Navigating student loans can be a challenge for international students, especially without established credit history in the U.S.
Stilt and other specialized loan providers are dedicated to offering student loans that cater to the unique financial needs of international students.
In this article, we’ll look at the nine best loan providers for international students, with a spotlight on Stilt, alongside other reliable options.
Best Stilt loan for International Students
| Loan Provider | Loan Amount | Co-signer Requirement | Interest Rates | Loan Terms | Eligibility Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Stilt | $1,000 – $35,000 | No | 7.99% – 15.99% | Up to 3 years | International students with a U.S. bank account |
| 2. MPower Financing | Up to $50,000 per year | No | 11.99% – 13.99% | 10 years | No co-signer required |
| 3. Prodigy Finance | Up to 100% of tuition | No | 7.5% – 12% (variable) | 7 – 20 years | Limited to specific graduate programs |
| 4. Sallie Mae | Up to 100% of cost of attendance | Yes | 4.25% – 13.62% | 5 – 20 years | Requires a U.S.-based co-signer |
| 5. Earnest | Up to $75,000 | Yes | 3.24% – 12.78% | 5 – 20 years | Co-signer required for international students |
| 6. College Ave Student Loans | Up to $100,000 | Yes | 4.29% – 14.49% | 5 – 15 years | Co-signer required for international students |
| 7. Future Finance | Up to $40,000 per year | Yes, typically required | Variable (approx. 8% – 14%) | 5 – 10 years | Must be a full-time student |
| 8. Discover Student Loans | Up to 100% of education costs | Yes | 4.49% – 12.99% | 15 years | Requires U.S.-based co-signer |
| 9. Citizens Bank | $1,000 – $150,000 | Yes | 5.25% – 11.65% | 5 – 15 years | Requires a U.S.-based co-signer |
1. Stilt
Stilt offers loans specifically designed for international students and other underserved individuals without a credit history or Social Security number.
Loan amounts range from $1,000 to $35,000, with interest rates between 7.99% and 15.99%.
Terms extend up to 3 years, and no co-signer is required, making Stilt ideal for international students.
To qualify, borrowers need a U.S. bank account, and Stilt considers factors like educational background and employment potential.
2. MPower Financing
MPower Financing provides loans of up to $50,000 annually, specifically for international students without needing a co-signer.
With fixed interest rates between 11.99% and 13.99%, MPower offers a 10-year loan term and an option for interest-only payments while in school.
MPower’s straightforward application process and focus on underserved students make it a reliable choice for those without a U.S.-based co-signer.
3. Prodigy Finance
Prodigy Finance focuses on graduate international students attending specific programs, covering up to 100% of tuition fees.
Interest rates are variable, ranging from 7.5% to 12%, and loan terms range from 7 to 20 years.
Prodigy evaluates loan eligibility based on projected post-graduation income, not requiring a co-signer, making it a strong option for high-earning potential graduate students.
4. Sallie Mae
Sallie Mae offers private student loans up to the full cost of attendance with rates from 4.25% to 13.62%.
A U.S.-based co-signer is required for international students, and terms are available from 5 to 20 years.
Sallie Mae’s various repayment options, including interest-only payments, and the ability to release a co-signer after meeting specific conditions, make it a popular choice among students with a qualified co-signer.
5. Earnest
Earnest offers loans with amounts up to $75,000 and interest rates from 3.24% to 12.78%.
With terms ranging from 5 to 20 years, Earnest requires a U.S.-based co-signer for international students.
Earnest’s flexible repayment options, including the ability to customize monthly payments.
Make it a good choice for those with access to a co-signer and who value flexibility in their repayment plan.
6. College Ave Student Loans
College Ave Student Loans offers loan amounts up to $100,000 with interest rates ranging from 4.29% to 14.49%.
Terms vary between 5 to 15 years. A U.S.-based co-signer is required, and College Ave offers multiple in-school repayment options such as deferred, interest-only, or fixed monthly payments.
Additionally, the option for co-signer release makes College Ave a flexible choice for international students.
7. Future Finance
Future Finance is a UK-based lender providing loans of up to $40,000 per year to international students in the U.S.
Interest rates are variable, ranging from 8% to 14%, with terms between 5 and 10 years. A co-signer is generally required, and eligible students must be enrolled full-time.
The funds are disbursed directly to the institution, ensuring timely tuition payment.
8. Discover Student Loans
Discover Student Loans covers up to the total cost of attendance, with rates from 4.49% to 12.99%.
A U.S.-based co-signer is required, and loan terms are available for 15 years.
Discover offers multiple repayment options, including deferred and interest-only payments, and rewards students with a GPA incentive.
This is a solid choice for students who meet co-signer requirements and prioritize flexible repayment.
9. Citizens Bank
Citizens Bank provides private loans from $1,000 to $150,000 with rates between 5.25% and 11.65%.
Terms range from 5 to 15 years, and a U.S.-based co-signer is mandatory for international applicants.
Citizens Bank also offers a rate discount for borrowers who set up automatic payments, helping students save over the course of the loan.
Quick One: We have other useful loan articles here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can international students get a Stilt loan without a co-signer?
Yes, Stilt does not require a co-signer, which makes it an excellent option for international students who may not have a U.S.-based co-signer.
How are Stilt’s loan rates compared to other lenders?
Stilt offers competitive rates between 7.99% and 15.99%, generally lower than other options available without a co-signer requirement.
Are there any specific eligibility requirements to apply for Stilt?
Applicants must have a U.S. bank account, and Stilt considers factors like education, financial background, and employment potential rather than credit history.
Conclusion
With options like Stilt, MPower Financing, and Prodigy Finance, international students now have access to tailored financial support for their educational goals in the U.S.
Each loan provider in this list brings unique benefits, so students can evaluate based on factors like co-signer requirements, loan terms, and interest rates to find the best fit for their financial situation and academic aspirations.
