Prodigy Finance Snapshot
Prodigy Finance is an online lender that offers non-cosigned graduate student loans to international students. It is best for international students who don’t have a credit history and can’t access a qualified cosigner.
Pros
Offers non-cosigned graduate student loans for international students- A variety of repayment options
- No prepayment penalties or hidden charges
Cons
Limited interest and repayment options- Higher interest rates and fees than other online lenders
- Only available to graduate students
- Not available in all 50 U.S. states
- Limited grace period for part-time students
Best Features of Prodigy Finance
Offers non-cosigned graduate student loans to international students
International students studying abroad often struggle to finance their education because they do not have access to federal student loans and are not eligible with most private lenders.
Luckily, Prodigy Finance has given international graduate students an option. Prodigy Finance offers non-cosigned graduate student loans to international students.
Prodigy Finance uses information such as future income potential and credit history to determine your creditworthiness and make a lending decision. While the company reviews credit history, credit scores are not a factor in its decision since most international students do not have U.S. credit scores.
A variety of repayment options
Prodigy Finance provides its borrowers with repayment terms ranging from 7-20 years. Borrowers can choose between 7, 10, 15, or 20-year repayment terms.
Borrowers can also choose between immediate and deferred repayment. If the borrower selects immediate repayment, they will be required to make full monthly payments as soon as the loan is disbursed. If the borrower selects deferred repayment, they will not be required to make full monthly payments until after the grace period.
No prepayment penalties or hidden charges
While Prodigy Finance does have a single 5% origination fee, you will not face any prepayment penalties or hidden charges if you borrow a loan with them.
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 Prodigy Finance
Limited interest and repayment options
Prodigy Finance, unlike many other private lenders, does not offer a fixed interest rate option. If you are comfortable with your interest rate changing throughout the life of your loan, this may be a good option for you. If not, you may want to look at other lenders.
Additionally, Prodigy Finance only offers immediate and deferred repayment options. So, borrowers either have to (1) begin making loan payments immediately after disbursement or (2) defer repayment until after the grace period. It would be nice to see Prodigy Finance offer more in-school repayment options for borrowers such as interest-only repayment.
Higher interest rates and fees than other online lenders
Prodigy Finance is unique in that it does not require a cosigner or collateral. With that said, its rates are slightly high compared to other lenders. Additionally, due to not having fixed interest rates, your interest rate could get higher over time.
Unlike most private lenders, Prodigy Finance also charges a 5% origination fee that is added to your loan balance. You can spread the origination fee across the lifetime of the loan. So for example, if you borrow $10,000, you will have to pay a $500 fee at the end of the loan term.
Only available to graduate students
Prodigy Finance’s student loans are only available to students pursuing graduate degrees. If you are an undergraduate international student, you will want to look elsewhere for your private student loans.
Not available in all 50 U.S. states
Prodigy Finance offers private student loans to students studying at over 850 schools across 18 different countries. When it comes to the United States, Prodigy Finance loans are available to borrowers in all 50 states except Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Louisiana, Maine, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, Washington and Wyoming.
If you are an international student planning to attend school in one of these states, you may want to check out loan options with MPOWER who lends to international students in all 50 states.
Limited grace period for part-time students
Prodigy Finance offers a standard 6-month grace period for full-time student borrowers. Meaning, repayment will begin 6 months from the class end date. For part-time student borrowers, however, Prodigy Finance only offers a 3-month grace period, with repayment beginning 3 months after the final disbursement date. So, in a typical spring semester, with the final loan disbursement being in January, repayment will begin in April for part-time student borrowers. Knowing that most college programs end in May, it would be nice to see Prodigy Finance extend the grace period for part-time student borrowers.
Prodigy Finance Eligibility Criteria, Repayment Options & More
Fees and Terms
Loan Terms
7, 10, 15, or 20 years.
Loan Amounts
$10,000 ($35,000 in specific U.S. states) to $220,000.
Application or Origination Fee
Yes, 5% origination fee added to the loan balance.
Prepayment Penalty
No.
Late Fees
No.
Eligibility Requirements (Financial)
Minimum Credit Score
N/A.
Minimum Income
N/A. Future earnings are considered.
Typical Credit Score of Approved Borrowers
N/A.
Typical Income of Approved Borrower
N/A. Future earnings are considered.
Maximum Debt-to-Income Ratio
Not based on current income. Future earnings are considered.
Ability to qualify if you’ve filed for bankruptcy
Yes, on a case-by-case basis.
Eligibility Requirements (Personal)
Citizenship
International students.
Location
Available to borrowers in all 50 states except Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Louisiana, Maine, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, Washington and Wyoming.
Must be enrolled half-time or more
Most of Prodigy Finance’s borrowers are full-time students, however, they do support part-time students on a course-by-course and case-by-case basis.
Types of schools served
No specific type of school. Prodigy Finance supports over 850 schools in 18 different countries.
Percentage of borrowers who have a cosigner
N/A.
Repayment Options
In-school Repayment Options
Immediate: Start making full monthly payments as soon as the loan is disbursed.
Deferred: Borrowers are not required to make any payments until the grace period ends.
In-school Deferment
Reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Military Deferment
Reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Disability Deferment
Did not disclose
Forbearance
Reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The length of forbearance given ranges depending on the circumstances
Cosigner Release
N/A.
Death or Disability Discharge
Reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Loan discharge if cosigner dies or becomes disabled
Did not disclose
Autopay
Allows for surplus payments via autopay: No.
Allows for biweekly payments via autopay: No.
Customer Service
Loan Servicer
Prodigy Finance.
In-house Customer Service Team
Yes.
Process for Escalating Concerns
Yes.
Borrowers get assigned a personal customer service representative
No.
Average time from application to approval
3 weeks.
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 11/1/2024 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 11/1/2024 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 11/1/2024. 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 11/1/2024. 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.
Prodigy Finance FAQs
Is Prodigy Finance a legitimate lender?
Yes, Prodigy Finance is a legitimate lender that offers private student loans to international students.
Is Prodigy Finance available in all 50 states?
No, Prodigy Finance is not available in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Louisiana, Maine, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, Washington and Wyoming. Prodigy Finance is available in all other U.S. states.
How long does it take to get a Prodigy Finance student loan?
Submitting an application through Prodigy Finance takes a few minutes. Once you’ve submitted your loan application, Prodigy Finance 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 Prodigy Finance student loan?
If you don’t qualify for a Prodigy Finance student loan, the company will inform you why. Depending on the reason, you may consider applying 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 get the best rates. And best of all, it won’t impact your credit score.
Are Prodigy Finance student loans federal or private?
Prodigy Finance’s loans are private loans. Before you take out a private student loan, we recommend that you exhaust your federal funding options, as well as grants and scholarships.
Does applying for a loan through Prodigy Finance hurt my credit score?
Yes, it may temporarily hurt your credit score. Although Prodigy Finance doesn’t use your FICO score to make loan decisions, the lender does review your credit history. If you have documented credit issues (missed payments, collection items, charge offs, etc.), these will negatively impact your chances to be pre-approved for a loan.