Identify your existing loans
Separate federal loans from private loans. Private refinancing of a federal loan can permanently remove federal repayment and forgiveness protections. Review current Federal Student Aid guidance first.
Compare the full repayment
A longer term can reduce the monthly payment while increasing total interest. Use the same balance when comparing offers, and model both the monthly payment and total cost.
Read the hardship policy
Ask what happens if your income falls, whether a cosigner is required, and how cosigner release works. Compare fixed and variable interest rates as different risks.
What could your payment look like?
Explore a fixed-rate loan with equal monthly payments.
Illustration only. Excludes fees and assumes a constant interest rate with no extra payments. This is not a lender offer.
Ready to compare student loan refinance lenders?
Bring what you’ve learned to a side-by-side comparison.
Compare student loan refinance lendersRelated company reviews
- SoFi reviewRefinancing with an online lender
- Earnest reviewReviewing flexible repayment choices
- Citizens reviewA bank-based refinance option
Sources & further reading
Published October 1, 2026. Last reviewed October 21, 2026.
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