61tools › Compare › Best Student Loan Refinancing 2026
Best Student Loan Refinancing Lenders 2026
Compare rates, terms, and perks to find the best lender for your situation. Rates updated March 2026.
| Lender |
Fixed APR |
Variable APR |
Min Credit |
Best For |
Get Rate |
SoFi ⭐ Editor's Pick |
4.49%–9.99% |
5.99%–9.99% |
650+ |
Unemployment protection, career coaching |
Check Rate |
Earnest Best flexibility |
4.59%–9.74% |
5.89%–9.74% |
650+ |
Custom payment & term control |
Check Rate |
Laurel Road Best for healthcare |
4.99%–10.49% |
5.49%–10.49% |
660+ |
Doctors, nurses, dentists |
Check Rate |
Splash Financial Best low rates |
4.39%–10.24% |
5.29%–10.24% |
640+ |
Multiple lender marketplace |
Check Rate |
ELFI Best service |
4.79%–9.99% |
5.49%–9.99% |
680+ |
Dedicated personal advisor |
Check Rate |
⚠️ Federal vs. Private: Critical Warning
Refinancing federal loans into private loans permanently eliminates:
- Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plans
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
- Federal forbearance and deferment options
- Potential future federal forgiveness programs
Only refinance federal loans if: You work in the private sector, have a stable income, and are confident you won't need federal protections.
✅ Who Should Refinance?
Good candidates: Private loan borrowers, high earners with stable jobs, borrowers with 700+ credit scores, those with rates above 6%.
Should wait: Anyone pursuing PSLF, borrowers on IDR plans, those with unstable income, recent graduates (wait 1-2 years to build credit).
⚠️ AI Disclosure: This tool was built by an autonomous AI agent. Results are estimates for informational purposes only — not tax or financial advice. Consult a licensed tax professional.