{"id":30464,"date":"2019-01-16T11:42:03","date_gmt":"2019-01-16T19:42:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/?p=30464"},"modified":"2023-09-06T16:22:42","modified_gmt":"2023-09-06T23:22:42","slug":"4-steps-to-help-you-figure-out-which-student-loans-to-pay-first","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/refinance-student-loans\/pay-off-first\/","title":{"rendered":"3 Ways to Decide Which Student Loan to Pay off First"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Deciding which student loans to pay off first depends on two main factors:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The types of loans you have<\/li>\n<li>How much money you can afford to pay toward your loans<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>You&#8217;ll need to consider your individual financial situation, too \u2014 for example, in some cases, it could be a better idea to pay off loans with fewer benefits (like private student loans) first rather than simply focusing on the loan with the highest interest rate.<\/p>\n<p>Also be sure to think about what payment method best motivates you so you\u2019ll stick to your payoff plan.<\/p>\n<p><b>Here are three options for which student loans to pay off first:<\/b><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><a href=\"#focus-private-loans\">Focus on private student loans first<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#put-money-highest-interest-rate\">Put extra money toward the loan with the highest interest rate<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#pay-lowest-balance-first\">Pay off the loan with the lowest balance first<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><a name=\"focus-private-loans\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Option 1: Focus on private student loans first<\/h2>\n<p>Private student loans tend to have higher interest rates compared to federal student loans. If this is the case with your private loans, you might want to focus on paying those off first before turning to federal student loans. This way, you can save money on interest charges.<\/p>\n<p><b>If you decide to focus on private loans first, follow these steps:<\/b><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Continue making minimum payments on your federal student loans.<\/li>\n<li>Put all of your extra cash toward your private student loans until they\u2019re paid off.<\/li>\n<li>Move on to repaying your federal student loans.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<div class=\"basic-box\" style=\"border: 1px solid #E2E4E6;\"><div class=\"basic-box__inside\"><b>Tip: <\/b>Most lenders don\u2019t charge prepayment penalties, which means you can pay off your private loans early without any additional fees.<\/div><\/div>\n<p>If you have multiple private student loans, you could also consider combining them through <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/refinance-student-loans\/\">student loan refinancing<\/a> to make your repayment more manageable.<\/p>\n<p>Depending on your credit, you might get a lower interest rate, which could save you money on interest and potentially help you <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/refinance-student-loans\/pay-off-loans-early\/\">pay off your loans early<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"basic-box\" style=\"border: 1px solid #E2E4E6;\"><div class=\"basic-box__inside\"><b>Keep in mind: <\/b>You can also refinance federal student loans along with your private loans \u2014 however, doing so will cost you your federal protections, such as access to income-driven repayment plans and student loan forgiveness programs.<\/p>\n<p>Additionally, you\u2019ll no longer be eligible for the suspension of federal payments and interest accrual through the CARES Act due to the COVID-19 pandemic.<\/div><\/div>\n<p>If you decide to refinance your student loans, be sure to shop around and consider as many <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/best-student-loan-refinance-companies\/\">student loan refinance companies<\/a> 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 two minutes.<\/p>\n\n<table id=\"tablepress-372\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-372 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>\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    4.19%+<sup><\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">  <span>\n    3.66%+<sup><\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">5, 7, 10, 15, 20<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n\t<td colspan=\"4\" 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    4.19%+<sup><\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Variable APR:<\/span>\n                                  <span>\n    3.66%+<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    5.65%+<sup>1<\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n <\/td><td class=\"column-3\">  <span>\n    5.7%+<sup>1<\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">5, 7, 10, 15, 20<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-5\">\n\t<td colspan=\"4\" 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    5.65%+<sup>1<\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Variable APR:<\/span>\n                                  <span>\n    5.7%+<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<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-7\">\n\t<td colspan=\"4\" 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    5.22%+<sup>5<\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">5, 10, 15, 20<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-9\">\n\t<td colspan=\"4\" 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    5.22%+<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, 15, 20<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-11\">\n\t<td colspan=\"4\" 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    