See footnote 6 for auto pay details.
  3. The principal reduction is based on the total dollar amount of all disbursements made, excluding any amounts that are reduced, canceled, or returned. To receive this principal reduction, it must be requested from the Servicer, the student borrower must have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher and proof of such graduation must be provided to the Servicer. This reward is available once during the life of the loan, regardless of whether the student receives more than one degree.
  4. The minimum loan amount is $1,000 except for student applicants who are permanent residents of Iowa in which case the minimum loan amount is $1,001. The maximum annual loan amount to cover in-school expenses for each academic year is determined by the school’s cost of attendance, minus other financial aid, such as federal student loans, scholarships, or grants, up to $99,999 annually. The loan amount must be certified by the school. The loan amount cannot cause the aggregate maximum student loan debt (which includes federal and private student loans) to exceed $180,000 per applicant (on cosigned applications, separate calculations are performed for the student and cosigner).
  5. The 15-year term and Flat Payment Repayment option (paying $25 per month during in-school deferment) are only available for loan amounts of $5,000 or more. Certain repayment terms and/or options may not be available depending on the applicant’s debt-to-income ratio. Making interest only or flat interest payments during deferment will not reduce the principal balance of the loan. Payment examples (all assume a 14-month deferment period, a six-month grace period before entering repayment, no auto pay discount, and the Interest Only Repayment option): 7-year term: $10,000 loan, one disbursement, with a 7-year repayment term (84 months) and a 9.31% APR would result in a monthly principal and interest payment of $162.47. 10-year term: $10,000 loan, one disbursement, with a 10-year repayment term (120 months) and a 9.15% APR would result in a monthly principal and interest payment of $127.49. 15-year term: $10,000 loan, one disbursement, with, a 15-year repayment term (180 months) and a 9.19% APR would result in a monthly principal and interest payment of $102.56.
  6. Earn a 0.25% interest rate reduction for making automatic payments of principal and interest from a bank account (“auto pay discount”) by completing the direct debit form provided by the Servicer. The auto pay discount is in addition to other discounts. The auto pay discount will be applied after the Servicer validates your bank account information. Automatic payments and the associated discount will be temporarily discontinued (1) if you elect to stop automatic deduction of payments and (2) during periods when you are not required to make payments. The discount will be permanently discontinued in the event three automatic deductions are returned by the financial institution for any reason. The auto pay discount is not available when reduced payments are being made or when the loan is in a deferment.

Custom Choice Loan® is a registered trademark of Monogram LLC.

Monogram LLC (NMLS #2542102) NMLS Consumer Access

© Copyright 2025 Monogram LLC. All rights reserved.

Citizens Privacy Policy

Union Federal

Before applying for a private student loan, Citizens Bank N.A. and Monogram LLC recommend exhausting all financial aid alternatives including grants, scholarships, and federal student loans.

The Union Federal® Private Student Loan is made by Citizens (“Lender”). All loans are subject to individual approval and adherence to Lender’s underwriting guidelines. Program restrictions and other terms and conditions apply. LENDER AND MONOGRAM LLC EACH RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. TERMS, CONDITIONS AND RATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE.

