Heading into the healthcare field can be rewarding and lucrative. However, it can also be expensive to get there — students who attend a healthcare program leave with an average medical school debt of $232,300.
While this might seem like a massive amount of debt, there are fortunately a few options that can help you manage it. For example, refinancing medical school loans might help you save money and potentially pay off your loans faster.
Here are Credible’s partner lenders that refinance medical school loans:
Advertiser DisclosureOverview
Brazos offers refinancing loans to Texas residents who have a bachelor’s degree or higher from an eligible school. There are no origination or application fees, and interest rates could be lower than what you find with other private lenders.
However, some borrowers may find that Brazos has relatively strict eligibility requirements. Borrowers must have a minimum income of $60,000 and a credit score of 720 or higher. If you can’t meet those minimums alone, you can add a cosigner — but there’s no way to release your cosigner later.
Loan terms
5, 7, 10, 15, or 20 years
Loan amounts
$10,000 minimum, up to $150,000 for bachelor’s degrees and $400,000 for graduate, medical, law, or other professional degrees
Eligibility
Borrower must be a Texas resident and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident who has a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Overview
Citizens offers student loan refinancing to qualifying borrowers who refinance at least $10,000 in student loan debt.
Undergraduate borrowers can refinance up to $300,000 in student loans, while those who borrowed for graduate or professional degrees have higher limits of $500,000 or $750,000. Citizens offers fixed and variable rates and repayment terms between five and 20 years.
If you’re a medical resident, you can refinance your student loans and only pay $100 per month for up to four years while completing your residency or fellowship.
Loan terms
5, 7, 10, 15, or 20 years
Loan amounts
$10,000 minimum, with a maximum of $300,000 for bachelor’s degree or below; $500,000 for graduate degrees; and $750,000 for professional degrees
Eligibility
Must refinance at least $10,000 in student loans and be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or resident alien with a valid U.S. Social Security number. Must have earned at least a bachelor's degree to qualify.
Loan Amounts
$10,000 up to total refinance amount
Overview
Borrowers who graduated with at least a bachelor’s degree may refinance their student loans with ELFI. Every applicant is assigned a student loan advisor to help guide them through the process.
Students who wish to take over their parents’ PLUS loan may do so by refinancing with ELFI — something not offered by every lender — but spouses can’t consolidate their loans into a single refinancing loan.
Unfortunately, ELFI doesn’t allow borrowers to release cosigners, nor does it offer any rate discounts. However, borrowers who experience financial hardship may be eligible for up to 12 months of forbearance.
Loan terms
5, 7, 10, 15, or 20 years for student loan refinancing; 5, 7, or 10 years for parent loan refinancing
Loan amounts
Minimum of $10,000 with no set maximum.
Eligibility
Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident with a bachelor’s degree or higher. Must have at least $10,000 in student loans to refinance and a minimum credit history of 36 months.
Overview
EdvestinU is a loan program offered by Granite Edvance Corporation and offers affordable rates for refinance loans. Borrowers can refinance federal and private loans, and fixed and variable rate loans are available.
EdvestinU refinance loans are available to residents of about 20 states, and the lender has higher loan minimums and lower maximums than some competitors. Both of these factors limit who can (or might want to) refinance with this lender, but eligible borrowers do have various repayment term options.
Eligibility
U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are at least 18 years old and reside in Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Maine, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Overview
INvestEd is an Indiana-based nonprofit lender that provides refinanced student loans nationwide. As a nonprofit, INvestEd offers competitive rates as well as an autopay discount. Cosigner release is also available after 12 on-time payments, which is less than many competitors.
However, the maximum refinance limit of $250,000 is below what other lenders may allow. Borrowers must also comply with strict credit and income requirements to qualify, or must have an eligible cosigner. While credit requirements are clearly defined, there’s no way to prequalify with a soft credit check.
Eligibility
U.S. citizens or permanent residents are eligible. Borrowers must meet minimum requirements including a FICO score of 670 or higher, annual income of $36,000, a debt-to-income ratio below 40% to 50%, a year of continuous employment, and no defaults or serious collection activities in recent years.
