{"id":1459,"date":"2015-05-30T19:28:27","date_gmt":"2015-05-30T19:28:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/?p=1459"},"modified":"2023-06-30T14:50:20","modified_gmt":"2023-06-30T21:50:20","slug":"can-you-refinance-federal-student-loans","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/refinance-student-loans\/can-you-refinance-federal-student-loans\/","title":{"rendered":"Should I Refinance My Federal Student Loans?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Federal student loans can be a good way to pay for college, especially because they come with borrower protections.<\/p>\n<p>But if you have good credit, you might be able to save more money with a lower interest rate if you refinance federal student loans. But you\u2019ll want to consider the pros and cons first.<\/p>\n<p><b>Here\u2019s what to know before you refinance federal student loans:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#can-you-refinance-your-federal-student-loans\">Can I refinance my federal student loans?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#should-i-refinance-my-federal-student-loans\">Should I refinance my federal student loans?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#benefits-and-risks-of-refinancing\">Benefits and risks of refinancing<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#refinancing-vs-consolidation\">Refinancing vs. consolidation<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#how-to-refinance\">How to refinance federal student loans<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#faq\">Federal student loan refinancing FAQs<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a name=\"can-you-refinance-your-federal-student-loans\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Can I refinance my federal student loans?<\/h2>\n<p>Yes, you can refinance federal student loans like most other types of student loans. When you refinance a federal student loan, you\u2019ll pay it off with a new private student loan.<\/p>\n<p>If you refinance your federal loans, you\u2019ll lose access to federal benefits \u2014 including income-driven repayment plans and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/refinance-student-loans\/student-loan-forgiveness-programs\/\">student loan forgiveness programs<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"basic-box\" style=\"border: 1px solid #E2E4E6;\"><div class=\"basic-box__inside\"><strong>Keep in mind:<\/strong> Refinancing is different from federal student loan consolidation, which combines federal student loans into a single federal Direct Consolidation Loan while also keeping federal student loan benefits.<\/div><\/div>\n<p><a name=\"should-i-refinance-my-federal-student-loans\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Should I refinance my federal student loans?<\/h2>\n<p>While refinancing federal student loans isn\u2019t right for everyone, here are some scenarios where it might make sense to consider refinancing your federal student loans with a private lender:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>You have high-interest loans:<\/b> If you took out loans during a period when interest rates were higher, or you have graduate loans, you may be able to secure a lower rate through refinancing \u2014 especially if you have good to excellent credit.<\/li>\n<li><b>You&#8217;re not eligible for forgiveness:<\/b> If your career doesn&#8217;t align with the requirements for loan forgiveness or repayment assistance programs, it may make sense to find your own solutions for paying down debt through refinancing.<\/li>\n<li><b>You have a solid, stable income:<\/b> Other reasons for federal student loan borrowers to stay put are the U.S. Education Department&#8217;s income-driven repayment plans and generous forbearance and deferment options. But if you don&#8217;t anticipate needing those, refinancing could provide more benefits to you.<\/li>\n<li><b>You want to pay off your loans faster:<\/b> The minimum repayment term with federal loans is 10 years, but with refinancing, you may be able to cut that down to five years. Just be sure you can afford the higher monthly payments.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Is refinancing student loans a good idea right now?<\/h3>\n<p>Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, federal student loan payments and interest accrual have been paused by the CARES Act and subsequent extensions by the federal government. The pause is set to expire on September 1, 2023. If you refinance your federal student loans, you\u2019ll no longer be eligible for this administrative forbearance.<\/p>\n<p>Because of this, it might be a good idea to wait before refinancing your federal loans.<\/p>\n<p><i><b>Learn More:<\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/refinance-student-loans\/federal-student-loan-forgiveness-announced\/\">Up to $20K in Student Loan Forgiveness for Some Borrowers, and Payments Remain Paused<\/a><\/i><\/p>\n<p><a name=\"benefits-and-risks-of-refinancing\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Benefits and risks of refinancing<\/h2>\n<p>While refinancing your federal student loans might be a good choice in some cases, it isn&#8217;t right for everyone. If you&#8217;re thinking about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/refinance-student-loans\">refinancing your student loans<\/a>, it&#8217;s important to consider the pros and cons first.<\/p>\n\n<table id=\"tablepress-332\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-332 table table-border-top table-rounded table-capitalized-column-titles table-no-img-margin\">\n<tbody class=\"row-striping row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><strong>Benefits<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><strong>Risks<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><div style=\"text-align: left; padding:0px 25px;\"><ul><li>Might get a lower interest rate<\/li><li>Can extend your repayment term to get a lower monthly payment<\/li><li>Might be able to pay off your loan sooner<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><div style=\"text-align: left; padding:0px 25px;\"><ul><li>No federal deferment or forbearance programs<\/li><li>No income-driven repayment plans<\/li><li>No student loan forgiveness<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n<h3>Advantages of refinancing<\/h3>\n<p>Here are some of the benefits of refinancing to keep in mind:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>You could get a lower interest rate.<\/b> If you refinance, you might qualify for a lower interest rate, which could save you money over the life of your loan.<\/li>\n<li><b>You could get a lower monthly payment. <\/b>If you choose a longer repayment term, you could get a lower monthly payment. Just keep in mind that extending your repayment means you\u2019ll pay more in interest over the life of your loan.<\/li>\n<li><b>You could pay off your loans sooner.<\/b> If you\u2019re able to get a lower interest rate by refinancing, you\u2019ll have fewer interest charges over the life of your loan. Because of this, you might be able to pay off your loan faster than if you hadn\u2019t refinanced.<\/li>\n<li><b>You can combine loans.<\/b> Refinancing multiple federal loans into one private loan can simplify your finances because you&#8217;ll have just one monthly payment instead of several.<\/li>\n<li><b>You can transfer Parent PLUS Loans.<\/b> If you took out Parent PLUS Loans to help pay for your child\u2019s education, some lenders allow you to refinance and transfer that debt to your child once they&#8217;ve graduated and can meet the eligibility requirements.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If you choose to refinance, be sure to consider as many refinancing lenders as possible to find the right loan for you. Credible makes this easy \u2014 you can compare your prequalified rates from our partner lenders in the table below in just two minutes.