Earnest vs Sallie Mae: Private student loans compared

Earnest is typically the best choice for creditworthy borrowers or those with strong cosigners who want to customize their loan terms and avoid fees. Sallie Mae is often better for students needing broad coverage for career training, medical school, or those seeking a wider variety of in-school repayment options. We compare rates, eligibility, and repayment flexibility so parents can protect family credit and students can keep future payments manageable.

Federal student loans are the foundation of college funding, but they often leave a gap between what is offered and the total cost of attendance. This complication leaves many families scrambling to find the right private lender to cover the difference without overpaying in interest. The question becomes: Which lender offers the right balance of affordability and flexibility for your specific situation? The answer depends on your credit profile, your degree program, and how quickly you plan to repay the debt.

By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to:

• Compare Earnest vs Sallie Mae rates and APRs to find the most cost-effective option.
• Check eligibility and understand cosigner requirements for each lender.
• Choose repayment terms that fit your monthly budget and long-term financial goals.
• Decide which lender fits your specific educational program, whether it’s an undergraduate degree or a specialized graduate path.

Context: How private loans fit into your financial aid plan

Before comparing specific lenders, it is vital to understand where private loans fit in the college financing hierarchy. Private student loans are designed to fill the funding gap that remains after you have exhausted all other options. The recommended order of operations for funding education is to utilize free money (scholarships and grants) first, followed by federal student loans (subsidized and unsubsidized), and finally private loans.

Borrowers typically turn to private lenders like Earnest or Sallie Mae when federal loan limits do not cover the full cost of tuition, room, and board. This is common at private universities or for out-of-state students where costs are higher. While federal loans offer standardized protections like income-driven repayment plans, private loans are credit-based. This means that for families with good credit, private loans can sometimes offer competitive interest rates, but they lack the same federal safety nets.

According to Betsy Mayotte, student loan expert, “In general, federal loans should be your first stop, but private loans can be appropriate when you’ve maxed out your federal eligibility.” Understanding this hierarchy ensures that you only borrow what is necessary from private sources, minimizing risk while securing the education you need.

Earnest vs Sallie Mae: Quick comparison at a glance

To help you make a quick assessment, the table below provides a head-to-head comparison of Earnest and Sallie Mae across the most critical factors. This overview highlights the key differences in rates, terms, and borrower benefits.

Source: Earnest.com and SallieMae.com (rates and terms as of October 2024). Rates include autopay discount where applicable.

As shown in the table above, the primary distinction lies in flexibility versus breadth. Earnest stands out for its unique lack of fees—no origination, late, or prepayment fees—and its customizable loan terms. Sallie Mae, conversely, offers a slightly different structure with standard terms and a specific cosigner release policy that requires principal and interest payments. While both lenders cover up to the full cost of attendance, their approach to repayment and borrower fees differs significantly.

Earnest vs Sallie Mae: Interest rates and APR comparison

Interest rates are often the deciding factor for families, as they determine the total cost of the loan over time. While the comparison table above outlines the current ranges, understanding how these rates are determined can help you predict which lender might offer you a better deal.

Earnest uses a distinctive “merit-based” underwriting model. While they certainly review credit scores, they also look holistically at a borrower’s financial profile, including savings patterns, income potential, and education history. This can be advantageous for students or cosigners with thin credit files but strong financial habits. Sallie Mae utilizes a more traditional underwriting process where credit score and income are the heaviest weights. For borrowers with excellent credit scores, both lenders are likely to offer competitive rates, but Earnest’s model may provide an edge for those with high earning potential but shorter credit histories.

Both lenders offer fixed and variable rate options. Choosing between them depends on your risk tolerance and the current economic environment.

• Fixed rates remain the same for the life of the loan, offering predictability. This is generally the safer choice for long repayment terms (10+ years), as you won’t be surprised by rising monthly payments.
• Variable rates often start lower than fixed rates but can fluctuate monthly or quarterly based on market benchmarks. If you plan to pay off the loan aggressively—for example, within 3 to 5 years—a variable rate might save you money initially. However, if rates rise, your monthly payment will increase.