Loan Amounts
$10,000 up to the total amount
Overview
Not-for-profit lender Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA) offers refinancing loans to student borrowers — and unlike many other lenders, you don’t need to have earned your degree to qualify. Only fixed-rate loans are available, but the rates are competitive and may be lower than what other lenders can offer. MEFA also doesn’t charge any fees or penalties.
Refinance loans start at $10,000, and you must have made six consecutive on-time payments on the original loans over the most recent six months. If you can’t qualify based on your own credit history, you can add a cosigner.
Loan amounts
$10,000 up to your total debt
Eligibility
Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident who is the primary borrower on education debt used to attend an eligible college or university. Must have made six on-time loan payments over the most recent six months. Must have no history of default or delinquency on education debt for the past 12 months and no history of bankruptcy or foreclosure in the past five years.
Overview
Founded in 1981, Rhode Island Student Loan Authority (RISLA) is a nonprofit lender that offers refinance loans to borrowers in all 50 states. Though most private lenders require borrowers to have graduated to qualify for refinancing, RISLA also serves borrowers who didn’t complete their degree.
RISLA offers income-based repayment to borrowers in financial distress. Additionally, borrowers may also access up to 24 months of forbearance in the event of financial hardship. Borrowers who return to graduate school may defer repayment on their refinancing loans for up to 36 months.
Loan amounts
$7,500 minimum up to of $250,000, depending on degree
Eligibility
Borrower or cosigner must meet credit requirements. Student must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and have used original student loans to attend an eligible degree-granting institution.
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Compare NowBrazos
If you’re a Texas resident, Brazos might be a good choice for refinancing. You can refinance $10,000 to $400,000 if you graduated with a medical degree.
Loan Amount
$10,000 - $400,000
Five loan terms available
Competitive rates
No origination or application fees
Autopay discount of 0.25 percentage points
Only available to Texas residents
No cosigner release
High minimum credit and income requirements
Bachelor’s degree required
Overview
Brazos offers refinancing loans to Texas residents who have a bachelor’s degree or higher from an eligible school. There are no origination or application fees, and interest rates could be lower than what you find with other private lenders.
However, some borrowers may find that Brazos has relatively strict eligibility requirements. Borrowers must have a minimum income of $60,000 and a credit score of 720 or higher. If you can’t meet those minimums alone, you can add a cosigner — but there’s no way to release your cosigner later.
Loan terms
5, 7, 10, 15, or 20 years
Loan amounts
$10,000 minimum, up to $150,000 for bachelor’s degrees and $400,000 for graduate, medical, law, or other professional degrees
Eligibility
Borrower must be a Texas resident and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident who has a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Pros
- Competitive interest rates
- 0.25% autopay discount
- No application, origination, or disbursement fees
Cons
- Not available outside of Texas
- Cosigner release not offered
- Requires a minimum income of $60,000 ($30,000 with a cosigner), which might make it difficult for new graduates to qualify
Citizens
With Citizens, medical school graduates can refinance $10,000 to $750,000. Refinancing is also available to borrowers who didn’t complete their degree — though this will affect the maximum amount they can refinance with Citizens.
Additionally, if you already have an account with Citizens, you could get a 0.25% rate discount — plus another 0.25% off your rate if you sign up for autopay.
Min. Credit Score
Does not disclose
Loan Amount
$10,000 - $750,000
Repayment terms between 5 and 20 years
Can prequalify and check your rates online
Autopay and loyalty discounts
Must make 36 payments before eligible for cosigner release
Must make 12 payments on your loans before you can refinance if you earned an associate degree or didn’t complete your degree
Relatively high loan minimum
Overview
Citizens offers student loan refinancing to qualifying borrowers who refinance at least $10,000 in student loan debt.
Undergraduate borrowers can refinance up to $300,000 in student loans, while those who borrowed for graduate or professional degrees have higher limits of $500,000 or $750,000. Citizens offers fixed and variable rates and repayment terms between five and 20 years.
If you’re a medical resident, you can refinance your student loans and only pay $100 per month for up to four years while completing your residency or fellowship.
