Should You Refinance Federal Student Loans?

Student loan refinancing is the process of replacing one or more existing student loans with a new loan from a private lender. The goal of refinancing is to obtain more favorable terms, such as a lower interest rate or monthly payment, a shorter repayment term, or a fixed interest rate.

To refinance student loans, you must meet certain eligibility requirements, such as having good credit, a steady income, and a low debt-to-income ratio. Additionally, you will need to submit an application along with documentation of your income and employment. Afterward, the lender will review your credit history to determine whether or not you qualify. Once approved, the new lender will pay off your old loans and you will begin making payments on the new loan according to the terms of the agreement.

Refinancing Federal Student Loans

Refinancing federal student loans involves taking out a new loan from a private lender to pay off an existing federal loan. While this process can potentially result in a lower interest rate and monthly payment, borrowers will give up the benefits that come with federal loans, such as access to income-driven repayment plans and loan forgiveness programs. As such, if you are considering refinancing federal student loans, you should weigh the potential savings against the benefits of the federal loan programs and carefully consider the terms and conditions of any refinancing offers.

It’s crucial to carefully consider various factors before deciding whether to refinance your federal student loan. While refinancing can result in lower interest rates and monthly payments, it also means giving up certain protections and benefits. As such, you should evaluate factors such as your financial situation, credit score, and job stability before deciding to refinance. It is important to note that refinancing may be beneficial for those who have high-interest rates, a good credit score, and a steady income. Additionally, refinancing may be beneficial for those who have variable interest rates, multiple loans with different interest rates, or who are looking to simplify their payments through consolidation.

It is important to be aware of the necessary eligibility requirements for federal loan refinancing in order to avoid wasting time and effort on applications that may be rejected. Additionally, knowing the eligibility requirements also allows you to prepare any necessary documentation and improve their chances of approval.

To qualify for federal student loan refinancing, you need to meet the following criteria:

• Creditworthiness
  Most private lenders require a good credit score for one to be eligible for student loan refinancing. Borrowers with high credit scores often qualify for low loan interest rates.
• Loan types and amounts
  Private lenders may have restrictions on the types and amounts of loans eligible for refinancing. For example, you may not be able to refinance federal loans, such as the Direct PLUS loans, with a private lender.
• Employment or income
  Lenders may require you to have a steady job and minimum income requirements in order to qualify for refinancing. Some lenders also prefer borrowers who work in certain fields or for particular lengths of time.
• Citizenship or residency
  You must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident to qualify for student loan refinancing with most lenders. Some lenders may also have state residency requirements.
• Graduation or enrollment status
  You may need to have graduated from an eligible institution or be currently enrolled to qualify for refinancing. Some lenders may require borrowers to have a certain degree or level of education to be eligible for refinancing.

The process of federal student loan refinancing typically involves several steps.

1. Research potential lenders

First, you should research potential lenders and compare their rates, terms, and eligibility requirements to find the best fit for you. We have given the best lenders for refinancing in the next section for comparison. 

2. Submit an application to check if you qualify

Submit an application to get a check from the chosen lender. The application may include your personal and financial information.

3. Receive a loan offer

The lender will then review the application and determine if you are eligible for refinancing. You will receive a loan offer with new terms, including interest rates and monthly payments if approved.

4. Accept the offer

If you accept the offer and the terms on it, you can sign the agreement and the lender will pay off the original student loans and create a new loan with the new terms.

Some of the personal and financial information or documentation needed for federal student loan refinancing typically includes:

• Name, address, and social security number
• Proof of income 
• Employment information, such as employer name and contact information 
• Details about current student loans, including loan types, balances, and interest rates
• Bank account information for automatic payments 
• Proof of graduation or enrollment in a degree-granting program 
• Other financial information, such as monthly expenses and assets

Following are the six best options for companies that refinance student loans.

Lender	Scholaroo rating	Fixed rates starting (APR)	Variable rates starting (APR)
Laurel Road Best for Low Interest Rates with Discounts Visit website	4.9/5	4.99%	4.74%
College Ave Best for Flexible Repayment Options Visit website	4.9/5	5.99%	5.99%
SoFi Best for Refinancing Parent Plus Loans Visit website	4.8/5	4.99%	5.99%
Earnest Best for Refinancing without Cosigner Visit website	4.7/5	4.96%	5.32%
LendKey Best for Mid-Income Earners Visit website	4.5/5	4.49%	5.02%
ISL Education Lending Best for In-School Refinancing Visit website	4.5/5	6.50%	N/A

Lender

Laurel Road

Best for Low Interest Rates with Discounts

Scholaroo rating

4.9/5

Fixed rates starting (APR)

4.99%

Variable rates starting (APR)

4.74%

Visit website

Lender

College Ave

Best for Flexible Repayment Options

Scholaroo rating

4.9/5

Fixed rates starting (APR)

5.99%

Variable rates starting (APR)

5.99%

Visit website

Lender

SoFi

Best for Refinancing Parent Plus Loans

Scholaroo rating

4.8/5

Fixed rates starting (APR)

4.99%

Variable rates starting (APR)

5.99%

Visit website

Lender

Earnest

Best for Refinancing without Cosigner

Scholaroo rating

4.7/5

Fixed rates starting (APR)

4.96%

Variable rates starting (APR)

5.32%

Visit website

Lender

LendKey

Best for Mid-Income Earners

Scholaroo rating

4.5/5

Fixed rates starting (APR)

4.49%

Variable rates starting (APR)

5.02%

Visit website

Lender

ISL Education Lending

Best for In-School Refinancing

Scholaroo rating

4.5/5

Fixed rates starting (APR)

6.50%

Variable rates starting (APR)

N/A

Visit website

If you are looking to refinance your student loans, it’s important to take the following into consideration.