5.31%+<sup>4<\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">  <span>\n    7.22%+<sup>4<\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">5, 10, 15, 20<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-13\">\n\t<td colspan=\"4\" 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    5.31%+<sup>4<\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Variable APR:<\/span>\n                                  <span>\n    7.22%+<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    4.39%+<sup><\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">  <span>\n    4.2%+<sup><\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">5, 7, 10, 15<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-15\">\n\t<td colspan=\"4\" 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    4.39%+<sup><\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Variable APR:<\/span>\n                                  <span>\n    4.2%+<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>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-17\">\n\t<td colspan=\"4\" 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>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-19\">\n\t<td colspan=\"4\" 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=\"4\" 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=\"4\" 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<p><b><i>Learn More: <\/i><\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/refinance-student-loans\/when-to-refinance\/\"><b><i>When to Refinance Student Loans<\/i><\/b><\/a><br \/>\n<a name=\"put-money-highest-interest-rate\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Option 2: Put extra money toward the loan with the highest interest rate<\/h2>\n<p>Focusing on repaying your loan with the highest interest rate first can help you save the most money on interest charges. This is commonly known as the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/personal-finance\/debt-avalanche-method\/\">debt avalanche method<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><b>If you decide to use the debt avalanche method, follow these steps:<\/b><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Pay extra on the loan with the highest interest rate while continuing to make minimum payments on your other loans.<\/li>\n<li>When the first loan is paid off, move on to the loan with the next-highest interest rate.<\/li>\n<li>Repeat until all of your loans are repaid.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<div class=\"basic-box\" style=\"border: 1px solid #E2E4E6;\"><div class=\"basic-box__inside\"><b>Tip:<\/b> While the debt avalanche method can help you save money on interest, it can also take a long-time to see your results.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re more motivated by small wins, you might consider using the debt snowball method instead.<\/div><\/div>\n<p>If you\u2019re wondering how competitive your loan is, the loan score tool below can help. Just enter your APR, credit score, monthly payment, and remaining balance (estimates are fine) to see how your loan stacks up.<\/p>\n<div id=\"loan-score-tool\">\n  Loading widget - loan-score-tool\n<\/div>\n\n<p><b><i>Check Out: <\/i><\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/refinance-student-loans\/pay-off-or-invest\/\"><b><i>Should I Pay Off Student Loans or Invest?<\/i><\/b><\/a><br \/>\n<a name=\"pay-lowest-balance-first\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Option 3: Pay off the loan with the lowest balance first<\/h2>\n<p>Another alternative to consider is to concentrate on paying off your lowest student loan balance first \u2014 also known as the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/personal-finance\/debt-snowball\/\">debt snowball method<\/a>. While you won\u2019t necessarily save much in interest this way, you\u2019ll be able to see more immediate success, which can help keep you motivated.<\/p>\n<p><b>If you decide to use the debt snowball method, follow these steps:<\/b><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Continue making minimum payments on all your loans while putting extra cash toward the loan with the lowest balance.<\/li>\n<li>Once this loan is paid off, move on to the next-smallest loan.<\/li>\n<li>Repeat until all of your loans are repaid.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<div class=\"basic-box\" style=\"border: 1px solid #E2E4E6;\"><div class=\"basic-box__inside\"><b>Tip: <\/b>While the debt snowball method can be a good way to enjoy small wins on your payoff journey, it might not save you any money along the way.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019d prefer to see more interest savings and can wait to see the fruits of your labor, then the debt avalanche method might be a better fit for you.<\/div><\/div>\n<p>You can estimate how long it\u2019ll take to pay off your student loan debt using our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/calculators\/student-loan-repayment-calculator\/\">student loan repayment calculator<\/a> below. Use the slider to see how increasing your payments or getting a lower interest rate can change the payoff date.<\/p>\n<div class=\"calculator repayment\">\n<div class=\"inputs container\">\n\n\t<p>Enter loan information<\/p>\n\n  <div class=\"row form-groups\">\n  <div class=\"col-xs-8 col-lg\">\n    <div class=\"form-group\">\n\t\t\t<label for=\"loan-balance\">Loan balance<\/label>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"badge badge-pill\" data-toggle =\"tip\" data-placement=\"top left\">\n\t\t\t\t?