According to Earnest and Sallie Mae, both lenders offer a 0.25% interest rate reduction if you enroll in automatic payments. While this seems small, it can reduce the total interest paid significantly over a 10-year term. Earnest occasionally offers additional loyalty discounts for existing customers, while Sallie Mae focuses on providing a straightforward autopay benefit. To get the lowest advertised rates at either lender, you typically need excellent credit and must elect the autopay option.

Earnest vs Sallie Mae: Eligibility requirements

Before applying, it is essential to ensure you or your student meets the basic eligibility criteria. While private lenders generally look for creditworthiness, the specific requirements can vary.

Neither Earnest nor Sallie Mae publishes a strict minimum credit score, but historical data suggests that a score in the mid-600s is typically the floor for approval. To secure the most competitive rates, a score of 700 or higher is usually necessary.

• Earnest: According to Earnest, the lender requires a minimum income of $35,000 for the primary borrower or cosigner. Their evaluation also considers debt-to-income ratio and history of on-time payments.
• Sallie Mae: Focuses heavily on credit history and verifiable income. They may accept employment offer letters for students who are about to graduate and start a job, which is a helpful feature for seniors.

Both lenders require borrowers to be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. International students can generally only borrow from these lenders if they have a creditworthy cosigner who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. This is a standard industry practice to mitigate the risk of lending to borrowers who may leave the country.

For most undergraduate students, applying with a cosigner is not just an option; it is a necessity. Undergraduate students typically lack the credit history and income required to qualify for substantial loans on their own.

According to Mark Kantrowitz, financial aid expert, “Most students will need a cosigner to qualify for a private student loan.” Adding a creditworthy cosigner—usually a parent, guardian, or relative—can drastically improve approval odds and lower the interest rate. Both Earnest and Sallie Mae allow cosigners, and the cosigner shares equal responsibility for the debt until it is paid off or they are officially released.

Loan types and coverage: What each lender offers

Not all student loans are created equal, and the type of program you are attending will dictate which lender is a viable option. Sallie Mae generally offers a broader menu of loan products compared to Earnest.

Earnest focuses primarily on students attending traditional, degree-granting institutions. Their portfolio includes:

• Undergraduate student loans
• Graduate student loans (including MBA, Medical, Law)
• Student loan refinancing

Earnest does not currently offer specific loans for parents, career training programs, or extensive options for part-time students in non-degree programs.

Sallie Mae has one of the most comprehensive product lists in the industry, catering to a wide variety of educational paths:

• Undergraduate student loans
• Graduate student loans
• Parent loans: Allowing parents to borrow in their own name rather than cosigning.
• Career training loans: For trade schools, culinary institutes, and technical programs.
• Specific professional loans: Medical school, Dental school, Health professions, MBA, Law school, and Bar exam loans.

Both lenders allow you to borrow up to 100% of the school-certified cost of attendance, which includes tuition, fees, books, and living expenses, minus any other financial aid received.

Repayment terms and flexibility

The repayment terms you choose will directly affect your monthly budget for years after graduation. Earnest and Sallie Mae take different approaches to loan terms, offering varying degrees of flexibility.

Earnest is known for its “Precision Pricing,” which allows borrowers to choose their exact loan term. Instead of being forced into a 5, 10, or 15-year bucket, an Earnest borrower might choose a 7-year or 12-year term to align with a specific monthly payment target. This customization allows for precise budget planning.

Sallie Mae typically offers standard term lengths of 5, 10, or 15 years for undergraduate loans. While less customizable, these standard terms are familiar and straightforward for most borrowers. It is important to remember the trade-off: selecting a longer term lowers your monthly payment but increases the total interest paid over the life of the loan.

Both lenders provide options for how to handle payments while the student is still enrolled. Making payments during school is one of the most effective ways to reduce the total cost of the loan.