Interest rates and repayment terms offered by the lender:
Compare the interest rates and repayment terms offered by various lenders to determine which option is the most favorable. While a lower interest rate and shorter repayment term can result in lower total loan costs, it can also mean higher monthly payments. You should also consider whether the lender offers a fixed or variable interest rate and if there is a penalty for paying off the loan early.

Credit score and debt-to-income ratio:
Your credit score and debt-to-income ratio are important factors in determining eligibility for student loan refinancing. For instance, those with favorable credit scores and low debt-to-income ratios are more likely to qualify for lower interest rates. On the other hand, borrowers who have poor credit scores or high debt-to-income ratios may not qualify for refinancing or could be offered a higher interest rate.

Fees associated with refinancing:
You should be aware of any fees associated with refinancing, such as application fees, origination fees, or prepayment penalties. These fees can add to the total cost of the loan and reduce the potential savings from refinancing. Also, remember to compare the fees charged by various lenders and factor them into their decision to refinance.

Eligibility for any remaining forgiveness opportunities:
Consider whether you are eligible for any remaining student loan forgiveness opportunities before deciding to refinance. Refinancing federal student loans with a private lender eliminates access to federal loan forgiveness programs such as the Public Service Loan Forgiveness or Teacher Loan Forgiveness programs. Borrowers who are eligible for these programs may want to consider their options carefully before refinancing.

Before committing to the process of refinancing your student loans, it’s important to be aware of the benefits as well as the potential drawbacks that come with the decision to refinance federal student loans.

Take a look at the following benefits of refinancing student loans.

Lower interest rates
Refinancing student loans can result in a lower interest rate, which can reduce the total cost of the loan and save you money over time. A lower interest rate can also mean a lower monthly payment.

Opportunity to Consolidate monthly loans
Consolidating multiple student loans into one loan through refinancing can simplify repayment by reducing the number of monthly payments you have to make. This process can make it easier for you to manage your loans and reduce the risk of missed or late payments.

Potential for improved credit score
Refinancing can also provide an opportunity for you to improve your credit score. This is achieved by making on-time payments and reducing your debt-to-income ratio. A higher credit score can increase your chances of qualifying for lower interest rates on other loans or credit products.

Lower monthly payment
Refinancing can result in a lower monthly payment, which can make repayment more manageable if you are struggling to keep up with your current payments. A lower monthly payment can be achieved by extending the repayment term or securing a lower interest rate through the process of refinancing.

Consider the following potential drawbacks that come with refinancing 

Losing certain benefits and protections
Refinancing federal student loans with a private lender means losing access to certain benefits and protections, such as income-driven repayment plans, deferment, forbearance options, and loan forgiveness programs. Losing these protections can put you at risk when experiencing financial hardship or job loss.

Potentially pay more interest on a longer repayment period
Extending your student loan repayment period through refinancing can result in a lower monthly payment, but it also means paying more interest over the life of the loan. You should carefully consider the total cost of the loan and the interest rate offered before deciding to refinance.

Losing any remaining student loan forgiveness opportunities
Refinancing also means losing any remaining student loan forgiveness opportunities associated with the original loans. For example, borrowers who work in public service or certain other fields may be eligible for loan forgiveness after a certain period of time or number of payments, but refinancing will eliminate these opportunities.

Possibly pay more fees related to refinancing
Some private lenders charge fees for origination, application, or prepayment, which can add to the total cost of the loan. You should be aware of these fees and factor them into your decision to refinance.

When considering refinancing options, it is crucial to take the time to research and compare lenders to find the best rates, terms, and eligibility requirements. Comparing multiple lenders is a great way to ensure you are getting the best rates and terms available. Additionally, check if the lender offers any discounts, such as autopay or loyalty discounts, which can help save you money over the life of the loan. 

Another important factor to consider is the length of the repayment term as it will impact both your monthly payments and overall interest paid. Flexible repayment options are also important to consider. Some lenders offer deferment or forbearance options in case of financial hardship, which can be a lifesaver for those struggling to make payments. 

Finally, it pays to be aware of any fees associated with refinancing, such as origination fees or prepayment penalties, which can add up over time and negate the benefits of refinancing. Thus, make sure to read and understand the terms and conditions of the loan before signing any agreements. 

In case you are unable to get your federal loans refinanced, there are other alternatives that can help you pay them off.

Consolidation

You can get your federal student loans consolidated where the government pays off your existing federal loan in exchange for a new consolidated loan. The consolidated loans generally have higher rates but you can get longer terms on it which can help make your monthly payments smaller and more manageable.

Scholarships

You can apply for one or a few of the plethora of scholarships available to students out there from every background. If you are able to win one or more, you can use the money to take off a chunk of your federal debt. Since scholarships are money gifts, you don’t have to worry about paying them back.

Grants

Grants are similar to scholarships but are usually provided by the federal or state governments. If you are able to qualify for one, it can reduce the total debt and make it more manageable.

Part-time work

You can also work part-time or take up an online work-from-home job on the side to help generate some extra income that can go toward your monthly payments. This will help you pay off your federal loan easily without accumulating further debt.

Refinancing federal student loans can be a beneficial financial move for those seeking lower interest rates, consolidated monthly payments, and potentially lower monthly payments. However, it is important to weigh the benefits against the potential drawbacks such as losing borrower benefits and protection, paying more interest over an extended period, and losing the possibility of any remaining forgiveness opportunities.

Make sure you research and understand the eligibility requirements, personal and financial information needed, and fees associated with refinancing. By carefully considering various factors and taking the necessary steps, you can make an informed decision about whether refinancing is the right option for you. Remember: Taking control of your finances is a great way to set yourself up for success in the long run.