BEST PERSONAL STUDENT LOANS

Paying for college isn’t cheap, and even after scholarships, grants, and federal aid, you might still need extra funding to cover tuition, books, or living expenses. The right loan can help bridge the gap without breaking the bank, but with so many options out there, finding the best deal can be overwhelming. Our list highlights the best personal student loans with competitive rates, flexible repayment options, and borrower-friendly perks, so you can focus on school instead of stressing over finances.

Best Personal Student Loans 2025

Most Borrowing Options
    • Repayment plans from 5 to 20 years.
    • Zero fees (seriously!) – no application, origination, disbursement, early repayment, or late fees 1
    • Save money with 1% cash back at graduation 2 + a 0.25% - 1.00% autopay discount 3
Most Flexable Payment Terms
Easiest Application Process
    • Competitive rates and flexible terms
    • Award-winning customer service
    • See your estimated rate risk-free in minutes


Best for Co-Signers
Best For Member Benefits
Most Borrowing Options
  • Repayment plans from 5 to 20 years.
  • Zero fees (seriously!) – no application, origination, disbursement, early repayment, or late fees 1
  • Save money with 1% cash back at graduation 2 + a 0.25% - 1.00% autopay discount 3
Our Rating:
5.0
Most Flexable Payment Terms
  • Apply in less than 3 minutes
  • Multiple repayment options
  • No application, origination or prepayment fees


Our Rating:
4.5
Easiest Application Process
  • Competitive rates and flexible terms
  • Award-winning customer service
  • See your estimated rate risk-free in minutes


Our Rating:
4.8
Best for Co-Signers
  • Customizable terms
  • No fees
  • Extended grace period


Our Rating:
4.9
Best For Member Benefits
  •  Flexible repayment terms
  • Competitive rates
  • 100% of school-certified costs covered
Our Rating:
4.8

How to Find the Best Personal Student Loan


Finding the best student loan for your needs starts with understanding your budget and repayment goals. Look for loans with low interest rates, flexible repayment options, and no hidden fees to keep borrowing costs down. Compare fixed vs. variable rates to see which works best for you—fixed rates stay the same, while variable rates can fluctuate. Check for borrower perks like grace periods, autopay discounts, and hardship forbearance in case you need flexibility down the road. And finally, always read the fine print before signing—choosing the right loan now can save you thousands in the long run.

Disclosures

1. Loan features and information advertised are valid as of 5/1/2025 and are subject to change at any time. Loans subject to individual approval, restrictions and conditionals apply. See terms and conditions at AscentFunding.com/Rates and AscentFunding.com/Ts&Cs. 

2. Ascent’s 1% Cash Back Graduation Reward is for eligible college students only and subject to terms and conditions. Eligible students must request the graduation reward from Ascent. Learn more at AscentFunding.com/CashBack. 1% Cash Back Reward amount dependent upon total loan amount for Ascent college loan borrowers. Aggregate cash back limit of $500. 

3. The final ACH discount approved depends on the borrower’s credit history, verifiable cost of attendance, and is subject to credit approval and verification of application information. Automatic Payment Discount of 0.25% is for credit-based loans and a 1.00% discount is for outcomes-based loans when you enroll in automatic payments. For more information, see repayment examples or review the Ascent Student Loans Terms and Conditions.