Nelnet Bank Snapshot
Nelnet Bank offers both private student loans and student loan refinancing. Nelnet Bank’s student loan offering is available to undergraduate, graduate, MBA, law, and health professional students. It’s best if you are seeking competitive rates, a variety of repayment terms, and a flexible forbearance policy.
Pros
Competitive interest rates- Variety of repayment plans
- Offers a six-month grace period
- Allows up to 12 months of forbearance
Cons
Strict eligibility criteria- No biweekly payment via autopay
- Not accessible to international students or borrowers with student visas
Best Features of Nelnet Bank Student Loans
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 Nelnet Bank 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.
Variety of repayment options
While still in school, Nelnet Bank offers you three repayment options for your student loans, with terms ranging from 5 – 15 years. If possible, it’s beneficial to make in-school loan payments in order to reduce the amount of interest you pay over time.
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.
Interest-Only Repayment
Pay only interest while you’re in school.
Your monthly payments will be more manageable, and your loan balance won’t grow while you’re in school.
You won’t make any progress paying down your loan balance while you’re a student. But at least you won’t owe more than you borrowed when it’s time to start making full payments.
Deferred Repayment
Don’t make any payments while you’re in school for up to 78 months. 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.
Offers a six-month grace period
Similar to federal student loans, Nelnet Bank offers a six-month grace period before you are required to begin making full principal and interest monthly payments. The grace period is available if you are no longer in school at least halftime – because you’ve graduated, left school, or dropped below half-time enrollment.
Allows up to 12 months of forbearance due to economic hardship or natural disaster
Nelnet Bank offers up to 12 months of forbearance (a pause on your repayment due to financial hardship, unemployment, or a disability). Nelnet Bank’s forbearance is offered in increments of two or three months, with a maximum of 12 months available over the life of the loan.
While Nelnet Bank handles forbearance on a case-by-case basis, it can be a helpful safety net if you were to fall into financial hardship. If you find yourself in need of forbearance, contact Nelnet Bank directly to check your eligibility.
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 Nelnet Bank Student Loans
Strict eligibility criteria
In order to qualify for a private student loan through Nelnet Bank, borrowers must meet the following criteria:
- U.S. citizenship or permanent residency status and possession of a valid U.S. Social Security number. Nelnet Bank Student Loans are currently available in all U.S.
- At least half-time enrollment at a Nelnet Bank eligible school for the loan period in question.
- Have a credit score of 680 or more, or 640 with a qualified cosigner
- Neither borrower nor cosigner can have previously defaulted on a student loan
- Neither borrower nor cosigner can have filed for bankruptcy in the past seven years
If you do not meet Nelnet Bank’s criteria for a student loan, you should try applying with a cosigner who does meet the criteria.
If you don’t have access to an eligible cosigner, you may want to look elsewhere for your private student loan
Don’t meet Nelnet Bank’s eligibility criteria? Complete the Sparrow application to see if you qualify and at what rate with over 15 different lenders. It’s quick, easy, and does not impact your credit score.
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. 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 Nelnet Bank, 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 Nelnet Bank, you can set this up automatically so that the desired monthly payment is drawn from your bank account at the end of each month.
Not accessible to international students
Nelnet Bank does not offer loans to students who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents. If you are an international student, check out MPOWER and Prodigy Finance both of which offer private student loans to international students. In addition, Earnest, College Ave, and Ascent all offer private student loans to international students who have a U.S. citizen as a cosigner.
Nelnet Bank Eligibility Criteria, Repayment Options & More
Fees and Terms
Loan Terms
5, 10, or 15 years.
Loan Amounts
$1,000 with an aggregate loan limit of $125,000 for undergraduates; $1,000 with an aggregate limit of $500,000 for graduate students.
Application or Origination Fee
No.
Prepayment Penalty
No.
Late Fees
Yes (If payment is not made within 15 days of the due date, the late fee is either 5% of the unpaid amount of the monthly payment or $10, whichever is less).
Eligibility Requirements (Financial)
Minimum Credit Score
680 individually, or 640 with a qualified cosigner.
Minimum Income
N/A.
Typical Credit Score of Approved Borrowers or Cosigners
Did not disclose.
Typical Income of Approved Borrower
Did not disclose.
Maximum Debt-to-Income Ratio
Did not disclose.
Ability to qualify if you’ve filed for bankruptcy
Yes, after 7 years.
Eligibility Requirements (Personal)
Citizenship
Borrowers must be U.S. citizens.
Location
Available to borrowers in all 50 states.
Must be enrolled half-time or more
Yes.
School requirements
Any school authorized to receive federal aid. Most four-year public and private schools are accepted.
Percentage of borrowers who have a cosigner
Did not disclose
Repayment Options
In-school Repayment Options
- Immediate Repayment
- Interest-Only
- Repayment
- Deferred Repayment
Grace period
6 months for undergraduates.
In-school Deferment
Yes.
Military Deferment
Yes.
Forbearance
Yes, hardship and natural disaster forbearance for up to 12 months.
Cosigner Release
Yes (requires 24 months of timely repayments).
Death or Disability Discharge
Yes.
Loan discharge if cosigner dies or becomes disabled
No.
Autopay
Allows for surplus payments via autopay: Yes.
Allows for biweekly payments via autopay: No.
Customer Service
Loan Servicer
Firstmark Services.
In-house Customer Service Team
Yes. Firstmark Services (a division of Nelnet, Inc.)
Process for Escalating Concerns
Yes. Complaints are addressed internally by Nelnet Bank and the Customer Service Team.
Borrowers get assigned a personal customer service representative
No.
Average time from application to approval
5 minutes.
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.
Nelnet Bank FAQs
Is Nelnet Bank a legitimate lender?
Yes, Nelnet Bank is a legitimate lender. Nelnet Bank is backed by Nelnet Inc, which is one of the largest federal student loan servicers. The company offers private student loans to undergraduates, graduate students, and parents, as well as student loan refinancing.
What is Nelnet Bank?
Nelnet Bank is a lender that offers its own private student loans and refinancing loans. Backed by a company that’s helped over 30,000,000 students successfully navigate repayment, Nelnet Bank was established to help make your educational dreams a reality. This strong background helps Nelnet Bank offer expert help and educational funding solutions that give you an advantage at every step.
Is Nelnet Bank available in all 50 states?
Nelnet Bank is available to borrowers in all 50 states.
How long does it take to get a Nelnet Bank student loan?
Submitting an application through Nelnet Bank takes a few minutes. Once you’ve submitted your loan application, Nelnet Bank 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 Nelnet Bank student loan?
If you don’t qualify for a Nelnet Bank 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.
Are Nelnet Bank student loans federal or private?
Nelnet Bank offers private student loans. Before you take out a private student loan, we recommend that you exhaust your federal funding options, including grants and scholarships.
*Note: Nelnet, NOT Nelnet Bank, services federal loans.
Does applying for a loan through Nelnet Bank hurt my credit score?
In order to estimate what rate you qualify for, Nelnet Bank conducts a “soft credit check” — this does not affect your credit score. If you choose to accept the Nelnet Bank loan, the company will conduct a hard credit check to verify your information. A hard credit check may temporarily impact your credit score.