A 2019 study showed that most Americans live with some financial regret. One of the highest-ranked regrets was related to choices surrounding student loans.
Trying to figure out the difference between student loan options will leave you with gray hair by age 25. The truth is, there are tons of different options available, and it’s incredibly important to understand the differences to make the best decision for your education. The best place to start is understanding the differences between federal and private student loans.
So take a deep breath, and don’t worry. No gray hairs here. We’ll give you everything you need to know.
Who Issues the Loan?
Federal
The federal government issues these loans. Federal tax dollars paid by US citizens each year fund federal student aid programs
Private
Banks and other financial institutions issue private student loans.
Who is Eligible for the Loans?
Federal
In order to become eligible for federal student loans, you must meet the following requirements:
- Demonstrate financial need: Financial need is calculated by taking the difference between the cost of attendance (COA) at a school and your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). While COA varies from school to school, your EFC does not change based on the school you attend.
- Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen: some legal U.S. residents without citizenship may qualify.
- Have a valid Social Security number: with the exception of students from the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, or the Republic of Palau.
- Be registered with Selective Services: if you’re a male (you must register between the ages of 18 and 25).
- Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment in an eligible degree or certificate program: You are not eligible to borrow federal loans unless you attend an eligible program.
- Be enrolled at least half-time to be eligible for Direct Loan Program funds: most programs require you to be enrolled at least half-time.
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress in college or career school: You must meet the standards for satisfactory academic progress toward a degree or certificate offered by your institution. Check with your school to find out its standards.
- Complete and sign the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form: FAFSA is used to determine your financial need.
- Show you’re qualified to obtain a college or career school education: You must have a high-school diploma or a recognized equivalent such as a General Educational Development (GED) certificate.
Private
Not everyone will qualify for private student loans. Private lenders evaluate applicants based on a variety of factors, typically including the financial history and credit history of the applicant and/or the cosigner (if applicable). If the private lender deems you to be too risky of a borrower, they may not issue you a loan.
Applying with a cosigner who has a strong credit score could improve your chances of qualifying and allow you to access lower interest rates.
How Much Can You Borrow?
Federal
The amount you can borrow in federal loans depends on your student status.
Undergraduate students can borrow between $5,500 and $12,500 maximum in Direct Subsidized and Direct Unsubsidized loans each academic year.
A parent can also borrow a maximum of $20,500 in Direct Unsubsidized Loans per academic year via a Direct PLUS Loan.
Graduate/professional students can also borrow a Direct PLUS Loan, however, the amount varies from person to person depending on the cost of attendance at their respective institution and the financial aid they received.
To see how much money you can receive in federal loans, you will need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This is essentially an application that gives the federal government an idea of your expected financial need.
Private
The amount one can borrow in private student loans varies by lender. Typically, borrowers are able to fill the remaining balance they owe after accepting scholarships and/or federal loans with private student loans. Regardless, the amount you borrow from any private lender cannot exceed the total cost of attendance at your institution.
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.
What are the Interest Rates?
Federal
Congress sets the interest rates on federal student loans. The rates vary based on the loan type and the disbursement date of the loan (the date the funds are paid to the student or school directly).
The table below provides interest rates for Direct Subsidized Loans, Direct Unsubsidized Loans, and Direct PLUS Loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2023, and before July 1, 2024.
Loan Type
Borrower Type
Fixed Interest Rate
Direct Subsidized Loans & Direct Unsubsidized Loans
Undergraduate
5.50%
Direct Unsubsidized Loans
Graduate or Professional
7.05%
Direct PLUS Loans
Parents & Graduate or Professional Students
8.05%
All federal student loans have fixed interest, meaning that the rate will not fluctuate for the life of the loan. Perkins Loans (regardless of the first disbursement date) have a fixed interest rate of 5%.
If your loan was disbursed before July 1, 2023, you likely have a different interest rate.
Private
The interest rate on private student loans is based on a variety of factors. Most private lenders look at your financial history and credit score to assess the risk you pose as a borrower, which is reflected by the interest rate they offer you.
The lower your credit score, the more risk you present as a borrower — this means a higher interest rate. Similarly, the higher your credit score, the less risk you present as a borrower — this leads to a lower interest rate.
Unlike federal student loans, private student loan interest rates can be fixed or variable. You can use Sparrow to compare real interest rates from more than 15+ different lenders to ensure you’re getting the best rate possible.
Is There an Advantage of One Over the Other?
Federal Loans
Private Student Loans
Pros
1. Typically don’t require good credit or a cosigner.
2. Come with additional benefits such as loan forgiveness programs and income-driven repayment options.
3. Interest rates tend to be lower than private loans.
1. Higher borrowing limit, up to 100% of the cost of attendance
2. You can apply online in a couple of minutes
3. Lowest interest rates on the market, if you have excellent credit.
Cons
1. There is a cap to how much you can borrow in federal student loans.
2. Not all students will qualify for subsidized student loans.
1. You may need a cosigner to qualify for a private student loan.
2. Not accessible to borrowers who lack a strong credit score or creditworthy cosigner
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.
Final Thoughts
There’s a lot to understand about federal and private student loans, but the good news is that if you’ve made it to this point in the article (shoutout to you!) you’re already one step closer to making an educated decision when it comes to your loans.