Financing your education as an international student can be challenging, but many lenders provide tailored loan options to help you achieve your academic goals.
Discover Student Loans stands out as a popular choice, offering competitive rates and flexible terms for international students studying in the United States.
This guide highlights the 9 best Discover student loan options for international students, along with other comparable providers to help you find the right fit.
Best Discover Student Loan for International Students
Loan Provider | Loan Amount | Co-signer Requirement | Interest Rates | Loan Terms | Eligibility Requirements |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. Discover Student Loans | Up to $200,000 | Yes | 5.49% – 12.39% | Up to 20 years | U.S.-based co-signer required. |
2. Sallie Mae | Up to $200,000 | Optional | 4.62% – 13.83% | Up to 15 years | Enrollment in a U.S. institution. |
3. MPOWER Financing | Up to $100,000 | No | 7.49% – 14.98% | Up to 10 years | Partner universities only. |
4. Prodigy Finance | Up to $100,000 | No | 8.00% – 12.50% | Up to 20 years | Enrollment in eligible programs. |
5. Citizens Bank | Up to $350,000 | Yes | 5.47% – 12.04% | Up to 15 years | Requires a U.S.-based co-signer. |
6. College Ave Student Loans | Up to $150,000 | Yes | 5.99% – 13.74% | 5 to 15 years | Requires U.S.-based co-signer. |
7. Wells Fargo | Up to $120,000 | Yes | 6.49% – 14.99% | Up to 15 years | U.S. co-signer and enrollment in U.S. schools. |
8. Ascent | Up to $200,000 | Optional | 4.62% – 14.47% | 5 to 20 years | Enrollment in eligible schools. |
9. Earnest | Up to $250,000 | Yes | 5.65% – 13.44% | 5 to 15 years | Requires a U.S.-based co-signer. |
1. Discover Student Loans
Discover Student Loans offers international students competitive interest rates and various benefits:
- Loan Amount: Up to $200,000.
- Interest Rates: Fixed: 5.49% to 12.39%; Variable: 4.49% to 11.99%.
- Loan Terms: Up to 20 years.
- Eligibility Requirements: Requires a U.S.-based co-signer and enrollment in an eligible U.S. institution.
- Unique Benefits: Zero application or late fees, a 1% cash reward for good grades, and repayment flexibility.
2. Sallie Mae
Sallie Mae provides comprehensive loans for international students in various fields:
- Loan Amount: Up to $200,000.
- Interest Rates: Fixed: 4.62% to 13.83%; Variable: 5.00% to 13.41%.
- Loan Terms: Up to 15 years.
- Eligibility Requirements: Enrollment in a U.S.-based program. Co-signer is optional.
- Unique Benefits: Co-signer release available after meeting repayment conditions.
3. MPOWER Financing
MPOWER Financing caters specifically to international students without requiring a co-signer:
- Loan Amount: Up to $100,000.
- Interest Rates: Fixed rates between 7.49% and 14.98%.
- Loan Terms: Up to 10 years.
- Eligibility Requirements: Enrollment in a partner university.
- Unique Benefits: Visa support, career coaching, and no co-signer requirement.
4. Prodigy Finance
Prodigy Finance is a leading lender for international students in graduate programs:
- Loan Amount: Up to $100,000.
- Interest Rates: 8.00% to 12.50% (variable).
- Loan Terms: Flexible repayment options up to 20 years.
- Eligibility Requirements: Enrollment in eligible programs.
- Unique Benefits: No co-signer required and a focus on future earning potential.
5. Citizens Bank
Citizens Bank offers high loan limits and competitive rates:
- Loan Amount: Up to $350,000.
- Interest Rates: Fixed: 5.47% to 12.04%; Variable: 4.45% to 11.50%.
- Loan Terms: Up to 15 years.
- Eligibility Requirements: Requires a U.S.-based co-signer.
- Unique Benefits: No origination fees and discounts for autopay enrollment.
6. College Ave Student Loans
College Ave provides customizable loan solutions for international students:
- Loan Amount: Up to $150,000.
- Interest Rates: Fixed: 5.99% to 13.74%; Variable: 5.59% to 13.44%.
- Loan Terms: 5 to 15 years.
- Eligibility Requirements: Requires a U.S.-based co-signer.
- Unique Benefits: Quick approval and flexible repayment options tailored to individual needs.
7. Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo has a strong presence in education financing:
- Loan Amount: Up to $120,000.
- Interest Rates: Fixed: 6.49% to 14.99%.
- Loan Terms: Up to 15 years.
- Eligibility Requirements: U.S. co-signer and enrollment in a U.S.-based institution.
- Unique Benefits: Competitive rates and flexible repayment options.
8. Ascent
Ascent provides loans for international students with or without co-signers:
- Loan Amount: Up to $200,000.
- Interest Rates: Fixed: 4.62% to 14.47%; Variable: 3.47% to 13.62%.
- Loan Terms: 5 to 20 years.
- Eligibility Requirements: Enrollment in eligible schools.
- Unique Benefits: Deferred and interest-only repayment options available.
9. Earnest
Earnest is a strong contender for students looking for personalized loan solutions:
- Loan Amount: Up to $250,000.
- Interest Rates: Fixed: 5.65% to 13.44%.
- Loan Terms: 5 to 15 years.
- Eligibility Requirements: U.S.-based co-signer required.
- Unique Benefits: No fees, customizable payment schedules, and competitive rates.
Quick One: We have other useful loan articles here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Discover Student Loans offer co-signer release for international students?
Yes, Discover offers co-signer release after 24 consecutive on-time payments, provided all other conditions are met.
Can international students get loans without a co-signer?
Yes, lenders like MPOWER Financing and Prodigy Finance specialize in loans that do not require a co-signer.
What is the interest rate range for Discover Student Loans?
Discover Student Loans offer fixed rates from 5.49% to 12.39% and variable rates from 4.49% to 11.99%.
Conclusion
Finding the best student loan as an international student requires careful consideration of co-signer requirements, loan amounts, and interest rates.
The 9 best Discover student loan options for international students outlined above provide flexibility, competitive rates, and terms to suit a variety of needs.
Whether you prefer a co-signer-free option like MPOWER Financing or a lender with comprehensive benefits like Discover, this list ensures you have a range of choices for your education financing.