Information Density: Sallie Mae – Signal Evidence & AI Readability

We’re now Sallie—ready to help you pay for school, grow your savings, and do way more. See what we’re all about.

Whatever your goal, don’t pay more than you need to. You could get a better rate with a Sallie Mae® student loan than a federal PLUS loan.footnote 1

I'm ready to apply

See all student loans

[H3]
Undergraduate Loan

Fixed rates

2.89%

to 17.49% APRfootnote 2

Variable rates

3.62%

to 16.25% APRfootnote 2

Check my rate

[H3]
Graduate Loan

Fixed rates

2.89%

to 14.99% APRfootnote 3

Variable rates

3.62%

to 14.35% APRfootnote 3

Check my rate

[H3]
Career Training Loan

Fixed rates

2.89%

to 17.64% APRfootnote 4

Variable rates

3.62%

to 16.51% APRfootnote 4

Check my rate

Lowest rates shown include the auto debit discount. Only the most creditworthy applicants who choose the interest repayment option may receive the lowest rate.

Borrow smart

Cut costs where you can so you borrow only what you need. Choose loans that fit your future, not just your right-now. Know the key differences between federal and private student loans so you can make smart choices for your next steps.

Federal PLUS Loan Guide

Federal PLUS Loan Guide

Student Loan Guide

Student Loan Guide

smart take

[H2] Save for what's next

[H5]
Sallie Mae® High-Yield Savings Account

Save more with a competitive interest rate and no monthly maintenance fees. (Compounded daily, paid monthly)

Learn more

[H5]
Sallie Mae® Certificates of Deposit

Lock in a fixed rate and APY for guaranteed returns. Choose from multiple terms, $2,500 minimum deposit required.

Learn more

[H5]
Sallie Mae® Money Market Account

Save faster with a higher interest rate and no monthly maintenance fees. (Compounded daily, paid monthly)

Learn more

[H5]
SmartyPig® Savings Account

Track goals and save for them with a higher interest rate than a traditional savings account.

Learn more

[H2] Your success is our thing

[H3]
#1

[H5]
Private student lender

With 50+ years of experience supporting students.

[H3]
$345M+

[H5]
Saved in PLUS origination fees

Over 10 years for students and families.footnote 5

[H3]
1M+

[H5]
Students served

And we’re just getting started.