<\/p>\n\n<table id=\"tablepress-501\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-501 table table-border-top table-rounded table-align-center table-capitalized-column-titles table-no-img-margin tbody-has-connected-cells\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<th class=\"column-1\"><strong>Lender<\/strong><\/th><th class=\"column-2\"><strong>Fixed rates from (APR)<\/strong><\/th><th class=\"column-3\"><strong>Variable rates from (APR)<\/strong><\/th><th class=\"column-4\"><strong>Loan terms (years)<\/strong><\/th><th class=\"column-5\"><strong>Loan amounts<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><center><br \/>\n<br \/>\n        <div class=\"tablepress-rating-shortcode\">\n            <div class=\"heading__container\">\n                <span class=\"heading\">\n                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/lenders\/brazos\/\">Credible Rating<\/a>\n                                    <\/span>\n                                    <div class=\"even\" data-toggle=\"tip\" data-placement=\"top left\">\n                        <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"icon-help\" alt=\"Question mark icon to show more information\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/icon-help-dark.svg\">\n                        <span class=\"tip\">\n                            <span class=\"tip-content\">Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/credible-rating-lender-methodology\/\">Read our full methodology.<\/a><\/span>\n                            <span class=\"tip-arrow\"><\/span>\n                        <\/span>\n                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"star-rating__container\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"4 star rating\">\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A half star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-half.svg\">\n                    <\/div>\n            <div class=\"details-link\">\n                <a href=\"#\" class=\"collapsed\" data-target=\"#brazos\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" role=\"button\">View details<\/a>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <\/td><td class=\"column-2\">  <span>\n    3.99%+<sup><\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">  <span>\n    3.63%+<sup><\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">5, 7, 10, 15, 20<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">$10,000 up to $250,000<br \/>\n<small>(depending on degree)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n\t<td colspan=\"5\" class=\"column-1\">            <div id=\"brazos\" class=\"collapse tablepress-lender-details__container\">\n                <ul>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Fixed APR:<\/span>\n                                  <span>\n    3.99%+<sup><\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Variable APR:<\/span>\n                                  <span>\n    3.63%+<sup><\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Min. credit score:<\/span>\n                                720<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Loan amount:<\/span>\n                                $10,000 to $400,000<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Loan terms (years):<\/span>\n                                5, 7, 10, 15, 20<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Repayment options:<\/span>\n                                Military deferment, forbearance<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Fees:<\/span>\n                                Late fee<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Discounts:<\/span>\n                                Autopay<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Eligibility:<\/span>\n                                Must have a credit score of at least 720, a minimum income of $60,000, and must be a resident of Texas<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Customer service:<\/span>\n                                Email, phone<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Soft credit check:<\/span>\n                                720<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Cosigner release:<\/span>\n                                No<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Loan servicer:<\/span>\n                                Firstmark Services<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Max. Undergraduate Loan Balance:<\/span>\n                                $100,000 - $149,000<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Max. Graduate Loan Balance:<\/span>\n                                $200,000 - $400,000<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Offers Parent PLUS Refinancing:<\/span>\n                                Does not disclose<\/li>\n                                    <\/ul>\n                            <\/div>\n        <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><center><br \/>\n<br \/>\n        <div class=\"tablepress-rating-shortcode\">\n            <div class=\"heading__container\">\n                <span class=\"heading\">\n                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/lenders\/citizens-bank\/#citizens-bank-student-loan-refinancing\">Credible Rating<\/a>\n                                    <\/span>\n                                    <div class=\"even\" data-toggle=\"tip\" data-placement=\"top left\">\n                        <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"icon-help\" alt=\"Question mark icon to show more information\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/icon-help-dark.svg\">\n                        <span class=\"tip\">\n                            <span class=\"tip-content\">Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/credible-rating-lender-methodology\/\">Read our full methodology.<\/a><\/span>\n                            <span class=\"tip-arrow\"><\/span>\n                        <\/span>\n                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"star-rating__container\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"3 star rating\">\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A half star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-half.svg\">\n                        <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"An empty star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-empty.svg\">\n                        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"details-link\">\n                <a href=\"#\" class=\"collapsed\" data-target=\"#citizens-bank-refi\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" role=\"button\">View details<\/a>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <\/td><td class=\"column-2\">  <span>\n    5.77%+<sup>1<\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n <\/td><td class=\"column-3\">  <span>\n    5.79%+<sup>1<\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">5, 7, 10, 15, 20<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">$10,000 to $500,000<br \/>\n<small>(depending on degree and loan type)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-5\">\n\t<td colspan=\"5\" class=\"column-1\">            <div id=\"citizens-bank-refi\" class=\"collapse tablepress-lender-details__container\">\n                <ul>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Fixed APR:<\/span>\n                                  <span>\n    5.77%+<sup>1<\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Variable APR:<\/span>\n                                  <span>\n    5.79%+<sup>1<\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Min. credit score:<\/span>\n                                Does not disclose<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Loan amount:<\/span>\n                                $10,000 to $750,000<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Loan terms (years):<\/span>\n                                5, 7, 10, 15, 20<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Repayment options:<\/span>\n                                Immediate repayment, academic deferment, military deferment, forbearance, loans