NerdWallet - October 28, 2025

Private student loans 101: Here's what you need to know

The Nerds lay it all out for you ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

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The Nerds lay it all out for you
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The right student loan for you is a few clicks away
Don't pull an all-nighter searching for alternatives to financial aid. Compare our Nerds' top picks for private student loans so that you can quickly find the right one for you.
Here's what to know about federal and private student loans
See the pros and cons of both student loan types, compare repayment options and learn how to apply.
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Lending
NerdWallet is not a lender. Not all applicants will qualify for the full amount or lowest available rates.
Rates for poor or fair credit can be over 36%.

NerdWallet Compare, Inc. NMLS 1617539 Fin. Lender loans per DFPI Fin. Lenders Lic 60DBO-74812 NMLS Consumer Access | Licenses and Disclosures

California: California Finance Lender loans arranged pursuant to Department of Financial Protection and Innovation Finance Lenders License #60DBO-74812.

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Terms apply. Rates subject to change at any time without notice. Rate current as of 10/28/2025

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