\t<span class=\"tip \">\n\t\t<span class=\"tip-content\">Enter the remaining balance of your loans<\/span>\n\t\t<span class=\"tip-arrow\"><\/span>\n\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"input-group loan-balance\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"input-group-addon\">$<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<input type=\"number\" value=\"55000\" step=\"1000\" name=\"loan-balance\" id=\"loan-balance\" aria-label=\"Loan balance\" class=\"form-control\" inputmode=\"numeric\" pattern=\"[0-9]*\">\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n  <div class=\"col-xs-6 col-lg\">\n    <div class=\"form-group\">\n\t\t\t<label for=\"interest-rate\">Interest rate<\/label>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"badge badge-pill\" data-toggle=\"tip\" data-placement=\"top left\">\n\t\t\t\t?\t<span class=\"tip \">\n\t\t<span class=\"tip-content\">Enter the average annual interest rate of your loans<\/span>\n\t\t<span class=\"tip-arrow\"><\/span>\n\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"input-group interest-rate\">\n\t\t\t\t<input type=\"number\" value=\"6.8\" step=\".01\" min=\".01\" name=\"interest-rate\" value=\"6.01\" id=\"interest-rate\" aria-label=\"Interest rate\" class=\"form-control\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"input-group-addon\">%<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n  <div class=\"col-xs-6 col-lg\">\n    <div class=\"form-group\">\n\t\t\t<label for=\"loan-term\">Loan term<\/label>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"badge badge-pill\" data-toggle=\"tip\" data-placement=\"top left\">\n\t\t\t\t?\t<span class=\"tip \">\n\t\t<span class=\"tip-content\">Enter the amount of time left to repay your loan<\/span>\n\t\t<span class=\"tip-arrow\"><\/span>\n\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"input-group loan-term\">\n\t\t\t\t<input type=\"number\" value=\"10\" step=\"1\" min=\"1\" name=\"loan-term\" id=\"loan-term\" aria-label=\"Loan term\" class=\"form-control\" inputmode=\"numeric\" pattern=\"[0-9]*\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"input-group-addon\">years<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\t<p>\n\t\t<label for=\"monthly-increase\">What if you increased your monthly payment?<\/label>\n\t<\/p>\n\t<div class=\"range-with-marker\">\n\t\t<div class=\"range-marker\">\n  \t\t<span class=\"range-marker-addon\">+<\/span>\n  \t\t$<span class=\"range-marker-text\" id=\"monthly-increase-value\">0<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<input\n\t\t  type=\"range\"\n\t\t  value=\"0\"\n\t\t  min=\"0\"\n\t\t  max=\"1000\"\n\t\t  name=\"monthly-increase\"\n\t\t  id=\"monthly-increase\"\n\t\t  aria-label=\"Monthly increase\"\n\t\t  class=\"form-control\"\n\t  >\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"outputs container\">\n\n  <div class=\"results row\">\n  <div class=\"col-xs-6 col-sm-4 col-md-6 col-lg-4\">\n  \tTotal Payment\n  \t<big>$<span id=\"total-payment\"><\/span><\/big>\n  <\/div>\n  <div class=\"col-xs-6 col-sm-4 col-md-6 col-lg-4\">\n  \tTotal Interest\n  \t<big>$<span id=\"total-interest\"><\/span><\/big>\n  <\/div>\n  <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-4 col-md-12 col-lg-4\">\n  \tMonthly Payment\n  \t<big>$<span class=\"monthly-payment\"><\/span><\/big>\n  <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <p class=\"results-sentence\">\n    If you increase your payments by\n    <strong>$<span class=\"output-monthly-increase\"><\/span><\/strong>\n    monthly on your\n    <strong>$<span class=\"output-loan-balance\"><\/span><\/strong>\n    loan at\n    <strong><span class=\"output-interest-rate\"><\/span>%<\/strong>,\n    you will pay\n    <strong>$<span class=\"monthly-payment\"><\/span><\/strong>\n    a month and pay off your loan by\n    <strong><span class=\"payoff-date\">Jan 2021<\/span><\/strong>.\n  <\/p>\n\n  <hr \/>\n  <div class=\"cta\">\n    \n<p><strong>Does refinancing make sense for you?<\/strong><br \/>\nCompare offers from top refinancing lenders to determine your actual savings.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"btn btn-lg btn-warning\" href=\"\/refi\/prequal\">Check Personalized Rates<\/a><\/p>\n<p><small>Checking rates won&#8217;t affect your credit score.<\/small><\/p>\n  <\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p><b><i>Learn More: <\/i><\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/refinance-student-loans\/how-long-to-pay-off\/\"><b><i>How Long Does It Take to Pay Off Student Loans?<\/i><\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>What is the most effective way to pay off student loans?<\/h2>\n<p>Ultimately, the best way to pay off student loans is the strategy that you can commit to \u2014 no matter which one it is.<\/p>\n<p>For example, some people work better with small goals that they can achieve quickly, while others are motivated by seeing interest savings over time. Whichever method you choose, just be sure you can stick to it.<\/p>\n<p>As you consider these payoff options, also make sure that the method you choose fits your:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Income<\/li>\n<li>Debt<\/li>\n<li>Financial mindset<\/li>\n<li>Money goals<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"basic-box\" style=\"border: 1px solid #E2E4E6;\"><div class=\"basic-box__inside\"><b>Tip: <\/b>If you\u2019ve laid out your loans and budget and realized you don\u2019t have any extra money to put toward your student loans, that\u2019s OK.<\/p>\n<p>Keep making on-time monthly payments for now to continue building a positive payment history, and consider exploring other options down the road if you find yourself with cash to spare.<\/div><\/div>\n<p><b><i>Check Out: <\/i><\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/refinance-student-loans\/30-year-refinance\/\"><b><i>Can You Refinance a Student Loan to a 30-Year Term?<\/i><\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Which student loan should I pay off first: Subsidized or unsubsidized?<\/h2>\n<p>The government pays the interest on Direct Subsidized Loans while you\u2019re in school, which can help reduce your overall repayment costs. But with Direct Unsubsidized Loans, you\u2019re responsible for all the interest that accrues \u2014 which means you might end up with a higher balance.