discharged upon death or disability<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Fees:<\/span>\n                                Late fee<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Discounts:<\/span>\n                                Autopay, loyalty<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Eligibility:<\/span>\n                                Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and have at least $10,000 in student loans<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Customer service:<\/span>\n                                Email, phone, chat<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Soft credit check:<\/span>\n                                Yes<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Cosigner release:<\/span>\n                                After 24 to 36 months<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Loan servicer:<\/span>\n                                Firstmark Services<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Max. Undergraduate Loan Balance:<\/span>\n                                $100,000 to $149,000<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Max. Graduate Loan Balance:<\/span>\n                                Less than $150,000<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Offers Parent PLUS Refinancing:<\/span>\n                                Yes<\/li>\n                                    <\/ul>\n                            <\/div>\n        <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-6\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><center><br \/>\n<br \/>\n        <div class=\"tablepress-rating-shortcode\">\n            <div class=\"heading__container\">\n                <span class=\"heading\">\n                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/lenders\/college-ave\/#college-ave-student-loan-refinancing\">Credible Rating<\/a>\n                                    <\/span>\n                                    <div class=\"even\" data-toggle=\"tip\" data-placement=\"top left\">\n                        <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"icon-help\" alt=\"Question mark icon to show more information\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/icon-help-dark.svg\">\n                        <span class=\"tip\">\n                            <span class=\"tip-content\">Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/credible-rating-lender-methodology\/\">Read our full methodology.<\/a><\/span>\n                            <span class=\"tip-arrow\"><\/span>\n                        <\/span>\n                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"star-rating__container\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"4 star rating\">\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A half star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-half.svg\">\n                    <\/div>\n            <div class=\"details-link\">\n                <a href=\"#\" class=\"collapsed\" data-target=\"#college-ave\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" role=\"button\">View details<\/a>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <\/td><td class=\"column-2\">  <span>\n    6.99%+<sup>2<\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">  <span>\n    6.99%+<sup>2<\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">5, 7, 10, 12, 15, 20<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">$5,000 to $300,000<br \/>\n<small>(depending on degree type)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-7\">\n\t<td colspan=\"5\" class=\"column-1\">            <div id=\"college-ave\" class=\"collapse tablepress-lender-details__container\">\n                <ul>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Fixed APR:<\/span>\n                                  <span>\n    6.99%+<sup>2<\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Variable APR:<\/span>\n                                  <span>\n    6.99%+<sup>2<\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Min. credit score:<\/span>\n                                 Does not disclose<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Loan amount:<\/span>\n                                $5,000 to $300,000<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Loan terms (years):<\/span>\n                                5, 7, 10, 12, 15<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Repayment options:<\/span>\n                                Military deferment, forbearance, loans discharged upon death or disability<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Fees:<\/span>\n                                Late fee<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Discounts:<\/span>\n                                Autopay<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Eligibility:<\/span>\n                                All states except for ME<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Customer service:<\/span>\n                                Email, phone, chat<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Soft credit check:<\/span>\n                                Yes<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Cosigner release:<\/span>\n                                After 24 to 36 months<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Loan servicer:<\/span>\n                                College Ave Servicing LLC<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Max. Undergraduate Loan Balance:<\/span>\n                                $100,000 to $149,000<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Max. Graduate Loan Balance:<\/span>\n                                Less than $300,000<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Offers Parent PLUS Refinancing:<\/span>\n                                Yes<\/li>\n                                    <\/ul>\n                            <\/div>\n        <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-8\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><center><br \/>\n<br \/>\n        <div class=\"tablepress-rating-shortcode\">\n            <div class=\"heading__container\">\n                <span class=\"heading\">\n                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/lenders\/edvestinu\/#edvestinu-student-loan-refinancing-review\">Credible Rating<\/a>\n                                    <\/span>\n                                    <div class=\"even\" data-toggle=\"tip\" data-placement=\"top left\">\n                        <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"icon-help\" alt=\"Question mark icon to show more information\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/icon-help-dark.svg\">\n                        <span class=\"tip\">\n                            <span class=\"tip-content\">Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/credible-rating-lender-methodology\/\">Read our full methodology.