Student loan rates are starting to see lenders battle to have the lowest rate. As of January 20, 2026, private student loan lenders are offering fixed rates as low as 2.69% APR and variable rates ...

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans are often the cheapest borrowing option, followed by Direct Plus Loans and private graduate student loans ...

The best private student loans offer competitive interest and annual percentage rates, have low origination, disbursement or prepayment fees (or none at all) and are offered by credible lenders.