Loan terms
5, 7, 10, 15, or 20 years
Loan amounts
$10,000 minimum, with a maximum of $300,000 for bachelor’s degree or below; $500,000 for graduate degrees; and $750,000 for professional degrees
Eligibility
Must refinance at least $10,000 in student loans and be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or resident alien with a valid U.S. Social Security number. Must have earned at least a bachelor's degree to qualify.
Pros
- 0.25% loyalty discount
- 0.25% autopay discount
- Degree not required
Cons
- Doesn’t disclose minimum income or credit score requirements
- Long cosigner release period (36 months)
- Cosigner release not available on the Education Refinance Loan for Parents
EdvestinU
While EdvestinU won’t refinance as much debt as some of its competitors, it does offer a wide range of loan terms and a choice of a fixed or variable interest rate. Refinancing is available to those who did not graduate.
Plus, EdvestinU offers deferment options should you fall on hard times.
Loan Amount
$7,500 - $200,000
No degree is required to refinance, and you can refinance while still in school
Autopay discount of 0.25 percentage points
New Hampshire residents can get up to 1.5% interest rate reduction
Prequalification is available
Refinancing is only available in select states
Minimum loan balance is higher than some competitors and maximum balance is lower
Cosigner release requirements are strict
Overview
EdvestinU is a loan program offered by Granite Edvance Corporation and offers affordable rates for refinance loans. Borrowers can refinance federal and private loans, and fixed and variable rate loans are available.
EdvestinU refinance loans are available to residents of about 20 states, and the lender has higher loan minimums and lower maximums than some competitors. Both of these factors limit who can (or might want to) refinance with this lender, but eligible borrowers do have various repayment term options.
Eligibility
U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are at least 18 years old and reside in Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Maine, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Pros
- Variable and fixed rates available
- Offers refinancing to borrowers who haven’t completed their degrees
- No application, origination, or prepayment fees
Cons
- Long cosigner release period (36 months)
- Borrowers with poor or fair credit might not qualify
ELFI
If you have a large amount of debt, Education Loan Finance (ELFI) might be a good choice — you can refinance a minimum of $10,000 with no set maximum.
Loan Amount
$10,000 up to total refinance amount
Allows students to refinance parent PLUS loans in their own name
Student loan advisor assigned to each applicant
Transparent credit and income requirements
No application or origination fees
Up to 12 months of financial hardship forbearance available
Must have graduated with at least a bachelor’s degree to qualify
No cosigner release available
No rate discounts offered
Late fees and returned payment fees
Overview
Borrowers who graduated with at least a bachelor’s degree may refinance their student loans with ELFI. Every applicant is assigned a student loan advisor to help guide them through the process.
Students who wish to take over their parents’ PLUS loan may do so by refinancing with ELFI — something not offered by every lender — but spouses can’t consolidate their loans into a single refinancing loan.
Unfortunately, ELFI doesn’t allow borrowers to release cosigners, nor does it offer any rate discounts. However, borrowers who experience financial hardship may be eligible for up to 12 months of forbearance.
Loan terms
5, 7, 10, 15, or 20 years for student loan refinancing; 5, 7, or 10 years for parent loan refinancing
Loan amounts
Minimum of $10,000 with no set maximum.
Eligibility
Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident with a bachelor’s degree or higher. Must have at least $10,000 in student loans to refinance and a minimum credit history of 36 months.
Pros
- No maximum loan limit
- Variable-rate loans capped at 9.95% APR
- Up to 12 months of forbearance available for borrowers experiencing financial hardship
Cons
- No discounts available
- Cosigner release not offered
- Might be hard to qualify if you have poor or fair credit
INvestEd
Unlike many lenders, INvestEd doesn’t require borrowers to have graduated to apply for refinancing, which could make it a good option if you didn’t complete your degree. With INvestEd, you can refinance $5,000 to $250,000.