<\/a><\/span>\n                            <span class=\"tip-arrow\"><\/span>\n                        <\/span>\n                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"star-rating__container\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"3 star rating\">\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A three-quarter star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-three-quarter.svg\">\n                        <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"An empty star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-empty.svg\">\n                        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"details-link\">\n                <a href=\"#\" class=\"collapsed\" data-target=\"#edvestinu\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" role=\"button\">View details<\/a>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <\/td><td class=\"column-2\">  <span>\n    4.15%+<sup>5<\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">  <span>\n    99.99%+<sup>5<\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">5, 10, 15, 20<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">$1,000 to $250,000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-9\">\n\t<td colspan=\"5\" class=\"column-1\">            <div id=\"edvestinu\" class=\"collapse tablepress-lender-details__container\">\n                <ul>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Fixed APR:<\/span>\n                                  <span>\n    4.15%+<sup>5<\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Variable APR:<\/span>\n                                  <span>\n    99.99%+<sup>5<\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Min. credit score:<\/span>\n                                700<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Loan amount:<\/span>\n                                $7,500 to $200,000<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Loan terms (years):<\/span>\n                                5, 10, 15, 20<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Repayment options:<\/span>\n                                Immediate repayment, academic deferment, forbearance, loans discharged upon death or disability<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Fees:<\/span>\n                                None<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Discounts:<\/span>\n                                Autopay<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Eligibility:<\/span>\n                                Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and submit two personal references<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Customer service:<\/span>\n                                Email, phone<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Soft credit check:<\/span>\n                                Yes<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Cosigner release:<\/span>\n                                After 24 months<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Loan servicer:<\/span>\n                                Firstmark Services<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Max. Undergraduate Loan Balance:<\/span>\n                                $150,000 to $249,000<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Max. Graduate Loan Balance:<\/span>\n                                $150,000 to $199,000<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Offers Parent PLUS Refinancing :<\/span>\n                                Yes<\/li>\n                                    <\/ul>\n                            <\/div>\n        <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-10\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><center><br \/>\n<br \/>\n        <div class=\"tablepress-rating-shortcode\">\n            <div class=\"heading__container\">\n                <span class=\"heading\">\n                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/lenders\/elfi\/\">Credible Rating<\/a>\n                                    <\/span>\n                                    <div class=\"even\" data-toggle=\"tip\" data-placement=\"top left\">\n                        <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"icon-help\" alt=\"Question mark icon to show more information\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/icon-help-dark.svg\">\n                        <span class=\"tip\">\n                            <span class=\"tip-content\">Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/credible-rating-lender-methodology\/\">Read our full methodology.<\/a><\/span>\n                            <span class=\"tip-arrow\"><\/span>\n                        <\/span>\n                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"star-rating__container\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"4 star rating\">\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A half star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-half.svg\">\n                    <\/div>\n            <div class=\"details-link\">\n                <a href=\"#\" class=\"collapsed\" data-target=\"#elfi\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" role=\"button\">View details<\/a>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <\/td><td class=\"column-2\">  <span>\n    4.29%+<sup>3<\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">  <span>\n    4.74%+<sup>3<\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">5, 7, 10, 12, 15, 20<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">$10,000 to $250,000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-11\">\n\t<td colspan=\"5\" class=\"column-1\">            <div id=\"elfi\" class=\"collapse tablepress-lender-details__container\">\n                <ul>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Fixed APR:<\/span>\n                                  <span>\n    4.29%+<sup>3<\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Variable APR:<\/span>\n                                  <span>\n    4.74%+<sup>3<\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Min. credit score:<\/span>\n                                680<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Loan amount:<\/span>\n                                $10,000 to $250,000<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Loan terms (years):<\/span>\n                                5, 7, 10, 15, 20<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Repayment options:<\/span>\n                                Forbearance<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Fees:<\/span>\n                                None<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Discounts:<\/span>\n                                None<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Eligibility:<\/span>\n                                Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, have at least $15,000 in student loan debt, and have a bachelor\u2019s degree or higher from an approved school<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Customer service:<\/span>\n                                Email, phone<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Soft credit check:<\/span>\n                                Yes<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Cosigner release:<\/span>\n                                No<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Loan servicer:<\/span>\n                                Mohela<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Max. Undergraduate Loan Balance:<\/span>\n                                $250,000<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Max. Graduate Loan Balance:<\/span>\n                                $250,000<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Offers Parent PLUS Refinancing:<\/span>\n                                Yes<\/li>\n                                    <\/ul>\n                            <\/div>\n        <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-12\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><center><br \/>\n<br \/>\n        <div class=\"tablepress-rating-shortcode\">\n            <div class=\"heading__container\">\n                <span class=\"heading\">\n                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/lenders\/invested\/#invested-refinancing\">Credible Rating<\/a>\n                                    <\/span>\n                                    <div class=\"even\" data-toggle=\"tip\" data-placement=\"top left\">\n                        <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"icon-help\" alt=\"Question mark icon to show more information\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/icon-help-dark.svg\">\n                        <span class=\"tip\">\n                            <span class=\"tip-content\">Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/credible-rating-lender-methodology\/\">Read our full methodology.