Pursuing higher education abroad is an exciting journey, but financing it can be challenging for international students.
With limited access to scholarships and grants, college loans provide a crucial financial solution.
This article explores the 9 best college loan for international students, highlighting their unique features, interest rates, and eligibility requirements.
Best College Loan for International Students
Loan Provider | Loan Amount | Co-signer Requirement | Interest Rates | Loan Terms | Eligibility Requirements |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. Sallie Mae Student Loans | Up to 100% of COA | Yes | 5.99% – 16.45% (variable) | 5 to 20 years | U.S.-based co-signer required |
2. MPOWER Financing | Up to $100,000 | No | 11.99% (fixed) | 10 years | Enrolled in an eligible U.S. or Canadian school |
3. Prodigy Finance | Up to 80% of COA | No | 8.20% – 12.20% (variable) | 7 to 20 years | Enrollment in supported graduate programs |
4. Ascent Student Loans | Up to $200,000 | Optional | 4.62% – 16.75% | 5 to 15 years | Enrolled full-time in a U.S. institution |
5. Discover Student Loans | Up to 100% of COA | Yes | 5.49% – 14.99% | 15 years | U.S.-based co-signer required |
6. College Ave Student Loans | Up to $200,000 | Yes | 5.99% – 13.74% | 5 to 15 years | Requires U.S.-based co-signer |
7. Earnest Private Student Loans | Up to $250,000 | Yes | 4.42% – 14.90% | 5 to 15 years | U.S.-based co-signer recommended |
8. Wells Fargo Private Loans | Varies | Yes | 5.94% – 13.74% | 5 to 20 years | Requires U.S.-based co-signer |
9. Lendwise Loan | Up to £100,000 | No | 8.95% (fixed) | 10 years | Students at selected institutions globally |
1. Sallie Mae Student Loans
Sallie Mae is one of the most well-known private lenders, offering a range of student loans for undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees.
- Loan Amount: Up to 100% of the cost of attendance (COA).
- Interest Rates: Variable rates range from 5.99% to 16.45%.
- Loan Terms: Flexible terms from 5 to 20 years.
- Eligibility Requirements: Requires a U.S.-based co-signer for international students.
- Unique Benefits: Includes deferment options during school and a 6-month grace period after graduation.
2. MPOWER Financing
MPOWER specializes in providing loans without requiring a co-signer, making it an excellent option for international students.
- Loan Amount: Up to $100,000 over multiple terms.
- Interest Rates: Fixed rate of 11.99%.
- Loan Terms: Repayment term of 10 years.
- Eligibility Requirements: Must be enrolled in an eligible school in the U.S. or Canada.
- Unique Benefits: Offers interest rate discounts for automatic payments and career support services.
3. Prodigy Finance
Prodigy Finance focuses on international graduate students, offering loans without collateral or a co-signer.
- Loan Amount: Covers up to 80% of the cost of attendance.
- Interest Rates: Variable rates between 8.20% and 12.20%.
- Loan Terms: Repayment terms range from 7 to 20 years.
- Eligibility Requirements: Limited to students enrolled in graduate programs at partner institutions.
- Unique Benefits: Flexible repayment plans and global access for borrowers.
4. Ascent Student Loans
Ascent provides loans with and without co-signer options, catering to a variety of student needs.
- Loan Amount: Up to $200,000.
- Interest Rates: Variable rates from 4.62% to 16.75%.
- Loan Terms: Flexible repayment terms from 5 to 15 years.
- Eligibility Requirements: Requires full-time enrollment in a U.S. institution.
- Unique Benefits: Includes a 1% cashback graduation reward and financial literacy resources.
5. Discover Student Loans
Discover offers loans for undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees with competitive rates.
- Loan Amount: Up to 100% of COA.
- Interest Rates: Ranges from 5.49% to 14.99%.
- Loan Terms: Fixed repayment period of 15 years.
- Eligibility Requirements: Requires a U.S.-based co-signer.
- Unique Benefits: No fees for application, origination, or prepayment.
6. College Ave Student Loans
College Ave provides customized loan options for students seeking flexibility in repayment.
- Loan Amount: Up to $200,000.
- Interest Rates: Fixed rates from 5.99% to 13.74%.
- Loan Terms: Choose between 5 to 15 years.
- Eligibility Requirements: Requires a U.S.-based co-signer for international students.
- Unique Benefits: Personalized repayment options and instant prequalification.
7. Earnest Private Student Loans
Earnest offers competitive loans tailored to meet the needs of students.
- Loan Amount: Up to $250,000.
- Interest Rates: Variable rates from 4.42% to 14.90%.
- Loan Terms: Terms range from 5 to 15 years.
- Eligibility Requirements: A U.S.-based co-signer is strongly recommended.
- Unique Benefits: Allows borrowers to skip a payment once per year without penalty.
8. Wells Fargo Private Loans
Wells Fargo provides loans for international students with a co-signer.
- Loan Amount: Varies based on the cost of attendance.
- Interest Rates: Ranges from 5.94% to 13.74%.
- Loan Terms: Repayment periods from 5 to 20 years.
- Eligibility Requirements: Requires a U.S.-based co-signer.
- Unique Benefits: Includes interest rate reductions for existing Wells Fargo customers.
9. Lendwise Loan
Lendwise caters to students at select global institutions, focusing on postgraduate education.
- Loan Amount: Up to £100,000.
- Interest Rates: Fixed rate at 8.95%.
- Loan Terms: Repayment period of 10 years.
- Eligibility Requirements: Enrollment in partner institutions.
- Unique Benefits: Career support services and deferred repayment options.
Quick One: We have other useful loan articles here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a co-signer to get a college loan as an international student?
Not always. Some lenders like MPOWER Financing and Prodigy Finance do not require co-signers, while others such as Sallie Mae and Discover typically do.
What are the interest rates for international student loans?
Interest rates vary by lender and loan type, ranging from 4.42% to 16.75%. Rates can be fixed or variable.
Can I apply for multiple loans simultaneously?
Yes, but it’s essential to consider the repayment obligations and avoid over-borrowing. Compare rates and terms to choose the most suitable option.
Conclusion
Securing a college loan as an international student is no longer an insurmountable task.
The 9 best college loan for international students outlined above provide tailored solutions, from co-signer-free loans like MPOWER Financing to customizable repayment plans by College Ave.
Carefully evaluate each lender’s terms and eligibility requirements to make the best decision for your educational goals.