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Average interest rates on most refinanced student loans have increased from two weeks ago, according to Credible. Rates on all 10-year loans are up, as well as five-year undergraduate loan rates. However, five-year graduate variable rates dipped by about 2.3%.
The cost of borrowing for college has gone up over the past 12 months as the Federal Reserve has moved aggressively to combat inflation by bumping up the federal funds rate. Those higher rates ultimately make it more expensive for consumers to finance everything from college tuition to homes and cars.
Federal student loan rates for the 2023-24 school year have risen by the widest margin in about 20 years. While private student loan rates aren’t directly affected by federal rates, they’re likely to increase because they don’t have to stay as low to remain competitive with federal ones.
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APR
Variable: 4.49% – 8.99%, Fixed: 4.49% – 8.99%
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APR
Variable: 3.99% – 8.99% with AutoPay, Fixed: 4.39% – 8.99% with AutoPay
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5-year variable student loan refinancing rates
This past week, five-year undergraduate variable rates have gone up by 83 basis points. They are about 3.5% higher than they were one year ago.
Meanwhile, five-year graduate variable rates went dowm about 2.35%. They are up roughly 3% from six months ago.
10-year fixed student loan refinancing rates
Rates on both undergraduate and graduate 10-year fixed loans have remained relatively consistent from two weeks ago. Undergraduate rates ticked down by two basis points, while graduate rates fell by eight basis points
From six months ago, undergraduate rates are up about 76 basis points and graduate rates have increased by 61 basis points.
Student loan interest rates by credit score
Borowers with better credit scores usually get lower rates, although that’s not always the case. The table below shows the 10-year fixed student loan rates by credit score:
Frequently asked questions
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as your decision depends on your unique financial situation. You may consider alternatives such as a less expensive school, scholarships, or a side job to earn more money. Whatever your decision is, make sure you understand the terms of your newloan before making a choice.
For most younger students, it’s unlikely you’ll be approved without a co-signer. It is possible, but mainly for students who have an established credit history and an income.
Once you have some credit established, however, you may be able to remove your cosigner by refinancing. Some lenders also allow borrowers to remove cosigners after several years of consecutive payments.
No, they aren’t eligible for any federal forgiveness programs, including the widescale forgiveness currently being challenged in court.
You might be able to save hundreds or even thousands on interest if you repay your student loans during the repayment pause, set to go through August 2023. This is because any payment you make on your student loans goes directly toward your balance. When you make a payment traditionally, a portion of it goes toward paying down interest.
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