<\/a><\/span>\n                            <span class=\"tip-arrow\"><\/span>\n                        <\/span>\n                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"star-rating__container\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"3 star rating\">\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                                <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"An empty star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-empty.svg\">\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"An empty star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-empty.svg\">\n                        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"details-link\">\n                <a href=\"#\" class=\"collapsed\" data-target=\"#invested-slr\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" role=\"button\">View details<\/a>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <\/td><td class=\"column-2\">  <span>\n    5.41%+<sup>4<\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">  <span>\n    6.59%+<sup>4<\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">5, 10, 15, 20<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">$5,000 to $250,000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-13\">\n\t<td colspan=\"5\" class=\"column-1\">            <div id=\"invested-slr\" class=\"collapse tablepress-lender-details__container\">\n                <ul>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Fixed APR:<\/span>\n                                  <span>\n    5.41%+<sup>4<\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Variable APR:<\/span>\n                                  <span>\n    6.59%+<sup>4<\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Min. credit score:<\/span>\n                                670<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Loan amount:<\/span>\n                                $5,000 to $250,000<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Loan terms (years):<\/span>\n                                5, 10, 15, 20<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Repayment options:<\/span>\n                                Academic deferment, military deferment, forbearance<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Fees:<\/span>\n                                Late fee, returned payment fee<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Discounts:<\/span>\n                                Autopay<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Eligibility:<\/span>\n                                Must be U.S. citizen or permanent resident<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Customer service:<\/span>\n                                Email, phone, chat<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Soft credit check:<\/span>\n                                Yes<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Cosigner release:<\/span>\n                                Yes<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Max undergraduate loan balance:<\/span>\n                                $250,000<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Max graduate loan balance:<\/span>\n                                $250,000<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Offers Parent PLUS refinancing:<\/span>\n                                Yes<\/li>\n                                    <\/ul>\n                            <\/div>\n        <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-14\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><center><br \/>\n<br \/>\n        <div class=\"tablepress-rating-shortcode\">\n            <div class=\"heading__container\">\n                <span class=\"heading\">\n                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/lenders\/lendkey\/\">Credible Rating<\/a>\n                                    <\/span>\n                                    <div class=\"even\" data-toggle=\"tip\" data-placement=\"top left\">\n                        <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"icon-help\" alt=\"Question mark icon to show more information\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/icon-help-dark.svg\">\n                        <span class=\"tip\">\n                            <span class=\"tip-content\">Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/credible-rating-lender-methodology\/\">Read our full methodology.<\/a><\/span>\n                            <span class=\"tip-arrow\"><\/span>\n                        <\/span>\n                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"star-rating__container\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"4 star rating\">\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A half star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-half.svg\">\n                    <\/div>\n            <div class=\"details-link\">\n                <a href=\"#\" class=\"collapsed\" data-target=\"#lendkey-slr\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" role=\"button\">View details<\/a>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <\/td><td class=\"column-2\">  <span>\n    3.98%+<sup><\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">  <span>\n    4.19%+<sup><\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">5, 7, 10, 15<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">Up to $300,000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-15\">\n\t<td colspan=\"5\" class=\"column-1\">            <div id=\"lendkey-slr\" class=\"collapse tablepress-lender-details__container\">\n                <ul>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Fixed APR:<\/span>\n                                  <span>\n    3.98%+<sup><\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Variable APR:<\/span>\n                                  <span>\n    4.19%+<sup><\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Min. credit score:<\/span>\n                                700<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Loan amount:<\/span>\n                                $5,000 to $300,000<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Loan terms (years):<\/span>\n                                5, 7, 10, 15<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Max. undergraduate Loan Balance:<\/span>\n                                $125,000<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Time to Fund:<\/span>\n                                10 to 30 days<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Repayment options:<\/span>\n                                Immediate repayment, forbearance <\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Fees:<\/span>\n                                Late fee<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Discounts:<\/span>\n                                Autopay<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Eligibility:<\/span>\n                                Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and have already graduated with at least an associate degree from an eligible institution<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Customer service:<\/span>\n                                Email, phone<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Soft credit check:<\/span>\n                                Yes<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Cosigner release:<\/span>\n                                After 12 months<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Loan servicer:<\/span>\n                                LendKey Technologies Inc.