I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.
See all posts Frank GogolInternational Student Loans: Best Lenders & What to Consider
Updated on October 19, 2023
Written by
Written by
Reviewed by
Rohit Mittal
Reviewed by
Rohit Mittal
Rohit Mittal is the co-founder and CEO of Stilt. Rohit has extensive experience in credit risk analytics and data science. He spent years building credit risk and fraud models for top U.S. banks. In his current role, he defines the overall business strategy, leads debt and capital fundraising efforts, leads product development, and leads other customer-related aspects for the company. Stilt is backed by Y Combinator and has raised a total of $275M in debt and equity funding to date.
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At a Glance: For international students seeking loans, some lenders don’t require a cosigner, like MPOWER and Prodigy Finance. MPOWER considers academic success and career potential but favors high earning potential. Prodigy Finance offers loans for specific graduate degrees. Other lenders, like Ascent, Citizens Bank, Discover, and College Ave, require a creditworthy cosigner who is a US citizen or permanent resident. Consider loan amount, interest rates (2-14%), fixed or variable rates, repayment terms (standard, extended, graduated, income-driven), and documentation required. Scholarships and grants are alternative funding options, and refinancing can lower interest rates later on.
Studying at a US university presents exciting prospects for international students. However, the cost of US college education can be quite steep for both domestic and international students. While US citizens have access to federal student loans, international students face a more complex process, as they are ineligible for federal loans and may find it challenging to secure private ones. This article will guide you through acquiring a student loan as an international student, exploring top lenders and key factors to consider.
5 Best International Student Loan Lenders
The allure of U.S. higher education attracts a vast array of international talent each year. Navigating the financial landscape as an international student can be daunting, with varying criteria and requirements. However, there’s a silver lining. A number of lenders are attuned to the unique needs of international students, offering financial solutions that cater specifically to this diverse group:
AmOne (Best for Okay to Good Credit)
AmOne understands the challenges faced by international students in the U.S. when navigating the loan process. With a commitment to catering to students who possess an okay to good credit profile, AmOne acts as a connector between potential borrowers and a vast array of lenders. International students who have begun to establish a U.S. credit history, or those fortunate enough to have a creditworthy U.S. co-signer, can leverage AmOne’s platform to simplify their loan application journey and secure favorable terms.
Check rate
on website
on website
Spring Loans (Best for Bad and No Credit)
For international students new to the U.S. or without an established credit footprint, Spring Loans offers a lifeline. Recognizing that traditional credit scores aren’t always indicative of a student’s ability to repay, Spring Loans uses broader financial assessments. International students either without a U.S. credit history or those who haven’t had the best start can look to Spring Loans for more adaptive lending options. While a U.S.-based co-signer can offer better terms, Spring Loans is particularly supportive of students unfamiliar with the U.S. credit landscape.
Check rate
on website
on website
First Premier Lending (Best for Bad Credit)
First Premier Lending acknowledges that everyone’s financial journey is unique, especially for international students who might face unforeseen challenges. Catering predominantly to individuals with bad credit, First Premier Lending provides these students a chance to secure loans despite past credit missteps. A creditworthy U.S. co-signer can certainly boost one’s chances, but First Premier Lending remains an accessible choice for those international students aiming to rectify their credit situations.
Check rate
on website
on website
First Premier Lending Personal Loans
Min. credit score
None
Fixed APR
27.00%
Variable APR
N/A
College Ave (Best for Good Credit)
College Ave is a beacon for international students who have taken the time and effort to cultivate a strong U.S. credit standing. With competitive rates and versatile loan terms, College Ave rewards those who’ve demonstrated financial responsibility. International students boasting a good credit history can find an ally in College Ave. While the addition of a creditworthy U.S. co-signer can further smoothen the loan acquisition process, the lender’s offerings remain appealing for those with commendable financial profiles.
Check rate
on website
on website
College Ave Undergraduate Private Student Loans
Min. credit score
600 or better
Fixed APR
5.05% - 16.99%
Variable APR
5.59% - 16.99%
Sallie Mae (Best for Very Good Credit)
International students who’ve achieved outstanding credit in the U.S. will find Sallie Mae to be a prime option. With a rich history in student loans, Sallie Mae extends its premium loan terms and rates to borrowers exhibiting very good credit profiles. A U.S. co-signer can always enhance one’s chances, but international students who have excelled in their financial undertakings in the U.S. will find Sallie Mae’s provisions particularly beneficial.