• Interest-Only: You pay only the accruing interest each month. This prevents the loan balance from growing while you are in school.
• Fixed Payment: You pay a small, flat amount (e.g., $25) every month. This offsets some interest but not all.
• Full Deferment: You make no payments until after graduation. Interest accrues and is added to the principal (capitalized) at the end of the grace period, increasing the total debt.

Sallie Mae and Earnest both offer these choices, but Earnest’s grace period is notably longer—9 months compared to the standard 6 months offered by Sallie Mae. This extra three months can give recent graduates more breathing room to find employment and settle into a career before full bills come due.

Borrower benefits and perks compared

Beyond rates and terms, the ongoing benefits of a loan can add significant value, particularly regarding cosigner release and hardship support.

For many parents, the ability to be removed from the loan is a critical feature. This “cosigner release” frees up the parent’s credit capacity and removes their legal liability for the debt.

• Earnest: Borrowers can apply for cosigner release after making 12 consecutive on-time payments of principal and interest. The primary borrower must meet credit and income requirements independently at the time of the request.
• Sallie Mae: Offers cosigner release after 12 consecutive on-time payments of principal and interest. Similar to Earnest, the student borrower must pass a credit review to prove they can handle the loan alone.

While both lenders offer this after 12 months, it is not automatic. The student must have established sufficient income and credit history to qualify on their own.

Life is unpredictable, and both lenders offer protections for borrowers facing financial difficulty, though they are less robust than federal loan protections.

• Earnest: Offers a unique “Skip-a-Payment” feature, allowing borrowers to skip one payment every 12 months (after making 6 months of on-time payments) without penalty, though interest continues to accrue. They also offer forbearance for economic hardship.
• Sallie Mae: Provides forbearance options in 3-month increments for borrowers facing financial difficulties.

It is important to note that private loan forbearance is discretionary and limited compared to federal deferment options.

Sallie Mae provides access to “Chegg Study” for academic support and a scholarship search tool, which can be valuable for students still seeking free aid. Earnest focuses on the financial experience, offering a streamlined, tech-forward dashboard and the absence of fees (no late fees, no origination fees) as its primary perk.

Application process and getting started

Applying for private student loans has become increasingly digital and streamlined. Both Earnest and Sallie Mae offer a user-friendly online application process that can be completed in minutes.

The most important step in the application process is prequalification. Both lenders allow you to check your estimated interest rates with a soft credit check. This means you can see what rate you might qualify for without impacting your credit score. We strongly encourage borrowers to prequalify with multiple lenders to compare offers side-by-side.

1. Gather Documents: You will need social security numbers, school information, loan amount requested, and income verification (pay stubs or tax returns) for both the borrower and cosigner.
2. Submit Application: Complete the online form. Earnest is known for its rapid decision engine, often providing approval decisions within minutes to 24 hours. Sallie Mae also typically provides instant credit decisions.
3. School Certification: Once approved, the lender sends the loan details to your school’s financial aid office for certification. The school confirms your enrollment and that the loan amount does not exceed the cost of attendance. This step can take 1-2 weeks depending on the school.

Once you are ready to move forward, checking your potential rate is the logical next step.

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Who should choose Earnest

Earnest is often the superior choice for borrowers who prioritize financial optimization and flexibility. Consider Earnest if:

• You have excellent credit: Earnest’s merit-based underwriting and low rates are ideal for borrowers (or cosigners) with strong credit profiles who want to minimize interest costs.
• You want to customize your payment: If you want to pick a specific monthly payment amount and have the loan term adjust to match (e.g., an 8-year term), Earnest’s Precision Pricing is unique in the market.
• You hate fees: Earnest charges no origination fees, no prepayment penalties, and crucially, no late fees. This fee-free structure offers peace of mind.
• You need a longer grace period: The 9-month grace period offers three extra months of financial runway compared to the industry standard.
• You are refinancing: If you are looking to combine existing loans later, Earnest is a top-tier refinancing lender.