<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Max. graduate Loan Balance:<\/span>\n                                $175,000<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Credible Review:<\/span>\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/lenders\/lendkey\/\">LendKey Student Loans review<\/a><\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Offers Parent PLUS Refinancing:<\/span>\n                                No<\/li>\n                                    <\/ul>\n                            <\/div>\n        <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-16\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><center><br \/>\n<br \/>\n        <div class=\"tablepress-rating-shortcode\">\n            <div class=\"heading__container\">\n                <span class=\"heading\">\n                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/lenders\/mefa\/\">Credible Rating<\/a>\n                                    <\/span>\n                                    <div class=\"even\" data-toggle=\"tip\" data-placement=\"top left\">\n                        <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"icon-help\" alt=\"Question mark icon to show more information\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/icon-help-dark.svg\">\n                        <span class=\"tip\">\n                            <span class=\"tip-content\">Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/credible-rating-lender-methodology\/\">Read our full methodology.<\/a><\/span>\n                            <span class=\"tip-arrow\"><\/span>\n                        <\/span>\n                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"star-rating__container\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"4 star rating\">\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                                <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"An empty star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-empty.svg\">\n                        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"details-link\">\n                <a href=\"#\" class=\"collapsed\" data-target=\"#mefa\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" role=\"button\">View details<\/a>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <\/td><td class=\"column-2\">  <span>\n    6.2%+<sup><\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">N\/A<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">7, 10, 15<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">$10,000 up to the total amount of qualified education debt<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-17\">\n\t<td colspan=\"5\" class=\"column-1\">            <div id=\"mefa\" class=\"collapse tablepress-lender-details__container\">\n                <ul>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Fixed APR:<\/span>\n                                  <span>\n    6.2%+<sup><\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Variable APR:<\/span>\n                                N\/A<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Min. credit score:<\/span>\n                                670<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Loan amount:<\/span>\n                                $10,000 up to the total amount<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Loan terms (years):<\/span>\n                                7, 10, 15<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Repayment options:<\/span>\n                                Military deferment, loans discharged upon death or disability<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Fees:<\/span>\n                                None<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Discounts:<\/span>\n                                None<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Eligibility:<\/span>\n                                Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and have at least $10,000 in student loans<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Customer service:<\/span>\n                                Email, phone<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Soft credit check:<\/span>\n                                Yes<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Cosigner release:<\/span>\n                                No<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Loan servicer:<\/span>\n                                AES<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Max. Undergraduate Loan Balance:<\/span>\n                                No maximum<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Max. Gradaute Loan Balance:<\/span>\n                                No maximum<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Offers Parent PLUS Refinancing:<\/span>\n                                Yes<\/li>\n                                    <\/ul>\n                            <\/div>\n        <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-18\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><center><br \/>\n<br \/>\n        <div class=\"tablepress-rating-shortcode\">\n            <div class=\"heading__container\">\n                <span class=\"heading\">\n                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/lenders\/risla\/\">Credible Rating<\/a>\n                                    <\/span>\n                                    <div class=\"even\" data-toggle=\"tip\" data-placement=\"top left\">\n                        <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"icon-help\" alt=\"Question mark icon to show more information\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/icon-help-dark.svg\">\n                        <span class=\"tip\">\n                            <span class=\"tip-content\">Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/credible-rating-lender-methodology\/\">Read our full methodology.<\/a><\/span>\n                            <span class=\"tip-arrow\"><\/span>\n                        <\/span>\n                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"star-rating__container\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"3 star rating\">\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A half star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-half.svg\">\n                        <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"An empty star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-empty.svg\">\n                        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"details-link\">\n                <a href=\"#\" class=\"collapsed\" data-target=\"#risla\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" role=\"button\">View details<\/a>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <\/td><td class=\"column-2\">  <span>\n    3.99%+<sup><\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">N\/A<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">5, 10, 15<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">$7,500 up to $250,000<br \/>\n<small>(depending on highest degree earned)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-19\">\n\t<td colspan=\"5\" class=\"column-1\">            <div id=\"risla\" class=\"collapse tablepress-lender-details__container\">\n                <ul>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Fixed APR:<\/span>\n                                  <span>\n    3.99%+<sup><\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Variable APR:<\/span>\n                                N\/A<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Min. credit score:<\/span>\n                                680<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Loan amount:<\/span>\n                                $7,500 to $250,000<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Loan terms (years):<\/span>\n                                5, 10, 15<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Repayment options:<\/span>\n                                Academic deferment, military deferment, forbearance, loans discharged upon death or disability<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Fees:<\/span>\n                                None<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Discounts:<\/span>\n                                Autopay<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Eligibility:<\/span>\n                                Available in all 50 states; must also have at least $7,500 in student loans and a minimum income of $40,000<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Customer service:<\/span>\n                                Email, phone<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Soft credit check:<\/span>\n                                Does not disclose<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Cosigner release:<\/span>\n                                No<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Loan servicer:<\/span>\n                                Rhode Island Student Loan Authority<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Max. Undergraduate Loan Balance:<\/span>\n                                $150,000 - $249,000<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Max. Graduate Loan Balance:<\/span>\n                                $200,000 - $249,000<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Offers Parent PLUS Refinancing:<\/span>\n                                Yes<\/li>\n                                    <\/ul>\n                            <\/div>\n        <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-20\">\n\t<td colspan=\"5\" class=\"column-1\"><b>Compare personalized rates from multiple lenders without affecting your credit score. 