Rates starting at 1.04%
 | 1.04% to 11.98% 1VARIABLE APR | |
 | 1.25% to 11.35% 2VARIABLE APR | |
 | 1.05% to 11.44% 3VARIABLE APR |
- Variable APR
When many of us think of student loans, we think of federal debt — and for good reason. About $1.4 trillion of the $1.56 trillion in outstanding U.S. student loan debt is held in the federal portfolio. The remaining $121 billion was lent by banks, credit unions and online lenders. There are lots of pros and cons of these private student loans, also known as alternative student loans.
Before you borrow any education debt, make sure you’re making the right decision. Learn the advantages and disadvantages of alternative student loans before you forge ahead.
3 Pros of alternative student loans
5 Cons of alternative student loans
Start with federal student loans when possible
3 Pros of alternative student loans
When it comes to private student loans, there are some key advantages. You might be surprised at what you can get if you move away from federal student loans.
1. Rewards for excellent credit
With most types of federal student loans, your credit doesn’t matter. Your interest rate is set by Congress; everyone has the same rate, regardless of credit.
With private student loans, though, you can be rewarded if you have excellent credit. As of the date of publishing, you may find rates starting below 3.00%. Current federal student loan rates are higher, especially if you are going to graduate school.
2. Higher borrowing limits
In many cases, alternative student loans come with higher borrowing limits than federal debt. If you’re going to a pricey private school, you might not be able to get the amount you need if you rely solely on federal student loans.
With federal student loans, your aggregate amount borrowed can be no more than $57,500 as an undergraduate. For graduate student loans, the cap is $138,500 — including what you already received as an undergrad.
Depending on your degree level, you can borrow up to 100% of your cost of attendance with alternative student loans. If you experience a “funding gap” because federal student loan caps restrict you, private student loans can be one way to make up the difference.
3. Statute of limitations
When you default on your federal student loans, there is no statute of limitations. No matter what happens or how long your debt is in default, you have to repay your loans eventually. Your wages and tax refunds can even be garnished for your federal student loan debt.
One of the major pros of alternative student loans, however, is that there’s a statute of limitations when you default. The statute of limitations varies by state, ranging from three to 10 years. After this time, lenders have few options to collect from you.
Though defaulting on student loans is detrimental to your credit and rarely advised, it may be comforting to know that there is an expiration date to private student loan default, should the worst happen.
5 Cons of alternative student loans
While there are some real pros of private student loans, they’re balanced by some definite drawbacks.
1. Ineligible for income-driven repayment or federal forgiveness
With federal student loans, you can turn to income-driven repayment plans if you’re struggling to meet your monthly payments. These plans cap your loan payments at a small percentage of your income. Private student loans are ineligible for these plans.
While some private lenders offer financial hardship options like deferment or forbearance, it’s not the same thing as having your regular payment capped at a percentage of your income. On top of that, if you use private student loans, they won’t be eligible for federal forgiveness programs such as Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
2. Interest rates might be variable
Your federal student loan interest rates are fixed for the duration of the loan. They will never change, regardless of what happens in the national economy.
Though some alternative student loans also offer fixed rates, this isn’t always the case. Instead, you might find yourself with a variable rate. If interest rates rise over time, so does your variable interest rate — and your monthly payment. Hybrid rates advertised by private lenders are a blend of fixed and variable rates and carry a similar risk.
3. No federal subsidy
Depending on your loan type, some federal student loans come with an interest subsidy. If your debt is eligible, the government will pay your interest while you’re in school or even in repayment. Interest won’t accrue, saving you hundreds or thousands on your debt.
One of the cons of private student loans is that this option doesn’t exist. Interest begins accruing from day one, and in some cases, you might be required to make interest payments while you’re still in school. If you don’t pay the interest as you go along, it’s all added to your debt when you finish school.
4. A cosigner may be necessary
Though most federal student loans don’t require a cosigner, you might need one for your private student loans — even if you have good credit. After all, you might not be working and earning an income while you’re enrolled.
A cosigner is legally responsible for your debt if you’re unable to repay it. If you miss a payment — or worse, default on your loans — your cosigner’s credit will be damaged and collectors can go after them for payment.
5. Private debt follows you to the grave
Since most federal student loans don’t require cosigners, your debt dies along with you. In fact, federal student loans won’t even count against your estate if you pass away.
With private student loans, however, lenders could try to collect against your estate. While private student lenders can’t collect from relatives if the debt isn’t cosigned, they can still reduce the value of the inheritance you leave behind.
Start with federal student loans when possible
Even though alternative student loans come with some advantages, the reality is that many students are better off starting with federal student loans.
When funding your education, start by using your savings and applying for scholarships. Next, turn to federal student loans. Federal debt comes with protections and flexible repayment options that could be a financial lifesaver down the road.
Turn to private student loans when you can’t close your funding gap by other means. Even with scholarships and federal loans, you may still need a private student loan to pay your way through school.
With a funding plan, you can get the education you want while limiting some of your exposure to borrowing risk.
Andrew Pentis contributed to this report.
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How Student Loan Hero Gets Paid
Student Loan Hero is compensated by companies on this site and this compensation may impact how and where offers appears on this site (such as the order). Student Loan Hero does not include all lenders, savings products, or loan options available in the marketplace.
Student Loan Hero Advertiser Disclosure
Student Loan Hero is an advertising-supported comparison service. The site features products from our partners as well as institutions which are not advertising partners. While we make an effort to include the best deals available to the general public, we make no warranty that such information represents all available products.
| Lender | Variable APR | Degrees That Qualify | More Info |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 1.04% – 11.98%1 | Undergraduate Graduate | |
 | 1.25% – 11.35%2 | Undergraduate Graduate | |
 | 1.05% – 11.44%3 | Undergraduate Graduate | |
 | 3.84% – 9.40%4 | Undergraduate Graduate | |
 | 1.24% – 11.99%5 | Undergraduate Graduate | |
 | 1.78% – 11.89%6 | Undergrad & Graduate | |
 | 1.21% – 11.53%7 | Undergraduate Graduate | |
Learn more about private student loan lenders. Learn more about private student loan lenders. | |||