Check rate
on website
on website
Sallie Mae Undergraduate Private Student Loans
Min. credit score
Mid-600's
Fixed APR
4.50-15.49%
Variable APR
6.37-16.70%
What to Consider With Student Loans for International Students
The process of getting a student loan can be intimidating, especially if you are new to the United States. Throughout the rest of this article, we hope to alleviate any fears and help you find the perfect student loan for you.
There are several things to consider when choosing a student loan, some of which may be more important for you depending on your situation.
1. How big of a student loan should I get?
At first glance, a loan might seem like an awesome way to get a huge sum of money to spend however you want. But don’t forget—you will have to pay this money back eventually. The interest on a large loan will add up very quickly as well.
When on the hunt for the perfect international student loan—a good place to start is determining how much you need and how much you can afford. This will help make sure that you don’t take out too much which could be a very expensive mistake.
This is not meant to discourage you but simply to make you aware. Don’t forget, the idea of student loans is that the education you are seeking will make paying these loans off both possible and well worth it in the long run!
2. What are the interest rates like on international student loans?
As with all types of loans, the interest rate that you get on a student loan will depend on a few different factors. The first and often biggest variable is whether it is a federal or private loan. Federal student loans usually offer lower interest rates but are not available for non-citizens.
Other things that come into play are your and your cosigner’s credit history and credit score. Lenders also consider the level of study the loan is for (undergraduate, graduate, etc.).
Credit does not usually come into play for international students, as they have no credit upon coming to the US. As for the level of study, undergraduate loans tend to charge higher interest rates than those for graduate study.
Taking all of these things into consideration, the average student loan interest rate falls somewhere between 2 and 14%, with the lower the rate the better.
3. Type of interest
You may have the choice of a fixed or variable interest rate.
Fixed rates stay the same over the life of the loan while variable rates fluctuate based on the market.
There is no right answer to whether a fixed or variable-rate international student loan is better.
If you like the security of knowing your rate will always remain the same, go with a fixed rate. If you like the idea of having a lower rate upfront, a variable rate may be the better option.
4. What are the terms and conditions of student loans?
Student loans can sometimes be complicated, but the basics are the same across the board and are relatively simple to understand.
Each loan has repayment plan options. These are some general types that will be helpful to know in conducting your search.
Standard and Extended Repayment
Standard repayments are just a fixed amount that you will pay each month, typically over 10 years or less. An extended repayment plan works the same way, just over a longer period, such as 15 to 20 years.
Graduated Repayment
On a graduated repayment plan, your monthly payment will slowly increase over time. The hope is that you can afford higher and higher payments as you graduate and advance in your career.
Income-Driven Repayment
Though these are typically only offered for federal student loans, you may find a private lender offering them.
Income-driven repayment plans are similar to a graduated plan but required payments go up or down depending on your income.
There is much more security with these repayment plans, as your required payments will go down if you lose your source income at some point.
The Process of Getting an International Student Loan
Applying for loans of any kind can seem like a long and confusing process that will leave many wondering where to begin.
Don’t worry!
There are several steps that you have to take to get an international student loan, but lenders continue to make it easier and easier with advancements in technology.
Timeline – When Should I Apply for a Student Loan?
When it comes to applying for a student loan, the sooner, the better.
Once you are accepted to a school, you should start your search. Simply being accepted isn’t in and of itself a binding agreement, so you are always free to back out if you decide to go another route.
Once you have been accepted and provided all the necessary documentation (discussed below), the loan funds are usually dispersed within a week to 2 months.
You will want to have your funds in plenty of time, but if something does happen, don’t panic. Most colleges have some leeway when it comes to paying tuition.
What Documentation Do I Need for an International Student Loan?
As with most of the topics discussed, you would guess that the necessary documentation is going to depend on the lender and the loan.
This part of the process should be relatively easy as they will usually not require anything you haven’t already provided to your school.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- College acceptance: Most lenders will require that you be accepted and enrolled at an institution and be seeking a degree.
- Visa: Your student visa, (F-1 visa) will need to be valid at the time of application
- United States Address: You are not expected to have a permanent residence, but you will have to provide the address of the location you plan on staying in the US.
- Other supporting documents: Instead of a Social Security card, international students can usually supply one of the following visas: F-1, H1-B, L-1; OR Forms DS-2019, I-20, I-766, or I-797
What is a Cosigner? Do I Need One for My Loan?
