Brazos Snapshot
Brazos is a non-profit lender that offers private student loans and student loan refinancing. Since it was launched in 1975, Brazos has focused on bringing transparency and low-cost loans to Texas residents. While Brazos private student loans are only available to borrowers who are residents of, or students in, Texas, the non-profit lender offers a wide range of options for undergraduate, graduate, MBA, law, medical, dental veterinary, or doctoral students, as well as parents. Accordingly, it’s best if you live, or attend school, in Texas, have strong credit, and want competitive interest rates.
Pros
Work with a non-profit, rather than a traditional lender- Competitive interest rates
- Offers up to 12 months of forbearance
Cons
Strict eligibility criteria- Limited repayment options
- No cosigner release
- No bi-weekly payment via autopay
Best Features of Brazos Student Loans
Work with a non-profit, rather than a traditional lender
Brazos is a Texas nonprofit student loan company that has been helping Texas families finance the cost of their college education for over 40 years. Brazos is not affiliated with any school. As a non-profit, its goal is to save you money by offering the most competitive rates possible. While Brazos doesn’t have the name recognition that some of the traditional banks and online lenders have, it offers low rates and personalized customer service.
>> MORE: Compare your private student loan rates across 17+ lenders
Competitive interest rates and zero fees for qualified borrowers
When looking for a student loan, finding a low-interest rate is typically a top priority. If you qualify for a Brazos student loan, you’ll have access to competitive interest rates, and won’t have to pay origination fees, application fees, prepayment penalties, late fees, or insufficient funds fees.
The latest rates from Sparrow’s partners
If you want to skip pre-qualification and apply directly with a lender, you can do so by clicking Apply below.
Drawbacks of Brazos Student Loans
Strict eligibility criteria
In order to qualify for a private student loan through Brazos, borrowers must meet the following criteria:
- A U.S. citizen, permanent resident or, if applying with an eligible cosigner, a non-citizen with a work or student visa, or a DACA recipient
- Be a resident of, or student in, the State of Texas
- At least 18 years old
- Enrolled at least half-time in a degree-granting program
- Have a credit score of 720 (or apply with a cosigner who does)
- Have an annual income of $60,000-plus, or $30,000 if applying with a cosigner
>> MORE: How and where to get a private student loan with bad credit
Limited repayment options
Brazos only offers two repayment options on its private student loans: Immediate Repayment and Deferred Repayment. Compared to other online lenders that offer up to four repayment options, Brazos’ repayment options may seem limited.
Repayment Option
Terms
Pros
Cons
Immediate Repayment
Make full payments as soon as the loan is disbursed, while you’re still in school.
You will minimize the interest you pay, resulting in the greatest savings. Because you’re paying down both interest and principal while you’re still in school, you’ll already have made a good start on repaying your loan by the time you graduate.
For many students, it’s not realistic to make full monthly payments while still enrolled in college.
Deferred Repayment
Don’t make any payments while you’re in school. Begin repayment after graduation or 6 months after graduation.
You won’t have to make payments while you’re in school.
You will likely pay the highest overall cost since unpaid interest will be added to your principal amount at the end of your grace period.
No cosigner release
Most private student lenders require or strongly encourage you to apply with a cosigner. Given that young people generally have no / limited credit history, a cosigner can help you qualify for better loan terms.
Many private student lenders allow you to release your cosigner after a few years of timely payments (typically 1-2 years). This essentially means that the cosigner is no longer liable for repaying the loan in the event that you (the borrower) are unable to make payments.
While becoming a cosigner can be daunting, the cosigner release policy is meant to ease the burden and make it less risky.
Unfortunately, Brazos does not offer any form of cosigner release. Instead, you will have to apply for a new loan through Brazos.
>> MORE: What is a cosigner release policy? How can it protect you?
No biweekly payment via autopay
When you repay your student loan, your payments are due monthly by default. Instead, some borrowers choose to make biweekly payments via autopay — where you automatically pay half your monthly amount once every two weeks. In addition, many borrowers use biweekly autopay in an effort to pay off their student debt faster and pay less in interest over the lifetime of the loan.
Unfortunately, when you borrow through Brazos, you don’t have the option to make biweekly payments via autopay.
You do, however, have the option to make greater-than-minimum payments via autopay. This means you have the option to pay more than your monthly balance in order to reduce the interest that accrues over time. With Brazos, you can set this up automatically so that the desired monthly payment is drawn from your bank account at the end of each month.
>> MORE: Compare your private student loan rates across 17+ lenders
Brazos Eligibility Criteria, Repayment Options & More
Fees and Terms
Loan Terms
5, 7, 10, 15, or 20 years.
Loan Amounts
$1,000 up to the total cost of attendance, minus other aid received.
Application or Origination Fee
No.
Prepayment Penalty
No.