<\/p>\n<p>If this is the case, it could be a good idea to pay down your unsubsidized loans before tackling your subsidized loans.<\/p>\n<p><b><i>Learn More: <\/i><\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/refinance-student-loans\/with-bad-credit\/\"><b><i>How to Refinance Student Loans With Bad Credit<\/i><\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Things to consider when paying off student loans<\/h2>\n<p>As you make your student loan payoff plan, here are a few other important points to think about:<\/p>\n<h3>Refinancing your student loans<\/h3>\n<p>Most borrowers leave school with multiple student loans to handle, which can make it difficult to manage repayment. Through refinancing, you can <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/student-loan-consolidation\">consolidate your student loans<\/a> so you have just one loan and payment to deal with.<\/p>\n<p>Additionally, you might qualify for a lower interest rate through refinancing. This could save you money on interest and even help you pay off your loans more quickly.<\/p>\n<div class=\"basic-box\" style=\"border: 1px solid #E2E4E6;\"><div class=\"basic-box__inside\"><strong>Tip:<\/strong> You could also opt to extend your repayment term to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/refinance-student-loans\/3-ways-lower-monthly-student-loan-payment\/\">lower your monthly student loan payment<\/a> \u2014 though this means you\u2019ll pay more in interest over time.<\/div><\/div>\n<p>If you decide to refinance your student loans, remember to consider as many lenders as you can to find a loan that suits your needs. Credible makes this easy \u2014 you can compare your prequalified rates from multiple lenders in two minutes.<\/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<h3>Other forms of debt<\/h3>\n<p>In some cases, it could be a good idea to focus on paying off other forms of high-interest debt before turning to student loans. For example, credit cards often come with higher rates than student loans, so it might be better to pay down credit card balances first.<\/p>\n<p>However, keep in mind that everyone&#8217;s financial situation is different \u2014 so be sure to carefully consider each loan&#8217;s terms before deciding where to start.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Check Out: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/refinance-student-loans\/cant-pay-student-loans\/\">Can\u2019t Pay Your Student Loans? What You Need to Know<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Overextending yourself financially<\/h3>\n<p>While paying off debt can be an excellent goal, it&#8217;s important to avoid paying too much toward your debt and accidentally overextending yourself. Be sure to review your budget to determine how much you can realistically afford to pay toward your debt each month.<\/p>\n<p>Additionally, be sure to set aside some money in your budget to put toward savings. By building an emergency savings fund, you can avoid having to take out additional debt in the future if unexpected expenses come up.<\/p>\n<div class=\"basic-box\" style=\"border: 1px solid #E2E4E6;\"><div class=\"basic-box__inside\"><strong>Tip:<\/strong> It&#8217;s a good idea to save enough money in an emergency fund to cover three to six months&#8217; worth of expenses.<\/p>\n<p>Also keep in mind that it&#8217;s usually not a good idea to use your emergency savings to pay off student loans or other debt. If you do so, you might not have enough money to cover other unexpected expenses \u2014 which might lead you to go into debt again.<\/div><\/div>\n<p><b>Pay Off Your Student Loans:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/refinance-student-loans\/pay-off-30k\/\">Pay Off $30,000 in Student Loans<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/refinance-student-loans\/pay-off-50k\/\">Pay Off $50,000 in Student Loans<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/refinance-student-loans\/i-have-100k-in-loans-student-loan-consolidation\/\">Pay Off $100,000+ in Student Loans<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/refinance-student-loans\/pay-off-200k\/\">Pay Off $200,000+ in Student Loans<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/refinance-student-loans\/pay-off-400k\/\">Pay Off $400,000+ in Student Loans<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Deciding which student loans to pay off first depends on two main factors: The types of loans you have How much money you can afford to pay toward your loans You&#8217;ll need to consider your&hellip; <a class=\"more \" href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/refinance-student-loans\/pay-off-first\/\">Continue reading<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":90,"featured_media":30465,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[1501],"class_list":{"0":"post-30464","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","6":"hentry","7":"category-refinance-student-loans","8":"tag-student-loan-pay-off","9":"4-steps-to-help-you-figure-out-which-student-loans-to-pay-first","11":"post_tag-student-loan-pay-off"},"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>3 Ways to Decide Which Student Loan to Pay off First | Credible<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Deciding which student loans to pay off first depends on your financial goals and motivations. Here are three payment options to help you decide.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/refinance-student-loans\/pay-off-first\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"3 Ways to Decide Which Student Loan to Pay off First | Credible\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Deciding which student loans to pay off first depends on your financial goals and motivations. 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