Loan Amount
$5,000 - $250,000
No degree is required to refinance
Cosigner release available after just 12 on-time payments
Autopay discount of 0.25 percentage points
Deferment options for school enrollment, military service, or financial hardship
Lower maximum refinance limit than some competitors offer
No prequalification option to view your rates
No refinance options for international students
Can’t transfer parent loan to student
Overview
INvestEd is an Indiana-based nonprofit lender that provides refinanced student loans nationwide. As a nonprofit, INvestEd offers competitive rates as well as an autopay discount. Cosigner release is also available after 12 on-time payments, which is less than many competitors.
However, the maximum refinance limit of $250,000 is below what other lenders may allow. Borrowers must also comply with strict credit and income requirements to qualify, or must have an eligible cosigner. While credit requirements are clearly defined, there’s no way to prequalify with a soft credit check.
Eligibility
U.S. citizens or permanent residents are eligible. Borrowers must meet minimum requirements including a FICO score of 670 or higher, annual income of $36,000, a debt-to-income ratio below 40% to 50%, a year of continuous employment, and no defaults or serious collection activities in recent years.
Pros
- 0.25% autopay discount
- Up to 24 months of forbearance available over the life of the loan (one to three months duration per forbearance)
- Degree not required
Cons
- Can only refinance up to $250,000, which might not fully cover your medical school debt
- Might be hard to qualify if you have poor or fair credit
- Long cosigner release period (48 months)
MEFA
The Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA) offers refinancing to borrowers who attended public or nonprofit universities.
With MEFA, you can refinance $10,000 up to your total amount of qualified education debt, which could make it a good choice if you have a large balance you want to refinance.
Loan Amount
$10,000 up to the total amount
No graduation requirement to refinance
No fees whatsoever
Prequalification available
No rate discounts available
No variable interest rates
No cosigner release available
Parent student loans aren’t eligible
Overview
Not-for-profit lender Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA) offers refinancing loans to student borrowers — and unlike many other lenders, you don’t need to have earned your degree to qualify. Only fixed-rate loans are available, but the rates are competitive and may be lower than what other lenders can offer. MEFA also doesn’t charge any fees or penalties.
Refinance loans start at $10,000, and you must have made six consecutive on-time payments on the original loans over the most recent six months. If you can’t qualify based on your own credit history, you can add a cosigner.
Loan amounts
$10,000 up to your total debt
Eligibility
Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident who is the primary borrower on education debt used to attend an eligible college or university. Must have made six on-time loan payments over the most recent six months. Must have no history of default or delinquency on education debt for the past 12 months and no history of bankruptcy or foreclosure in the past five years.
Pros
- No maximum loan amount
- Competitive rates
- No application, origination, or disbursement fees
Cons
- No discounts available
- Cosigner release not offered
- Not available for students who attended for-profit colleges
RISLA
The Rhode Island Student Loan Authority (RISLA) could be a smart choice for refinancing if you’re worried about job security down the line. Unlike most private lenders, RISLA offers an income-based repayment (IBR) plan for borrowers who demonstrate financial hardship.
Additionally, if you make on-time, consecutive payments for 25 years under this IBR plan, RISLA will forgive any remaining balance you might have.
Loan Amount
$7,500 - $250,000
Income-based repayment options for borrowers experiencing financial hardship
Up to 24 months of forbearance
Up to 36 months of graduate school deferment
No degree required to refinance
Rate discounts available
No cosigner release
Limited repayment terms
Minimum $40,000 income required
No variable rates
Overview
Founded in 1981, Rhode Island Student Loan Authority (RISLA) is a nonprofit lender that offers refinance loans to borrowers in all 50 states. Though most private lenders require borrowers to have graduated to qualify for refinancing, RISLA also serves borrowers who didn’t complete their degree.
RISLA offers income-based repayment to borrowers in financial distress. Additionally, borrowers may also access up to 24 months of forbearance in the event of financial hardship. Borrowers who return to graduate school may defer repayment on their refinancing loans for up to 36 months.
Loan amounts
$7,500 minimum up to of $250,000, depending on degree
Eligibility
Borrower or cosigner must meet credit requirements. Student must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and have used original student loans to attend an eligible degree-granting institution.
Meet the expert:
Aly J. Yale
Aly J. Yale is a personal finance journalist with work featured in Forbes, Fox Business, The Motley Fool, Bankrate, The Balance, and more.