footnote Borrow responsibly
We encourage students and families to start with savings, grants, scholarships, and federal student loans to pay for college. Evaluate all anticipated monthly loan payments, and how much the student expects to earn in the future, before considering a private student loan.footnote Prequalification is not a firm offer of credit and does not guarantee loan approval. Prequalified rates are estimates and, if shown, are based on information you provide and a soft credit check. To apply for a loan, you must complete a full application and undergo a full credit review.footnote Loans for Undergraduate & Career Training Students are not intended for graduate students and are subject to credit approval, identity verification, signed loan documents, and school certification. Student must attend a participating school. Student or cosigner must meet the age of majority in their state of residence. Students who are not U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents must reside in the U.S., attend school in the U.S., and apply with a creditworthy cosigner (who must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident). Requested loan amount must be at least $1,000.footnote Graduate School Loan and Graduate School Loan for Health Professions are for graduate students at participating degree-granting schools and are subject to credit approval, identity verification, signed loan documents, and school certification. Student or cosigner must meet the age of majority in their state of residence. Students who are not U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents must reside in the U.S., attend school in the U.S., and apply with a creditworthy cosigner (who must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident). Requested loan amount must be at least $1,000.footnote 1. Sallie Mae loans may be offered at a lower rate than PLUS depending on the creditworthiness of the applicant(s). Explore federal loans and compare to make sure you understand the terms and features. Private student loans that have variable rates can go up over the life of the loan. Federal student loans are required by law to provide a range of flexible repayment options, including, but not limited to, income-based repayment and income-contingent repayment plans, and loan forgiveness and deferment benefits, which other student loans are not required to provide. Federal loans generally have origination fees, but are available to students regardless of income.footnote 2. Advertised APRs for undergraduate students assume a $10,000 loan with a 4-year in-school period, a 6-month grace, and the longest loan term offered. Interest rates for variable rate loans may increase or decrease over the life of the loan based on changes to the 30-day Average Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) rounded up to the nearest one-eighth of one percent.  Advertised variable rates are the starting range of rates and may vary outside of that range over the life of the loan. Interest is charged starting when funds are sent to the school. With the Fixed and Deferred Repayment Options, the interest rate is higher than with the Interest Repayment Option and Unpaid Interest is added to the loan’s Current Principal at the end of the grace/separation period. To receive a 0.25 percentage point interest rate discount, the borrower or cosigner must enroll in auto debit through Sallie Mae. The discount applies only during active repayment for as long as the Current Amount Due or Designated Amount is successfully withdrawn from the authorized bank account each month. It may be suspended during forbearance or deferment.footnote 3. Advertised APRs for Graduate School Loan, MBA Loans, and Graduate School Loan for Health Professions assume a $10,000 loan with a 2-year in-school period, a 6-month grace, and the longest loan term offered. Interest rates for variable rate loans may increase or decrease over the life of the loan based on changes to the 30-day Average Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) rounded up to the nearest one-eighth of one percent.  Advertised variable rates are the starting range of rates and may vary outside of that range over the life of the loan. Interest is charged starting when funds are sent to the school. With the Fixed and Deferred Repayment Options, the interest rate is higher than with the Interest Repayment Option and Unpaid Interest is added to the loan’s Current Principal at the end of the grace/separation period. To receive a 0.25 percentage point interest rate discount, the borrower or cosigner must enroll in auto debit through Sallie Mae. The discount applies only during active repayment for as long as the Current Amount Due or Designated Amount is successfully withdrawn from the authorized bank account each month. It may be suspended during forbearance or deferment.footnote 4. Advertised APRs for career training students assume a $10,000 loan with a 2-year in-school period, a 6-month grace, and the longest loan term offered. Interest rates for variable rate loans may increase or decrease over the life of the loan based on changes to the 30-day Average Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) rounded up to the nearest one-eighth of one percent.  Advertised variable rates are the starting range of rates and may vary outside of that range over the life of the loan. Interest is charged starting when funds are sent to the school. With the Fixed and Deferred Repayment Options, the interest rate is higher than with the Interest Repayment Option and Unpaid Interest is added to the loan’s Current Principal at the end of the grace/separation period. To receive a 0.25 percentage point interest rate discount, the borrower or cosigner must enroll in auto debit through Sallie Mae. The discount applies only during active repayment for as long as the Current Amount Due or Designated Amount is successfully withdrawn from the authorized bank account each month. It may be suspended during forbearance or deferment.footnote 5. Fee savings are based on a calculation of Sallie Mae loan volumes and PLUS origination fees charged over the past 10 years.  This comparison reflects fee differences only and does not account for total costs of borrowing, which may vary depending on loan term, interest rate, and other factors.footnote Sallie Mae loans are made by Sallie Mae Bank. footnote Deposit products are offered through Sallie Mae Bank, Member FDIC.footnote Information advertised valid as of 05/26/2026.footnote SALLIE MAE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS, SERVICES, AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. CHECK SALLIEMAE.COM FOR THE MOST UP-TO-DATE PRODUCT INFORMATION.

See if you prequalify before applying. It's a quick way to find out if you're eligible for the money you need with no credit impact.

Save on your grad school costs with Sallie Mae.

Apply now

Check my rate

[H4]
Graduate student loans

For expenses as you earn a master’s or doctoral degree in humanities, sciences, and other education tracks.

Learn more

[H4]
MBA loan

For business school expenses as you earn your Master of Business Administration degree.

Learn more

[H4]
Medical school loan

For medical school expenses as you earn your MD, DO, DPM, DVM, or VMD.

Learn more

[H4]
Medical residency loan

For board examination fees, travel, and moving expenses during your medical residency.