Late Fees
Yes (5% of the monthly payment or $7.50, whichever is greater. Maximum fee is $35).
Eligibility Requirements (Financial)
Minimum Credit Score
720 or 690 with a qualified cosigner.
Minimum Income
$60,000 or $30,000 if applying with a cosigner.
Typical Credit Score of Approved Borrowers or Cosigners
N/A
Typical Income of Approved Borrower
$128,244 for borrowers or $118,262 for cosigners.
Maximum Debt-to-Income Ratio
40%
Ability to qualify if you’ve filed for bankruptcy
Yes, after 7 years.
Eligibility Requirements (Personal)
Citizenship
U.S. citizen, permanent resident or, if applying with an eligible cosigner, a non-citizen with a work or student visa, or a DACA recipient.
Location
Borrower must be a resident of, or student in, the State of Texas.
Must be enrolled half-time or more
Yes
School requirement
Any school authorized to receive federal aid.
Percentage of borrowers who have a cosigner
17%.
Repayment Options
In-school Repayment Options
Immediate Repayment: Make full payments as soon as the loan is disbursed, while you’re still in school.
Deferred Repayment: Don’t make any payments while you’re in school. Begin repayment after graduation or 6 months after graduation.
Grace Period
No
Academic Deferment
No
Military Deferment
Yes, up to 36 months.
Disability Deferment
Did not disclose.
Forbearance
Yes, hardship forbearance for up to 12 months (in three-month increments).
Cosigner Release
No. Borrowers must reapply for a new loan individually.
Death or Disability Discharge
Yes, if the benefiting student dies the loan is discharged for the parent borrower and the cosigner, if there is one. If the parent borrower dies and there is no cosigner, the loan is discharged. If the parent borrower dies and there is a cosigner, the cosigner is still responsible for paying the loan.
Loan discharge if cosigner dies or becomes disabled
No. If the cosigner dies, the cosigner is removed from the loan, and the borrower continues to be responsible for repayment on the loan for the remainder of the repayment term.
Autopay
Allows for surplus payments via autopay: Yes.
Allows for biweekly payments via autopay: No.
Student loan rates from our partners
Ascent
Ascent’s undergraduate and graduate student loans are funded by Bank of Lake Mills, or DR Bank, each Member FDIC. Loan products may not be available in certain jurisdictions. Certain restrictions, limitations; and terms and conditions may apply. For Ascent Terms and Conditions please visit: www.AscentFunding.com/Ts&Cs. Rates are effective as of 12/1/2024 and reflect an automatic payment discount of either 0.25% (for credit-based loans) OR 1.00% (for undergraduate outcomes-based loans). Automatic Payment Discount is available if the borrower is enrolled in automatic payments from their personal checking account and the amount is successfully withdrawn from the authorized bank account each month. For Ascent rates and repayment examples please visit: AscentFunding.com/Rates. 1% Cash Back Graduation Reward subject to terms and conditions. Cosigned Credit-Based Loan student must meet certain minimum credit criteria. The minimum score required is subject to change and may depend on the credit score of your cosigner. Lowest rates require full
principal and interest payments, the shortest loan term, a cosigner, and are only available for our most creditworthy applicants and cosigners with the highest average credit scores. Actual APR offered may be higher or lower than the repayment examples above, based on the amount of time you spend in school and any grace period you have before repayment begins.
Ascent’s undergraduate and graduate student loans are funded by Bank of Lake Mills, or DR Bank, each Member FDIC. Loan products may not be available in certain jurisdictions. Certain restrictions, limitations; and terms and conditions may apply. For Ascent Terms and Conditions please visit: www.AscentFunding.com/Ts&Cs. Rates are effective as of 12/1/2024 and reflect an automatic payment discount of either 0.25% (for credit-based loans) OR 1.00% (for undergraduate outcomes-based loans). Automatic Payment Discount is available if the borrower is enrolled in automatic payments from their personal checking account and the amount is successfully withdrawn from the authorized bank account each month. For Ascent rates and repayment examples please visit: AscentFunding.com/Rates. 1% Cash Back Graduation Reward subject to terms and conditions. Cosigned Credit-Based Loan student must meet certain minimum credit criteria. The minimum score required is subject to change and may depend on the credit score of your cosigner. Lowest rates require full
principal and interest payments, the shortest loan term, a cosigner, and are only available for our most creditworthy applicants and cosigners with the highest average credit scores. Actual APR offered may be higher or lower than the repayment examples above, based on the amount of time you spend in school and any grace period you have before repayment begins.
