Top Notch Student Loans for Foreign Students in 2025
Top-notch Loans for International Students
Ready to sniff out the best student loans made just for you, fellow globe-trotter? You're in luck! In 2025, these lenders have got your back:
- Earnest: For students looking for a lender that boasts competitive APRs, zero fees, and a killer overall performance, Earnest is your pup. These guys offer loans for both undergraduate and graduate students, have no sneaky fees, and give you repayment options like interest-only and deferred plans. But watch out for potentially high maximum interest rates.
Say "I do" to Earnest and get access to various types of loans, including undergraduate and graduate loans, loans for half-time students, and even parent PLUS loans. Minimum interest rates are on the low side. Maximum rates, however, are on the high side among the lenders we've sniffed out. Earnest doesn't charge an origination fee or other sneaky fees. You can borrow up to the cost of attendance every school year, to a maximum aggregate of $250,000.
International students need a co-signer who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and a permanent U.S. residence. No Social Security Number required to apply, though. You can make payments while in school (interest-only or full) on a co-signed loan, or fixed $25 monthly payments on your own loan. After graduation, a 9-month grace period starts before repayment begins. Payments can also be deferred while in school, but interest will accrue. If you're in a pickle and struggling to keep up with payments, Earnest offers several ways to help, including interest-only repayment plans, forbearance, and an annual payment skip.
Earnest was founded in 2013 in sunny San Francisco, California.
- Juno: If you're an ambitious DACA recipient, Juno's your pup. This broker connects you with one of its partner lenders, offering you a ton of DACA-specific resources and competitive APRs. Plus, it doesn't require a co-signer or any pesky credit history. But keep in mind that loan options are limited to partner lenders.
Ready to dig in? Since Juno isn't a direct lender, you'll need to sign up with the service to learn loan details. According to our research, Juno's average APRs across its loans are the lowest among the lenders we've sniffed out. It doesn't charge origination fees, late fees, or other sneaky fees.
But beware! Juno doesn't offer specialized loans like other lenders on this list. However, you'll still need to be enrolled in an accredited Title IV school, and repayment options will depend on the lender and the deal offered.
Juno was born in 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts.
- Ascent: If you've got a big borrowing appetite, Ascent's your pup. This lender offers the highest loan maximums among lenders we've sniffed out. That means you can take out more cheddar for your education. But be warned: their fees are on the high side.
Ascent offers loans for various types of students, including undergrads, grads, and even those heading to nursing school, med school, dental school...the list goes on! Rates are competitive, but not the absolute lowest. However, you can choose between fixed and variable rates, and there's no origination fee. But there is a sneaky late payment fee of up to $25.
But watch out! International students will need a co-signer to apply. Other requirements are similar to Earnest.
Ascent has been around since 2013 and calls San Diego, California home.
- SoFi: If you're aiming for a student loan refinance, SoFi's your pup. These guys boast some of the lowest refinance rates in our data, making them our top choice for refinancing.
SoFi offers student loan refinance rates for fixed and variable rates that are among the lowest in our data. No origination fees or late payment fees mean you'll keep more cash in your pocket. You can trim costs further with an autopay discount of 0.25% and a SoFi+ membership discount of 0.125%.
But be aware! You'll need to apply without a co-signer, but having a co-signer may improve your rates and terms. You must show proof of your immigration status, employment, income, and other financial details. You must have been enrolled in an accredited Title IV school. Repayment terms are flexible, from five to 20 years.
SoFi was founded in 2011 in the heart of Silicon Valley, San Francisco, California.
Hungry for more? Compare lenders and read more in our related articles, including Student Loan Interest Rates, Brazos Student Loans Review, Credible Student Loans Review, and many more!
Cheers to succeeding in your academic journey with the right financial support!
[1] Credit Karma. (2023). Best Student Loans for International Students. Retrieved from https://www.creditkarma.com/studentloans/i/best-student-loans-for-international-students-credit-karma [2] Scholarship America. (2023). Student Loans for International Students: A Comprehensive Guide. Retrieved from https://scholarshipamerica.org/student/money/student-loans-for-international-students-a-comprehensive-guide [3] Prodigy Finance. (2023). Prodigy Finance. Retrieved from https://www.prodigyfinance.com/ [4] MPower Financing. (2023). What You Need to Know About International Student Loans. Retrieved from https://www.mpowerfinancing.com/blog/international-student-loans [5] MPOWER Financing. (2023). Student Loans for International Students: Exploring Your Loan Options. Retrieved from https://www.mpowerfinancing.com/resources/students/student-loans-for-international-students-exploring-your-options
Investing in your personal-finance education and self-development can lead you to discover top-notch options for international student loans, such as Earnest, Juno, Ascent, and SoFi. For instance, Earnest offers competitive APRs, no sneaky fees, and flexible repayment plans, making it a great choice for financing your undergraduate or graduate education as an international student. Additionally, educational resources like Scholarship America's comprehensive guide to student loans for international students (Scholarship America, 2023) can aid you in your search for the best financing solutions for your personal-finance needs.