A loan cosigner is someone who is agreeing to accept liability for your loan if you can’t make payments. They are usually required to have a good credit score and be a US citizen or permanent resident.
Finding a cosigner that meets all of these requirements can be next to impossible for someone who is coming to the US for the first time.
Luckily, there are international student loans for those without cosigners available—including both federal and private options.
Reviewing All Financing Options for International Students
Outside of loans for international students, there are some other ways to pay for college that you should consider:
1. University Scholarships
College scholarships provide funding for any number of areas of your program education. Scholarships are usually provided by private organizations, companies, universities, or individuals and can be for any amount. Scholarships are usually based on merit, meaning academic, social, athletic, or any other exceptional quality that someone wants to award.
Scholarships may be applied directly towards tuition and expenses, or simply be a check written to you to spend however you see fit during your studies. Merit-based scholarships may require that you continue to show excellence in the area in which you earned it, i.e., a scholarship for a 3.5 GPA may require that you maintain a 3.5 GPA each year.
Scholarships can be challenging to earn, and there is no guarantee, but the good news is that there are thousands to apply for. You can find scholarships specifically for single moms, chess players, race, location, and even most creative sandwich maker. Another big positive is that scholarships do not have to be paid back — just earned.
There are tons of places online where you can find scholarships. Here’s a list of just a few sites where you can search for scholarships that you may qualify for:
- CollegeBoard’s scholarship search of almost 2,200 programs
- Peterson’s list of over 1.5 million scholarships
- Scholly’s search engine that has helped students earn over 50 million dollars in scholarship money
2. University Grants
Student grants are very similar to scholarships and people often use the terms interchangeably. Although they are alike in that neither must be paid back, they differ in that most grants are need-based rather than merit-based.
The Federal Pell Grant is just one example of a need-based grant—and is one of the most popular grants for US students. However, to qualify for the Federal Pell Grant, you must be a permanent resident. Unfortunately, this means that most international students will not qualify for the Pell Grant.
Grants can still come from public and private organizations but are generally awarded through the federal and state governments or the university itself. Grants are usually based on economic status and income and are designed to provide additional relief for lower-income students. They typically do not have tough academic requirements but may have minimum standards that students must maintain.
There are some merit-based grants, and these are usually more typical for grants that apply to international students. One of the most popular merit-based grants for international students is the Fulbright Education Exchange Program. Students who receive this grant are given funding by the US Department of State for transportation and full or partial tuition. You can check the Fulbright Scholars website for a list of countries from where international students can apply for this grant.
Many other grants are available such as state grants, military grants, and private grants. Here are just a few other grant opportunities:
- CollegeScholarship’s list of 101 college grants
- Scholarships.com’s list of federal grants
- US Department of Education’s list of grants
3. Student Loans
Of these three financing options, a student loan is the one that stands out the most from the other two. Loans are often the last option that students resort to for one big reason: the money has to be paid back eventually. And not just the amount that you borrow, but interest as well.
Most students would prefer scholarships or grants over loans. These options are indeed more desirable, but in reality, even the students who are awarded them often need additional financial assistance. Scholarships and grants can be awarded in a variety of amounts and could be lost or reduced throughout your time in college.
Loans do come at a price, but they are a more widely available and reliable source of funding. This is especially true for international students, as you are ineligible for most US federal scholarships and grants.
Should I Refinance My Student Loan?
Refinancing is a common term that you have probably seen numerous times throughout your research. At this stage, this probably isn’t something you really need to worry about, but we will discuss it briefly so you know all of your options.
Simply put, student loan refinancing is when one lender pays off your current loan and gives you a new one at a lower interest rate.
For students pursuing extended degrees (law, medicine, etc.), the savings can be in the tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.
To qualify for refinancing, you will have to show good credit history, income, and a strong debt-to-income ratio.
>> Learn More: Guide to Refinancing International Student Loans
Read More
- International Student Loans with No Cosigner
- How International Students Can Get a Car Loan
- Top 3 Personal Loans for F-1 Visa Holders
- Loans for Canadian Students Studying in the US
- Student Loan Forgiveness for Professors
Wrapping It Up
After reading this article, you should possess all of the necessary information that you need to make a good, informed decision about student loans and other funding.
Since there are a limited number of lenders that are specifically designed to help international students, it will probably not take you long to find the right choice for you.
Good luck in the United States and good luck studying! And if you’re need funding in a rush, check out our guide to emergency student loans!
Frank Gogol
I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.