- Fixed APR range
- 3.69%–16.49%
- Variable APR range
- 5.24%–16.20%
- Loan amount
- $1K–100% of costs
- Cosigner release
- Not offered
Why it stands out
Earnest highlights
- Nine-month post-graduation grace period
- Skip one payment per year with no fee
- No origination, late, or prepayment fees
- Precision pricing sets your monthly payment to the dollar
The verdict at a glance
Pros and cons
Pros
- Longest grace period of the major private lenders
- Flexible payment features cut penalties during rough months
- Underwriting looks at savings and career trajectory
Cons
- No cosigner release, so a cosigner must refinance to exit
- Not available to residents of a few states
Our full review
Our take on Earnest
Earnest extends a nine-month grace period after graduation, three months longer than the industry norm, and lets you skip one payment a year without penalty. It weighs savings and earning potential in underwriting, which can help thin-file students.
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Figures shown are illustrative editorial examples and may change. Confirm current rates, fees, and terms on Earnest’s own site before you apply.
The alternatives
How Earnest compares
Other top-rated lenders in Student Loans. Compare the numbers side by side before you decide.
| # | Provider | Rating | Fixed APR range | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sallie Mae | 3.49%–15.49% | Undergrads who want proven scale | See Rates | |
| 2 | College Ave | 3.59%–16.99% | Borrowers who want to shape repayment | See Rates | |
| 3 | SoFi | 3.42%–15.86% | Strong-credit students chasing low APR | See Rates | |
| 4 | Ascent | 3.79%–16.28% | Students without a cosigner | View Offer |
- Sallie Mae4.9Best for Undergrads who want proven scale
- College Ave4.8Best for Borrowers who want to shape repayment
- SoFi4.6Best for Strong-credit students chasing low APR
- Ascent4.3Best for Students without a cosigner