Who should choose Sallie Mae

Sallie Mae is a powerhouse in the student lending space and is often the better fit for borrowers who need specialized coverage or a wider range of options. Consider Sallie Mae if:

• You are attending a non-degree program: If you are going to a trade school, culinary school, or technical college, Sallie Mae is one of the few major lenders that covers these career training programs.
• You are a parent borrower: If you are a parent who wants to take out a loan for your child in your name (similar to a Parent PLUS loan) rather than cosigning a loan in the student’s name, Sallie Mae offers a dedicated Parent Loan.
• You are in a specialized graduate program: Medical, dental, and law students often have higher borrowing needs and longer residency periods. Sallie Mae has specific loan products tailored to these timelines (e.g., longer deferment during residency).
• You want a shorter path to cosigner release: While both offer release after 12 months, Sallie Mae’s policy is well-established and transparent regarding the requirements.
• You value established support: As one of the largest lenders, they have extensive resources, scholarship tools, and a massive network of eligible schools.

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Frequently asked questions

It is possible but difficult for most undergraduate students. Both Earnest and Sallie Mae typically require cosigners for borrowers who do not have a substantial credit history and established income. While Earnest’s holistic underwriting considers factors beyond just credit score, the vast majority of undergraduate applicants will still need a creditworthy cosigner to get approved.

It depends on your program. Sallie Mae offers specialized loans for medical, dental, law, and MBA students that include features like deferment during residency. Earnest offers general graduate loans with excellent rates but fewer program-specific customizations. If you are in a specialized medical or legal program, compare Sallie Mae’s specific offerings against Earnest’s general graduate rates.

Both lenders offer cosigner release after 12 consecutive on-time payments of principal and interest. However, applying for release is not a guarantee; the primary student borrower must meet the lender’s credit and income requirements independently at the time of the request to take over the loan.

Yes, both Earnest and Sallie Mae offer student loan refinancing products. Once you have graduated and secured a job with stable income, you can apply to refinance your loans—either with your original lender or a new one—to potentially lower your interest rate or change your repayment terms.

Yes. While the initial rate check (prequalification) only uses a soft inquiry, submitting a formal application results in a hard credit inquiry, which may temporarily lower your score by a few points. Additionally, your payment history is reported to credit bureaus; on-time payments help build credit, while missed payments will damage it.

Both lenders generally have positive reputations, but they operate differently. Sallie Mae is a large, traditional financial institution with extensive phone support and resources. Earnest operates as a fintech company with a focus on a highly responsive, digital-first customer experience. Checking recent customer reviews on platforms like Trustpilot can give you current insights into borrower satisfaction.

Choosing between Earnest and Sallie Mae ultimately comes down to your specific needs regarding flexibility, program type, and borrower profile. Here are the key takeaways to guide your final decision:

• Federal first: Always maximize federal student loans and free aid before turning to private borrowing, as federal loans offer superior borrower protections.
• Earnest for optimization: Choose Earnest if you have excellent credit (or a strong cosigner), value a fee-free experience, and want to customize your monthly payment and loan term down to the penny.
• Sallie Mae for coverage: Choose Sallie Mae if you are a parent borrower, attending a career training program, or need specialized financing for medical or law school.
• Compare before committing: Since both lenders offer soft-credit prequalification, there is no downside to checking your rates with both. Seeing the actual numbers side-by-side is the best way to ensure you aren’t overpaying.
• Plan for the future: Discuss cosigner release and repayment goals as a family before signing. Understanding the path to financial independence helps prevent stress later.

Taking on student debt is a significant investment in your future, but it is one you can manage with the right partner. By choosing the lender that aligns with your financial reality, you can focus on your education knowing your funding is secure.

Ready to compare your options? See your rates from Earnest, Sallie Mae, and other top private lenders in minutes—without affecting your credit score.
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References and resources

• Earnest Official Site (Rates, terms, and application)
• Sallie Mae Official Site (Rates, terms, and application)
• StudentAid.gov (Federal aid and FAFSA info)
• CFPB Student Loan Resources (Consumer protection)
• Federal vs Private Student Loans
• Complete FAFSA Guide
• Understanding Student Loan Interest Rates