Learn more

[H4]
Health professions loan

For expenses as you earn a health professions degree in allied health, nursing, pharmacy, and other graduate-level health programs.

Learn more

[H4]
Dental school loan

For dental school costs as you earn your Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS).

Learn more

[H4]
Dental residency loan

For board examination fees, travel, and moving expenses during your dental residency.

Learn more

[H4]
Law school loan

For law school expenses as you earn your JD or LLM.

Learn more

[H4]
Bar exam loan

For expenses, fees, and living costs while you study for the bar exam.

Learn more

Get to know the types of grad loans

Find more info on graduate student loans

Feeling good to go? Apply in minutes

1. Tell us some basics
2. Choose your loan options
3. Sign and accept

Apply now

[H2]
FAQs

Have other questions? We’re here to help.
833-613-8158

[H4] Which student loans are available for graduate students?

Grad students can apply for federal and private loans. Federal loans are funded by the federal government, and you apply for Federal Direct Loans and Direct Graduate PLUS Loans by filling out a FAFSA®. Private student loans are offered by banks and credit unions, and you apply directly with the lender. Sallie Mae offers private student loans for graduate school.

Depending on the professional field that you're planning to enter, you may have different needs for a graduate student loan. For example, medical and dental degrees often require residencies, so it can help to have a deferment period. That’s why we offer graduate student loans designed for specific degrees: medical school, dental school, law school, MBA, and health professions. We also have a graduate school loan for humanities, sciences, and other degrees.

Learn more about the differences between federal and private student loans for graduate students.footnote 1

[H4] How do I apply for a private graduate student loan?

It's easy to apply for a graduate student loan. Use the “Apply now” button on this page to start. You’ll be asked a few questions to decide which graduate loan is right for you. Then, you'll fill out some basic information about you and your studies. The process usually only takes around 10 minutes.

[H4] How much can I borrow as a graduate student?

The amount that you can borrow for graduate school generally depends on the loan. Most of our graduate student loans let you borrow from $1,000 up to 100% of the school-certified Cost of Attendance (COA).footnote 2

The COA is an estimate of what you'll pay for expenses like tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, travel to and from school, a laptop or other technology, and personal expenses. You’ll most likely find it in your financial aid award letter or on your school’s website.

[H4] How do I qualify for a graduate student loan?

Private graduate student loans are credit-based. The lender wants to know how responsible you are with credit before approving your student loan application. That means they'll view your history of borrowing money and paying it back on time. If you believe your credit history isn't strong, consider adding a cosigner. Their good credit may help you get approved for your loan.

[H4] What are the benefits of applying for a graduate student loan?

The greatest benefit to taking out a graduate student loan is being able to pay for the graduate education that's important to you. Most grad students see the expense of getting a degree as an investment in their future. Many believe that it can help them enter or advance in their chosen career field and potentially reward them with higher earnings.footnote 3

[H4] Are there any deadlines I need to be aware of when applying for a graduate student loan?

Keep in mind that your school may have a deadline for financial aid to be submitted. When applying for a graduate student loan, make sure you apply with enough time for your application to go through the following steps:
You and your cosigner (if you have one) submit an application. This can take anywhere from 10 minutes to a few business daysYou and your cosigner (if you have one) undergo a credit reviewAfter approval, you choose your loan options
a. Make payments during school or defer themfootnote 4
b. Select a fixed or variable interest rateYour school certifies your loanThe money gets disbursed to your school

[H4] Can I apply for a graduate student loan if I already have existing student loan debt?

If you have existing student loan debt, you can still apply for a graduate student loan. After you apply and undergo a credit review, Sallie Mae will determine whether you are eligible for another student loan.

But always borrow smart—only take out loans that you know you can afford to pay back with interest.

[H4] Can I use a student loan to pay for any college-related expenses?

