Earnest Private Student Loan
Private education borrowing with payment options that differ for cosigned and independent applications.
Checked facts and conditions
Enrollment
Earnest’s private-loan guidance does not require a completed degree from the student or parent. The student must be enrolled at least half-time in an undergraduate or graduate degree program.
Source: Earnest degree and enrollment requirements ↓Cosigned versus independent
Earnest lists deferred and fixed $25 payments for both cosigned and independent loans. Its interest-only and full principal-and-interest options are listed for cosigned loans only.
Source: Earnest private-loan payment options ↓Grace-period conditions
The nine-month grace period does not apply to the full-repayment option. Leaving school or dropping below half-time starts the grace period for other options; accrued interest may be added to principal when full repayment begins.
Source: Earnest private-loan payment options ↓Questions for your actual offer
- Which repayment options are available with my application and cosigner?
- Does my specific agreement allow cosigner release, and under what conditions?
- What are my actual APR, fees and total payments, including interest accumulated in school?
Compare fixed and variable APRs separately, using the same amount and term. Review the final loan agreement for fees, total payments and cosigner obligations.
Provider sources
- Earnest degree and enrollment requirements ↗
Checked 2026-09-14
- Earnest private-loan payment options ↗
Checked 2026-09-14
- Earnest cosigner-release guidance ↗
Checked 2026-09-14