Here at Credible Operations, Inc. (NMLS No. 1681276) (hereafter referred to as “Credible”), our goal is to give you the tools and confidence you need to improve your finances. We promote the products of financial institutions we work with in exchange for our services, but all opinions are our own.
The latest private student loan rates from the Credible marketplace are updated weekly. (iStock)
During the week of May 13, 2024, the average interest rate on private student loans increased for borrowers with credit scores of 720 or higher who used the Credible marketplace to take out a 10-year fixed-rate loan, but decreased for a five-year adjustable-rate loan.
- 10 year fixed rate: 8.57%, up from 8.14% last week, +0.43
- 5 year variable rate: 7.47%, down from 8.54% last week, -1.07
Through Credible, you can compare interest rates on private student loans from multiple lenders.
Interest rates on 10-year fixed private student loans rose nearly half a percentage point, while interest rates on five-year variable student loans fell by just over 1 percentage point.
Borrowers with good credit may find lower interest rates on private student loans than some federal loans. Federal student loan interest rates for the 2023-24 academic year will range from 5.50% to 8.05%. Currently, private student loan interest rates may be lower for borrowers with good or excellent credit.
Because federal loans have certain benefits, such as access to income-driven repayment plans, you should always exhaust all your federal student loan options first before turning to private student loans to cover a funding gap. there is. Private lenders, such as banks, credit unions, and online lenders, offer private student loans. Private loans can be used to pay for education and living expenses that are not covered by federal education loans.
Private student loan interest rates and terms vary depending on your financial situation, credit history, and the financial institution you choose.
Take a look at interest rates from Credible partner lenders for borrowers who used the Credible Marketplace to select a lender during the week of May 13th.
Private student loan interest rates (graduate and undergraduate)
Who sets federal and private interest rates?
Congress sets interest rates on federal student loans each year. These fixed interest rates vary depending on the type of federal loan you take out, your dependent status, and the year you attend school.
Interest rates on private student loans can be fixed or variable and depend on your credit score, repayment period, and other factors. As a general rule, the higher your credit score, the lower your interest rate will tend to be.
Credible allows you to compare interest rates from multiple student loan lenders.
How do student loan interest rates work?
Interest is a percentage of your loan that is added to your loan balance periodically and is essentially the cost of borrowing money. Interest rate is one of the ways a lender makes money from a loan. In most monthly payments, interest is paid first, and the remainder is the amount originally borrowed (principal).
Taking advantage of a lower interest rate can help you save money over the life of your loan and potentially pay off your debt faster.
What are fixed rate loans and variable rate loans?
The differences between fixed interest rates and variable interest rates are as follows:
- with fixed interest rate, Your monthly payments will remain the same for the life of the loan.
- with variable interest rate, Payment amounts may increase or decrease depending on changes in interest rates.
Credible makes it easy to compare interest rates on private student loans.
Calculate your savings
The student loan interest calculator helps you estimate your monthly payments and the total amount you’ll owe over the life of your federal or private student loan.
Once you enter your information, you’ll see an estimated monthly payment, the amount of interest you’ll pay over the life of your loan, and the total amount you’ll owe.
About Credible
Credible is a multi-lender marketplace that helps consumers find the best financial product for their unique situation. Credible’s integrations with leading lenders and credit bureaus allow consumers to quickly compare accurate, personalized loan options without putting their personal information at risk or affecting their credit score. The Credible marketplace delivers an unparalleled customer experience. 4,300 positive reviews on Trustpilot Trust score is 4.7/5.