100% free!<br \/>\n<br \/>\n<center><a class=\"btn btn-warning\" href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/refi\/prequal\">Compare Now<\/a><br \/>\n<!-- TrustBox widget - Micro Combo --><br \/>\n<div class=\"trustpilot-widget\" data-locale=\"en-US\" data-template-id=\"5419b6ffb0d04a076446a9af\" data-businessunit-id=\"5536ec090000ff00057eebe7\" data-style-height=\"20px\" data-style-width=\"100%\" data-theme=\"light\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.trustpilot.com\/review\/www.credible.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Trustpilot<\/a><\/div><br \/>\n<!-- End TrustBox widget --><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-21\">\n\t<td colspan=\"5\" class=\"column-1\"><p style=\"text-align: center;\"><small>All APRs reflect autopay and loyalty discounts where available | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.citizensbank.com\/student-lending\/DisclosureHub.aspx#rate-lowest\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><sup>1<\/sup>Citizens Disclosures <\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/a\/college-ave-disclosures\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><sup>2<\/sup>College Ave Disclosures <\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/a\/edvestinu-apr-details-refi\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><sup>5<\/sup>EDvestinU Disclosures <\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.elfi.com\/terms\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><sup>3<\/sup> ELFI Disclosures<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/a\/invested-slr-disclosures\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><sup>4<\/sup>INvestEd Disclosures<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/a\/ISL-Disclosures\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><sup>7<\/sup>ISL Education Lending Disclosures\u00a0<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/disclosures-api\/get-latest\/refi.nelnet.blog-disclosures\"><sup>8<\/sup>Nelnet Bank Disclosures<\/a><\/small><\/p><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n<h3>Drawbacks of refinancing<\/h3>\n<p>Here are a few of the risks to be aware of when it comes to refinancing federal student loans:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Not all qualify.<\/b> Depending on your credit history and finances, you may not be eligible to refinance your federal loans with a private loan. Even if you meet the minimum criteria, it might not be enough to secure more favorable terms.<\/li>\n<li><b>You\u2019ll lose access to deferment and forbearance options. <\/b>There are various situations that might qualify you for federal deferment or forbearance. If you refinance, you\u2019ll no longer have access to these programs. Instead, the ability to pause payments will be at the discretion of your lender.<\/li>\n<li><b>You\u2019ll lose access to income-driven repayment.<\/b> Once you refinance, you can\u2019t sign up for any of the income-driven repayment plans. Instead, your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/student-loans\/repayment-options-private-student-loans\/\">repayment options<\/a> will depend on the terms from your lender.<\/li>\n<li><b>You won\u2019t qualify for federal student loan forgiveness. <\/b>Unlike federal student loans, a refinanced private student loan won\u2019t qualify for student loan forgiveness programs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em><strong>Check out:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/refinance-student-loans\/student-loan-refinancing-risks\/\">Student Loan Refinancing Risks<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<p><a name=\"refinancing-vs-consolidation\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Refinancing vs. consolidation<\/h2>\n<p>The terms refinancing and consolidation are often used interchangeably. However, they mean something different for federal student loans.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Federal student loan consolidation:<\/strong> You can consolidate your federal loans into a Direct Consolidation Loan. While this won&#8217;t lower your interest rate, you can extend your repayment term up to 30 years to lower your monthly payments \u2014 though this means you&#8217;ll pay more in interest over time. Federal consolidation also lets you maintain your federal benefits.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Private student loan refinancing:<\/strong> This process (also known as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/student-loan-consolidation\">private student loan consolidation<\/a>) lets you combine multiple student loans \u2014 leaving you with just one loan and payment to manage. Depending on your credit, refinancing might get you a lower interest rate. Or you could opt to extend your repayment term to reduce your payments. Just remember that refinancing federal loans will cost you access to federal benefits.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<table id=\"tablepress-113\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-113 table table-border-top table-striped table-rounded table-capitalized-column-titles\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><\/td><th class=\"column-2\"><strong>Federal student loan consolidation<\/strong><\/th><th class=\"column-3\"><strong>Private student loan refinancing<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-striping row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><strong>Are federal loans eligible?<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Yes<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><strong>Are private loans eligible?<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">No<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><strong>Will it combine all my loans into one?<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Yes<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-5\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><strong>Will I get a lower interest rate?<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">No<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Possibly<br \/>\n<small>(depending on your credit)<\/small><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-6\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><strong>Is a credit check required?<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">No<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-7\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><strong>Will I keep my federal benefits?<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Yes<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">No<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n<p><a name=\"how-to-refinance\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>How to refinance federal student loans<\/h2>\n<p>If you&#8217;re ready to refinance your federal student loans, follow these four steps:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><b>Shop around and compare rates. <\/b>Be sure to compare your rates from as many lenders as possible to find a loan that fits your needs. This might include deciding between a fixed or variable rate, considering different loan repayment terms, and more.