Are Private Loans the Cheaper Option?

Subject: Are Private Loans the Cheaper Option?

A weekly guide to financing college.

April 20, 2025

Student Loan Advice You Need Know

Taking on student loan debt is a major financial decision. Before you start applying for loans and choosing a lender, read these 10 tips to be sure you and your student make a smart choice.

Private Student Loan Options

Are Private Student Loans the Better, Cheaper Option?

If you're deciding between a private student loan and a federal parent PLUS loan, read here to learn which is the best choice for your family.

Free Download

We put together a tip sheet that walks your family through how to shop around for student loans to make sure you're securing the lowest possible interest rate.

Download it for free here.

Upcoming Events

How to Pay for College: April 30 at 8:30pm (ET)
Financing Your Student’s Education: May 22 at 8pm (ET)
Student Loans: How to Find the Lowest Rates: June 4 at 8:30pm (ET)

Our Private Lender Suggestions

(Variable APRs as of 4/17/2025)

Note: We recommend you borrow federal student loans first. Once you've exhausted your federal loan eligibility, carefully compare your options from private lenders.

➡️ College Ave 4.44%-17.99%

➡️ SoFi 4.64%-15.99%

➡️ Sallie Mae 4.54%-14.71%

➡️ Ascent 5.01%-14.02%

➡️ Student Choice Rates as Low as 4.03%*

Before you commit to a private lender, check out Juno to see if you're getting the best loan rate available for your credit profile.

*Student Choice is a company that serves credit unions so they can offer fair-value student lending solutions. They will help you find a credit union to borrow student loans through. Rates vary by credit union.

More Ways We're Here to Help

🐻 Use Mama Bear Legal Forms to make sure you can help your student in an emergency. Enter promo code Road2College & save 20%.

💰 Compare your student's college offers to what other student's have received with our FREE Compare College Offers tool.

🎓 Protect your college investment with GradGuard tuition and renters insurance.

💻 Join our free PFC101 Facebook group and connect with other parents on the paying for college journey.

🎁 Save 10% off diploma frames and treat your student to a graduation gift with DiplomaFrame. Use coupon code ROAD2COLLEGE for your discount.

Got Questions About Paying for College?

We're Lending an Ear and Answering!

Submit your questions here, then check back each week as we highlight the most pressing questions and share our advice.

Our R2C Content Team is dedicated to helping families navigate the

ever-changing world of college admissions and financing.

Lending an Ear is written & edited by Becca Blauch.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this email is for general informational purposes only. Road2College is not a financial advisor or planning service, and as such, cannot be held responsible for any direct or indirect circumstances. Please consult a licensed financial professional before making any financial decisions. Road2College may receive compensation from products and links featured in this email. When evaluating offers, please review the financial institution’s Terms and Conditions. Pre-qualified offers are not binding.

Subscribe

Subject: Are Private Loans the Cheaper Option?