How We Rank

Last updated: August 2026

We want you to trust what you read here, so we're open about how we compare lenders and how we make money.

What we weigh

• Credit impact of checking rates — can you see your real rates without a hard credit pull?
• Rates and fees — starting and maximum APRs, and whether there are application, origination, or prepayment fees.
• Application experience — how fast and simple it is to apply and get a decision.
• Repayment flexibility — the number of in-school and post-school payment options.
• Loan types and eligibility — coverage for undergrad, grad, career, parent, international, and refinancing.
• Support and reputation — customer support, tools, and track record.

Why College Ave is our #1 pick

For most students, College Ave earns the top spot on repayment flexibility — four different ways to repay, terms you choose yourself, and loans tailored to your field of study — paired with a fast application and no application, origination, or prepayment fees. Sallie Mae is a close, trusted second: its lowest variable rate currently runs a little lower, and like College Ave it lets you check your rate with no credit impact before applying — it just offers fewer repayment and term choices. The "right" pick depends on your priorities, which is why we spell out both.

How compensation factors in

ScholarRoads earns a commission when you apply through our links. That commercial relationship can influence which lenders we feature and how prominently — but it does not change our honest assessment of each lender's strengths and weaknesses. We don't cover every lender on the market, and we tell you plainly when a lender we like isn't the cheapest. See our Advertiser Disclosure.