Editorial confidence (30%), cost (25%), value (25%), accessibility (20%) — scored consistently across every product, independent of compensation.
At a glance
APR range (fixed): Personalized — check your rate (No advertised range; rates based on individual credit and income profile)
Min refi amount: $5,000 (No stated maximum)
Term-length options: 5–20 years (custom monthly payment) (Unique: set your exact payment amount vs. selecting a term)
Soft pre-qual: Yes (Check rate with no credit score impact)
Who Earnest is best for
Borrowers who want to precisely control their monthly payment amount rather than selecting from preset term options.
Pros
Unique payment customization: set your exact monthly payment target and Earnest calculates the corresponding term and rate
No fees — no origination, prepayment, or late fees
Precision-price approach means you control the monthly obligation directly
Cosigner option available; cosigner release after 36 months of on-time payments
Soft pre-qualification available
Cons
Earnest is a Navient subsidiary — verify current servicing quality and customer reviews before committing
No advertised rate range makes upfront comparison harder; must go through pre-qual first
Not all state residents eligible — verify availability in your state
Fewer benefits than SoFi (no unemployment protection or member perks)
Earnest requirements
US citizens and eligible non-citizens
Minimum credit score requirements apply (check current eligibility on earnest.com)
Earned income or employment required
Earnest alternatives
SoFi(SoFi Bank, N.A.) — Borrowers with strong credit (720+) and stable income who want no-fee refinancing with career and financial planning perks. Read reviewGet started at SoFi Bank, N.A. →
Earnest — Flexible repayment customization — pick your exact monthly payment, not just a preset term. Best for: Borrowers who want to precisely control their monthly payment amount rather than selecting from preset term options.. Compare it against alternatives before applying; the right fit depends on your situation, credit, and goals.
Questions about Earnest
What makes Earnest's repayment customization unique compared to other student loan refinance lenders?
Most lenders offer a fixed menu of term lengths (5, 7, 10, 15, or 20 years). Earnest flips this: you set your target monthly payment amount, and Earnest calculates the corresponding term and rate. This precision-first approach means you can optimize directly for what matters most — a specific monthly cash-flow constraint — rather than working backward from a standard term.
Is Earnest a good choice for refinancing federal student loans?
Before refinancing any federal loans with Earnest (or any private lender), review federal protections you would lose — including Income-Driven Repayment plans, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and federal forbearance options. The studentaid.gov website details these programs. Earnest refinancing makes the most sense for private-sector borrowers with no PSLF path and stable enough income that IDR plans provide no meaningful benefit.
Does Earnest allow a co-signer, and is co-signer release available?
Yes. Earnest allows a co-signer on refinanced student loans. Co-signer release is available after 36 consecutive months of qualifying on-time payments, provided the primary borrower meets income and credit requirements at that point. Verify current terms at earnest.com.
Is Earnest available in all states?
Earnest is not available to residents of all states. State availability varies — verify whether Earnest offers refinancing in your state before starting the application process at earnest.com.
How we rate
Every pick gets a 1–5 ClearValue Rating computed from four weighted factors: Editorial confidence (30%), Cost (25%), Value (25%), and Accessibility (20%).
Scored consistently across every product and independent of any compensation. Full methodology →
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