The criteria may differ from lender to lender, but most of them will look to make sure you're attending an eligible school, you meet the enrollment criteria, have a qualifying credit score, and that you meet the income and debt-to-income requirements. Do private student loans go to you or to the school?
A $30,000 private student loan can cost approximately $159.51 per month to $737.38 per month, depending on your interest rate and the term you choose. But, you may be able to cut your cost by comparing your options, improving your credit score or getting a cosigner.
Private Student Loan Limits
Undergraduates usually have aggregate loan limits from $75,000 to $120,000, while graduate and professional students may qualify for higher limits. Remember, these limits cover all student loan debt - both federal and private loans combined.
If you apply for a private student loan on your own and are denied, it may be because you have insufficient personal credit history, which is common for full-time college students. Many students in this position will find a qualified co-signer to apply with them.
If you don't meet baseline eligibility requirements, or if you've previously defaulted on a loan, you may not be approved for a federal student loan. You must maintain "satisfactory progress" in school to be approved for student loans. You can take steps to regain or improve your eligibility for student loans.
Private student loans can present some potential issues for borrowers, such as limited repayment plans, ineligibility for federal forgiveness programs and fewer relief options during financial hardship. More than that, they also typically require a good credit score or a cosigner.
Private Loan Interest Rates
Private student loan interest rates generally range from 3.45% to 16.24% as of January 2025. The lowest advertised rates usually include any available discounts, including the most common: a 0.25% rate reduction for enrolling in automatic payments.
You generally need a good credit score — often defined as a FICO score 670 or greater — to qualify for a private loan.
For applications submitted directly to Sallie Mae, loan amount cannot exceed the cost of attendance less financial aid received, as certified by the school. Applications submitted to Sallie Mae through a partner website will be subject to a lower maximum loan request amount.
Let's say you have $200,000 in student loans at 6% interest on a 10-year repayment term. Your monthly payments would be $2,220. If you can manage an additional $200 a month, you could save a total of $7,796 while trimming a year off your repayment plan.
Sallie Mae does not require a cosigner if you meet certain criteria to qualify on your own: Student loan borrowers must be 18 years old at the time of application and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the country. Student loan borrowers must be enrolled at least part time in a college or university.
For example, the interest on a $30,000, 36-month loan at 6% is $2,856. The same loan ($30,000 at 6%) paid back over 72 months would cost $5,797 in interest. Even small changes in your rate can impact how much total interest amount you pay overall.
Generally, there are two types of student loans—federal and private. Federal student loans and federal parent loans: These loans are funded by the federal government. Private student loans: These loans are nonfederal loans, made by a lender such as a bank, credit union, state agency, or a school.
Most federal student loans don't have an income requirement
They're based on financial need, and unlike private loans, most federal loans do not require a credit check or a cosigner. This means eligibility requirements are determined solely by your educational expenses and your school's cost of attendance.
Private student loans generally have tougher eligibility requirements than federal loans. In addition to age, income and credit score minimums, students must be enrolled at an eligible school and use funds for specific expenses.
Many financial “experts” say you should always pay with cash when possible. They apply this rule to all debts, including credit cards, auto loans, home loans, and yes, student loans.
Final answer: The factor not typically required for qualifying for a private loan is proving you borrowed federal loans first.
Regardless, one rule of thumb for student debt is that you should try not to borrow more than the first year salary you can expect in your chosen field. For example, if you expect to earn $38,000 in the first year of your career, you should try to borrow $38,000 or less for your degree.
Schools deny private student loan certification if the amount exceeds the cost of attendance or if there are discrepancies in a student's enrollment status.
Student Loan Interest Deduction
You can take a tax deduction for the interest paid on student loans that you took out for yourself, your spouse, or your dependent. This benefit applies to all loans (not just federal student loans) used to pay for higher education expenses. The maximum deduction is $2,500 a year.
If you qualify for a low interest rate and can repay your loan soon, a private student loan may be best. If you'd like to take advantage of income-driven repayment plans, extensive deferment programs and potential loan forgiveness, a federal student loan is the best option.