LendKey
1 – Terms and Conditions Apply
Loan products, terms, and benefits may be modified or discontinued by participating lenders at any time without notice. Rates displayed are reserved for the most creditworthy consumers who enroll to make automatic monthly payments. Your initial rate will be determined after a review of your application and credit profile. Variable rates may increase after consummation. You must be either a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident in an eligible state and from an eligible school, and meet the lender’s credit and income requirements to qualify for a loan. Certain membership requirements (including the opening of a share account, a minimum share account deposit, and the payment of any applicable association fees in connection with membership) may apply in the event that an applicant wishes to apply with, and accept a loan offered from, a credit union lender. If you are not a member of the credit union lender, you may apply and become a member during the loan application process if you meet the lender’s eligibility criteria. Applying with a creditworthy cosigner may result in a better chance of loan approval and/or lower interest rate. Loans for exam preparation classes, including, but not limited to, loans for LSAT, MCAT, GMAT, and GRE preparation, are not available via LendKey.com.
2 – Cosigner Release
Some lenders participating on LendKey.com may offer the benefit of cosigner release. Cosigner release is subject to lender approval. In order to qualify, the borrower, alone, must meet the following requirements: (1) Make the required number of consecutive, on-time full principal and interest payments as indicated in the borrower’s credit agreement during the repayment period (excluding interest-only payments) immediately prior to the request. Any period of forbearance will reset the repayment clock; (2) The account cannot be in delinquent status; (3) The borrower must provide proof of income indicating that he/she meets the income requirements and pass a credit review demonstrating that he/she has a satisfactory credit history and the ability to assume full responsibility of loan repayment; (4) No bankruptcies or foreclosures in the last sixty months; and (5) No loan defaults.
3 – Autopay Rate Reduction
Subject to floor rate and may require the automatic payments be made from a checking or savings account with the lender. The rate reduction will be removed and the rate will be increased by 0.25% upon any cancellation or failed collection attempt of the automatic payment and will be suspended during any period of deferment or forbearance. As a result, during the forbearance or suspension period, and/or if the automatic payment is canceled, any increase will take the form of higher payments.
4 – AutoPay Discount & Lowest Interest Rate
Subject to floor rate and may require the automatic payments be made from a checking or savings account with the lender. The rate reduction will be removed and the rate will be increased by 0.25% upon any cancellation or failed collection attempt of the automatic payment and will be suspended during any period of deferment or forbearance. As a result, during the forbearance or suspension period, and/or if the automatic payment is canceled, any increase will take the form of higher payments. The lowest advertised APR is only available for loan terms of 10 years and is reserved for the highest qualified applicants, taking into consideration the applicant’s credit and other factors.
1 – Terms and Conditions Apply
Loan products, terms, and benefits may be modified or discontinued by participating lenders at any time without notice. Rates displayed are reserved for the most creditworthy consumers who enroll to make automatic monthly payments. Your initial rate will be determined after a review of your application and credit profile. Variable rates may increase after consummation. You must be either a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident in an eligible state and from an eligible school, and meet the lender’s credit and income requirements to qualify for a loan. Certain membership requirements (including the opening of a share account, a minimum share account deposit, and the payment of any applicable association fees in connection with membership) may apply in the event that an applicant wishes to apply with, and accept a loan offered from, a credit union lender. If you are not a member of the credit union lender, you may apply and become a member during the loan application process if you meet the lender’s eligibility criteria. Applying with a creditworthy cosigner may result in a better chance of loan approval and/or lower interest rate. Loans for exam preparation classes, including, but not limited to, loans for LSAT, MCAT, GMAT, and GRE preparation, are not available via LendKey.com.
2 – Cosigner Release
Some lenders participating on LendKey.com may offer the benefit of cosigner release. Cosigner release is subject to lender approval. In order to qualify, the borrower, alone, must meet the following requirements: (1) Make the required number of consecutive, on-time full principal and interest payments as indicated in the borrower’s credit agreement during the repayment period (excluding interest-only payments) immediately prior to the request. Any period of forbearance will reset the repayment clock; (2) The account cannot be in delinquent status; (3) The borrower must provide proof of income indicating that he/she meets the income requirements and pass a credit review demonstrating that he/she has a satisfactory credit history and the ability to assume full responsibility of loan repayment; (4) No bankruptcies or foreclosures in the last sixty months; and (5) No loan defaults.
3 – Autopay Rate Reduction
Subject to floor rate and may require the automatic payments be made from a checking or savings account with the lender. The rate reduction will be removed and the rate will be increased by 0.25% upon any cancellation or failed collection attempt of the automatic payment and will be suspended during any period of deferment or forbearance. As a result, during the forbearance or suspension period, and/or if the automatic payment is canceled, any increase will take the form of higher payments.