  1. Interest rates and APRs (Annual Percentage Rates) depend upon (1) the student’s and cosigner’s (if applicable) credit histories, (2) the repayment option and repayment term selected, (3) the expected number of years in deferment, (4) the requested loan amount and (5) other information provided on the online loan application. If approved, applicants will be notified of the rate applicable to your loan. Rates and terms are effective as of 8/1/25. The variable interest rate for each calendar month is calculated by adding the 30-Day Average Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) index, or a replacement index if the SOFR index is no longer available, plus a fixed margin assigned to each loan. The SOFR index is published on the website of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The current SOFR index is 4.35% as of 8/1/25. The variable interest rate will change if the SOFR index changes or if a new index is chosen. The applicable index or margin for variable rate loans may change over time and result in a different APR than shown. The fixed rate assigned to a loan will never change except as required by law or if you request and qualify for the on-time payment discount or auto pay discount.
  2. APRs assume a $10,000 loan with one disbursement. The high APRs assume a 7-year term with the Flat Payment Repayment option, a deferment period greater than 30 months, and a six-month grace period before entering repayment. The low APRs assume a 7-year term, and the Immediate Repayment option with payments beginning 30-60 days after the disbursement via auto pay. See footnote 6 for auto pay details.
  3. A cosigner may be released from the loan upon request to the Servicer, provided that the student borrower has met certain credit and other criteria, and 36 consecutive monthly principal and interest payments have been received by the Servicer within 10 calendar days after their due date. Late payment(s), or the use of a deferment or forbearance will reset the number of consecutive principal and interest payments to zero. Use of an approved reduced repayment plan will disqualify the loan from being eligible for this benefit.
  4. The Union Federal Private Student Loan is available to applicants who are U.S. citizens, permanent resident aliens, or Eligible Non-Citizens (DACA recipients). International students can apply for the Union Federal Private Student Loan with an eligible cosigner who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien.
  5. A Returning Borrower is a student applicant or a cosigner with either (a) a prior application that is awaiting school certification, or (b) a prior loan that has a disbursement scheduled or completed. Income verification will be waived for Returning Borrowers who report the same employer, employment status, singular income source and an annual income amount within 25% of the annual income amount previously verified from such income source on a prior application or loan with an income verified date within eighteen (18) months of the hard pull decision date of the new application. If more than one prior application or loan with an income verified date within eighteen (18) months of the hard pull decision date for the creditworthy applicant exists, the most recent qualifying application or loan will be used to verify income.
  6. Earn a 0.25% interest rate reduction for making automatic payments of principal and interest from a bank account (“auto pay discount”) by completing the direct debit form provided by the Servicer. The auto pay discount is in addition to other discounts. The auto pay discount will be applied after the Servicer validates your bank account information. Automatic payments and the associated discount will be temporarily discontinued (1) if you elect to stop automatic deduction of payments and (2) during periods when you are not required to make payments. The discount will be permanently discontinued in the event three automatic deductions are returned by the financial institution for any reason. The auto pay discount is not available when reduced payments are being made or when the loan is in a deferment.

Union Federal is a registered trademark of Monogram LLC. Union Federal Private Student Loans are not offered in connection with the federal government or any lender other than Citizens.

Monogram LLC (NMLS #2542102) NMLS Consumer Access

Monogram LLC is not an affiliate of Citizens.

© Copyright 2025 Monogram LLC. All rights reserved.

Citizens Privacy Policy

Citizens

© 2025 Citizens Financial Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Citizens is a brand name of Citizens Bank, N.A. Member FDIC

Citizens provides student lending services for US residents in the following United States and U.S. Territories: AL, AK, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY, AS, GU, MP, PR, TT, VI

  1. Fixed rate ranges are based on applicable terms, level of degree, and presence of a co-signer.
  2. Lowest rates are only available for the most creditworthy applicants, require a 5-year repayment term, include our Loyalty and Automatic Payment discounts of 0.25 percentage points each, and repayment type selection of Interest-Only on In-School Loans and Immediate Repayment on Education Refinance Loans. 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.
  3. Funds available for future use are subject to a soft credit inquiry at time of your next request to verify continued eligibility. After we make the initial Loan to you, you must continue to meet eligibility criteria to obtain additional funds under the Multi-Year Approval feature. Terms and conditions are outlined in the promissory note. Multi-Year Approval borrowers have a 99% approval rate on future requests for additional funds. The additional funds approval rate is based on the percentage of approved Multi-Year borrowers from Citizens between October 1, 2023 and October 1, 2024. The approval rate represents only borrowers who had previously accepted the Multi-Year Approval offer. Please Note: International students are not eligible for Multi-Year Approval.
  4. The borrower will be eligible for a 0.25 percentage point interest rate reduction on their loan if the borrower or their co-signer (if applicable) have a qualifying account in existence, or who open a new, qualifying Citizens account before signing the final loan documents. The following are qualifying accounts: personal checking, personal savings, personal credit card or previous student loans owned by Citizens Bank, N.A. Please note, our checking and savings account options are only available in the following states: CT, DC, DE, FL, MA, MD, MI, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, VA, and VT and some products may have an associated cost. This discount will be reflected in the interest rate disclosed in the Loan Approval Disclosure that will be provided to the borrower once the loan is approved. Limit of one Loyalty Discount per loan and discount will not be applied to prior loans. The Loyalty Discount will remain in effect for the life of the loan.
  5. Selecting "Get My Rate" only requires a "soft credit pull" which does not affect your credit score. Submitting a full application will result in an inquiry on your credit report.

Citizens Privacy Policy