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Pick a loan option.<\/strong> After comparing lenders, choose the loan option that best suits your needs.<\/li>\n<li><b>Complete the application. <\/b>Once you\u2019ve picked a lender, you&#8217;ll need to fill out a full application and submit any required documentation, such as tax returns or pay stubs. Also be prepared to provide information regarding each of the loans you want to refinance.<\/li>\n<li><b>Manage your payments. <\/b>If you&#8217;re approved, continue to make payments on your old loans while the refinance is processed. Afterward, you might consider signing up for autopay so you won&#8217;t miss any future payments \u2014 many lenders offer a rate discount to borrowers who opt for automatic payments.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>If you decide that refinancing is right for you, you can easily compare your rates from multiple lenders with Credible after filling out a single form.<\/p>\n<div class=\"basic-box\" style=\"border: 1px solid #E2E4E6;\"><div class=\"basic-box__inside\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><strong>Find out if refinancing is right for you<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"list--iconArrow accent--isGreen\">\n<li><strong>Compare actual rates, not ballpark estimates<\/strong> &#8211; Unlock rates from multiple lenders in about 2 minutes<\/li>\n<li><strong>Won&#8217;t impact credit score<\/strong> &#8211; Checking rates on Credible won&#8217;t impact your credit score<\/li>\n<li><strong>Data privacy<\/strong> &#8211; We don&#8217;t sell your information, so you won&#8217;t get calls or emails from multiple lenders<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a class=\"btn btn-warning\" href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/refinance-student-loans\">See Your Refinancing Options<\/a><br \/>\n<small>Credible is 100% free!<\/small><\/p>\n<p><!-- TrustBox widget - Micro Combo --><\/p>\n<div class=\"trustpilot-widget\" data-locale=\"en-US\" data-template-id=\"5419b6ffb0d04a076446a9af\" data-businessunit-id=\"5536ec090000ff00057eebe7\" data-style-height=\"20px\" data-style-width=\"100%\" data-theme=\"light\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.trustpilot.com\/review\/www.credible.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Trustpilot<\/a><\/div>\n<p><!-- End TrustBox widget --><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<p><em><strong>Find Out:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/refinance-student-loans\/cost-to-refinance\/\">Cost to Refinance Student Loans: Fees &amp; Discounts Explained<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<p><a name=\"faq\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Federal student loan refinancing FAQs<\/h2>\n<p>Here are answers to several commonly asked questions about refinancing federal student loans:<\/p>\n<h3>What types of loans are eligible?<\/h3>\n<p>Most federal student loans are typically eligible for refinancing, including Direct Subsidized Loans, Direct Unsubsidized Loans, and Parent PLUS Loans. You can refinance all or some of your federal student loan balance into a new private loan.<\/p>\n<p>You\u2019ll also need to meet the lender\u2019s other requirements, which often includes a minimum credit score and verifiable income.<\/p>\n<p><b><i>Learn More: <\/i><\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/refinance-student-loans\/how-to-refinance-student-loans\/\"><i>How to Refinance Your Student Loans<\/i><\/a><\/p>\n<h3>Are there fees that come with refinancing federal loans?<\/h3>\n<p>You might have to pay fees when refinancing your federal student loans, depending on the lender. Some common fees include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Origination fees<\/li>\n<li>Loan application fees<\/li>\n<li>Prepayment penalties<\/li>\n<li>Late fees for missed payments<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If you refinance through Credible, though, you won\u2019t have to worry about prepayment penalties, loan application fees, or origination fees since our partner lenders don\u2019t charge these. This could help you save money by refinancing with Credible right from the start.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a class=\"btn btn-warning\" href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/refi\/prequal\"><span style=\"color: white;\">Compare Rates Now<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<h3>What credit score do I need to refinance student loans?<\/h3>\n<p>Every lender has its own requirements for refinancing student loans, which often includes having a minimum credit score to qualify. For example, most of Credible\u2019s refinancing partners accept credit scores between 670 and 700.<\/p>\n<p>If you don\u2019t meet a lender\u2019s credit requirements, having a cosigner with good credit might help you qualify for a loan.<\/p>\n<p><b><i>Learn More: <\/i><\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/refinance-student-loans\/with-bad-credit\/\"><i>Refinancing Student Loans With Bad Credit<\/i><\/a><\/p>\n<h3>Do I need a cosigner?<\/h3>\n<p>Having a cosigner isn\u2019t required for all refinance loans. If you have decent credit and income to qualify for a loan on your own, you won\u2019t need one.<\/p>\n<p>But keep in mind that even if you don\u2019t need a cosigner, having one could help you qualify for a lower interest rate.<\/p>\n<div class=\"basic-box\" style=\"border: 1px solid #E2E4E6;\"><div class=\"basic-box__inside\"><strong>Tip:<\/strong> If you do refinance with a cosigner, you might be able to also qualify for cosigner release depending on your lender. This means that after making on-time monthly payments for a certain amount of time, you can remove your cosigner from the loan.<\/div><\/div>\n<h3>What happens if I can\u2019t make my payments?<\/h3>\n<p>If you can\u2019t make your payments on a refinanced student loan, it\u2019s a good idea to contact your lender as soon as possible. They might have options to temporarily pause your payments.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re dealing with a long-term financial hardship, you might consider refinancing again to extend your repayment period, as this could reduce your monthly payments. Just keep in mind that this can also lead to paying more in interest over the life of the loan.<\/p>\n<p><b><i>Keep Reading: <\/i><\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/refinance-student-loans\/pay-off-student-loans\/\"><i>11 Strategies for Paying Off Your Student Loans Faster<\/i><\/a><\/p>\n<p><i><a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/author\/ben-luthi\/\">Ben Luthi<\/a> contributed to the reporting for this article.<\/i><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Federal student loans can be a good way to pay for college, especially because they come with borrower protections. But if you have good credit, you might be able to save more money with a&hellip; <a class=\"more \" href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/refinance-student-loans\/can-you-refinance-federal-student-loans\/\">Continue reading<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":96,"featured_media":36975,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[1505],"class_list":["post-1459","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-refinance-student-loans","tag-student-loan-refi-basics","can-you-refinance-federal-student-loans","post_tag-student-loan-refi-basics"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Refinancing Federal Student Loans | Credible<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"If you refinance federal student loans, you might be able to get a lower interest rate or reduce monthly payment. 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