- Fixed APR range
- 3.49%–15.49%
- Variable APR range
- 5.04%–15.70%
- Loan amount
- $1K–100% of costs
- Cosigner release
- After 12 payments
Why it stands out
Sallie Mae highlights
- Borrow up to 100% of the school-certified cost of attendance
- No origination fee and no prepayment penalty
- Four repayment plans, including interest-only while in school
- Free quarterly FICO score and Chegg Study perks for students
The verdict at a glance
Pros and cons
Pros
- Widest lineup of loans across undergrad, grad, and parent needs
- Multi-year advantage smooths borrowing for later school years
- Deferred, fixed, and interest-only in-school payment choices
Cons
- Cosigner release requires 12 on-time principal-and-interest payments
- Rates for weaker credit profiles land at the high end
Our full review
Our take on Sallie Mae
Sallie Mae covers 100% of school-certified costs with no origination or prepayment fees, and it lends to undergrads, grad students, and parents alike. Its multi-year approval option lets returning students borrow again without a fresh full application.
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Figures shown are illustrative editorial examples and may change. Confirm current rates, fees, and terms on Sallie Mae’s own site before you apply.
The alternatives
How Sallie Mae 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 | College Ave | 3.59%–16.99% | Borrowers who want to shape repayment | See Rates | |
| 2 | SoFi | 3.42%–15.86% | Strong-credit students chasing low APR | See Rates | |
| 3 | Earnest | 3.69%–16.49% | Students who value repayment breathing room | See Rates | |
| 4 | Ascent | 3.79%–16.28% | Students without a cosigner | View Offer |
- College Ave4.8Best for Borrowers who want to shape repayment
- SoFi4.6Best for Strong-credit students chasing low APR
- Earnest4.5Best for Students who value repayment breathing room
- Ascent4.3Best for Students without a cosigner