Best Student Loans for Spring Semester 2025

Are you facing a gap in funding for your second-semester bill? If you’ve already maxed out your Federal Direct Student Loan, private student loans could be a smart solution.

With Parent PLUS Loan rates climbing to 9.08% (plus a 4% origination fee), it’s worth exploring alternatives that might save you money.

Private student loans can offer lower rates, starting at just under 5% with no fees for borrowers with strong credit. They might be the key to bridging the gap and keeping your college journey on track.

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Step-By-Step Guide To Choosing the Best Student Loan In 2025:

Step 1: Apply through Ascent to get your rate - CLICK HERE  

Step 2: Apply through College Ave to get your rate - CLICK HERE 

Step 3: Apply through Sallie Mae to get your rate - CLICK HERE  

Step 4: Compare your private rates to the Federal PLUS loan* and to 3 state loan options; Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Iowa.

Would You Like 1:1 Support?

FAFSA, CSS Profile, & Annual Check-Up Package

Exclusive for families of currently enrolled college students.

 

Are you sure you're not overpaying for college? Let us help! Leverage our expert FAFSA and CSS Profile completion service, plus a 1-hour, 1:1 “Annual Check-Up” with one of our specialists – all for just $499.

This package includes:

  • FAFSA & CSS Profile review and submission
  • 1:1 60 Minute Meeting w/ a CAP Expert 
  • Financial aid appeal advice and loan analysis
  • 1,500+ “in-college” private scholarships
  • 529 plan guidance and more

Private Student Loan Fact Sheet

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Ascent

  • Zero fees – no application, origination, disbursement, early repayment, or late fees

  • 1% cash back at graduation and a 0.25% - 1.00% autopay discount

  • 12-month co-signor release program

  • Access to expert coaching, paid internship opportunities, and career-prep resources with AscentUP6

  • Disclosures
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College Ave

  • Apply in as little as 3 minutes and get an instant credit decision
  • Multiple repayment options from deferred to immediate principal and interest
  • Choice of how long you take to repay the loan - 5, 8, 10, or 15 years
  • 0.25% interest rate reduction when you make required payments by automatic debit
  • Borrow up to 100% of your cost of attendance (minimum $1,000)
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Sallie Mae

  • Lowest rates shown include 0.25 percentage point interest rate discount with auto debit payments.
  • Applying online is easy - you could receive a credit result in about 10 minutes.
  • Multiple repayment options from in-school payments to deferred. No origination fee or prepayment penalty.
  • Borrow up to 100% of school-certified expenses, whether you're online or on campus.
  • Last year, students were 4x more likely to be approved with a cosigner.
  • Disclosures