You can get up to 100% of your school fees covered each year you’re in school with a Sallie Mae Graduate School Loan, including the following for students attending school at least half time.footnote 2

What you can use graduate loans for
TuitionFeesBooks and suppliesHousingMealsTransportationTechnology and equipmentChildcare expensesOther expenses as long as they are included in your school's cost of attendance

What you can’t use graduate loans for
Nonessentials (new clothes, concert tickets, etc.)Dining out and entertainmentOther debts (credit cards, car note, etc.)Travel for vacations

Check out this blog for what you can and can’t use student loans for.

footnote Borrow responsibly
We encourage students and families to start with savings, grants, scholarships, and federal student loans to pay for college. Evaluate all anticipated monthly loan payments, and how much the student expects to earn in the future, before considering a private student loan.footnote Prequalification is not a firm offer of credit and does not guarantee loan approval. Prequalified rates are estimates and, if shown, are based on information you provide and a soft credit check. To apply for a loan, you must complete a full application and undergo a full credit review.footnote Graduate School Loan and Graduate School Loan for Health Professions are for graduate students at participating degree-granting schools and are subject to credit approval, identity verification, signed loan documents, and school certification. Student or cosigner must meet the age of majority in their state of residence. Students who are not U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents must reside in the U.S., attend school in the U.S., and apply with a creditworthy cosigner (who must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident). Requested loan amount must be at least $1,000.footnote 1. Sallie Mae loans may be offered at a lower rate than PLUS depending on the creditworthiness of the applicant(s). Explore federal loans and compare to make sure you understand the terms and features. Private student loans that have variable rates can go up over the life of the loan. Federal student loans are required by law to provide a range of flexible repayment options, including, but not limited to, income-based repayment and income-contingent repayment plans, and loan forgiveness and deferment benefits, which other student loans are not required to provide. Federal loans generally have origination fees, but are available to students regardless of income.footnote 2. For applications submitted directly to Sallie Mae, loan amount cannot exceed the cost of attendance less financial aid received, as certified by the school. Applications submitted to Sallie Mae through a partner website will be subject to a lower maximum loan request amount. Miscellaneous personal expenses (such as a laptop) may be included in the cost of attendance for students enrolled at least half-time. footnote 3. Source: How America Pays for Graduate School, from Sallie Mae and Ipsos.footnote 4. Advertised APRs for Graduate School Loan, MBA Loans, and Graduate School Loan for Health Professions assume a $10,000 loan with a 2-year in-school period, a 6-month grace, and the longest loan term offered. Interest rates for variable rate loans may increase or decrease over the life of the loan based on changes to the 30-day Average Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) rounded up to the nearest one-eighth of one percent.  Advertised variable rates are the starting range of rates and may vary outside of that range over the life of the loan. Interest is charged starting when funds are sent to the school. With the Fixed and Deferred Repayment Options, the interest rate is higher than with the Interest Repayment Option and Unpaid Interest is added to the loan’s Current Principal at the end of the grace/separation period. To receive a 0.25 percentage point interest rate discount, the borrower or cosigner must enroll in auto debit through Sallie Mae. The discount applies only during active repayment for as long as the Current Amount Due or Designated Amount is successfully withdrawn from the authorized bank account each month. It may be suspended during forbearance or deferment.footnote Sallie Mae loans are made by Sallie Mae Bank. footnote Information advertised valid as of 05/26/2026.footnote SALLIE MAE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS, SERVICES, AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. CHECK SALLIEMAE.COM FOR THE MOST UP-TO-DATE PRODUCT INFORMATION.

[IMG: FDIC]

[H1]
Savings products

Choose how you’d like to grow your money—whether you’re just starting out or working toward your next financial goal

SmartyPig®
Use this free, online piggy bank to save for long- and short-term goals.
Learn more

Money Market Account
Grow your money faster with a higher interest rate and no monthly fees.
Learn more

Certificates of Deposit
Earn a guaranteed rate of interest over a fixed period of time.
Learn more

High-Yield Savings Account
Earn interest at a higher rate than a traditional savings account, with no monthly fees.
Learn more

See a list of all our rates and terms

footnote Deposit products are offered through Sallie Mae Bank, Member FDIC.