4 – AutoPay Discount & Lowest Interest Rate
Subject to floor rate and may require the automatic payments be made from a checking or savings account with the lender. The rate reduction will be removed and the rate will be increased by 0.25% upon any cancellation or failed collection attempt of the automatic payment and will be suspended during any period of deferment or forbearance. As a result, during the forbearance or suspension period, and/or if the automatic payment is canceled, any increase will take the form of higher payments. The lowest advertised APR is only available for loan terms of 10 years and is reserved for the highest qualified applicants, taking into consideration the applicant’s credit and other factors.
Earnest
Student Loan Origination (Private Student Loan) Interest Rate Disclosure:
Student Loan Origination (Private Student Loan) Interest Rate Disclosure:
College Ave
College Ave Student Loans products are made available through Firstrust Bank, member FDIC, First Citizens Community Bank, member FDIC, or M.Y. Safra Bank, FSB, member FDIC. All loans are subject to individual approval and adherence to underwriting guidelines. Program restrictions, other terms, and conditions apply.
(1) All rates include the auto-pay discount. The 0.25% auto-pay interest rate reduction applies as long as a valid bank account is designated for required monthly payments. If a payment is returned, you will lose this benefit. Variable rates may increase after consummation.
(2) As certified by your school and less any other financial aid you might receive. Minimum $1,000.
(3) This informational repayment example uses typical loan terms for a freshman borrower who selects the Flat Repayment Option with an 8-year repayment term, has a $10,000 loan that is disbursed in one disbursement and a 7.78% fixed Annual Percentage Rate (“APR”): 54 monthly payments of $25 while in school, followed by 96 monthly payments of $176.21 while in the repayment period, for a total amount of payments of $18,266.38. Loans will never have a full principal and interest monthly payment of less than $50. Your actual rates and repayment terms may vary.
Information advertised valid as of 12/2/2024. Variable interest rates may increase after consummation. Approved interest rate will depend on creditworthiness of the applicant(s), lowest advertised rates only available to the most creditworthy applicants and require selection of the Flat Repayment Option with the shortest available loan term.
College Ave Student Loans products are made available through Firstrust Bank, member FDIC, First Citizens Community Bank, member FDIC, or M.Y. Safra Bank, FSB, member FDIC. All loans are subject to individual approval and adherence to underwriting guidelines. Program restrictions, other terms, and conditions apply.
(1) All rates include the auto-pay discount. The 0.25% auto-pay interest rate reduction applies as long as a valid bank account is designated for required monthly payments. If a payment is returned, you will lose this benefit. Variable rates may increase after consummation.
(2) As certified by your school and less any other financial aid you might receive. Minimum $1,000.
(3) This informational repayment example uses typical loan terms for a freshman borrower who selects the Flat Repayment Option with an 8-year repayment term, has a $10,000 loan that is disbursed in one disbursement and a 7.78% fixed Annual Percentage Rate (“APR”): 54 monthly payments of $25 while in school, followed by 96 monthly payments of $176.21 while in the repayment period, for a total amount of payments of $18,266.38. Loans will never have a full principal and interest monthly payment of less than $50. Your actual rates and repayment terms may vary.
Information advertised valid as of 12/2/2024. Variable interest rates may increase after consummation. Approved interest rate will depend on creditworthiness of the applicant(s), lowest advertised rates only available to the most creditworthy applicants and require selection of the Flat Repayment Option with the shortest available loan term.
Brazos FAQs
Is Brazos a legitimate lender?
Yes, Brazos is legitimate. The lender is part of the nation’s largest group of nonprofit student loan organizations and has $30 billion in loans for over 2 million students.
Is Brazos available in all 50 states?
Brazos is available to residents of, or students in, the State of Texas.
How long does it take to get a Brazos student loan?
Submitting an application through Brazos takes a few minutes. Once you’ve submitted your loan application, Brazos will instantaneously return a decision about your eligibility. If you qualify, you will receive the rate and terms of your loan.
It may take some time to actually receive your loan. Your school must approve the loan which may take between four to six weeks.
What happens if I don’t qualify for a Brazos student loan?
If you don’t qualify for a Brazos student loan, the company will inform you why. Depending on the reason, you may consider applying with a qualified cosigner or trying with a different lender. To check your rates across multiple lenders at once, try using Sparrow’s free search engine. In just two minutes, you can receive real, personalized offers from over 15 different lenders ready to help you. And best of all, it won’t impact your credit score.
>> MORE: Check your pre-qualified rates across 17+ student loan lenders
Are Brazos student loans federal or private?
Brazos’ student loans are private. Before you take out a private student loan, we recommend that you exhaust your federal funding options, including grants and scholarships.
>> MORE: Student loan eligibility: Private and Federal loans
Does applying for a loan through Brazos hurt my credit score?
In order to estimate what rate you qualify for, Brazos conducts a soft credit check — this does not affect your credit score. If you choose to accept the Brazos loan, the company will conduct a hard credit check to verify your information. A hard credit check may temporarily impact your credit score.