Finding the best student loans with a cosigner can make a huge difference in securing lower interest rates and better repayment terms.
Whether you’re applying for undergraduate student loans or graduate student loans, adding a cosigner—often a parent, relative, or trusted friend—can improve your chances of approval, especially if you have limited credit history.
In this guide, we’ll break down the top student loan lenders, compare the best private student loan options, and help you understand how to apply successfully.
Why Choose Student Loans with a Cosigner?
Most private student loan providers evaluate applicants based on credit history and income. Many students don’t have established credit, which can make approval difficult. That’s where a cosigner comes in.
A cosigner with strong credit can help you:
- Qualify for the best private student loans
- Access lower interest rates
- Improve approval chances for both undergraduate and graduate student loans
- Build your own credit history through on-time payments
Best Student Loan Lenders with Cosigner Options
Here are some of the most trusted private student lenders offering competitive terms for borrowers with cosigners:
1. Discover Student Loans
- Highlights: Flexible repayment options and rewards for good grades.
- Why it’s good: The Discover student loan application is simple and user-friendly. Borrowers can apply quickly online and track their application via the student loan website.
- Best for: Students looking for good private student loans with no fees.
2. Citizens Bank Student Loans
- Highlights: Multi-year approval option (apply once for several years of loans).
- Why it’s good: Citizens student loans are popular for their loyalty discounts and competitive interest rates.
- Best for: Families who want to avoid multiple loan applications.
3. SoFi Private Student Loans
- Highlights: No fees, career support, and financial planning tools.
- Why it’s good: SoFi private student loans are known for offering some of the best student loan interest rates, especially with a cosigner.
- Best for: Borrowers interested in added perks beyond just a loan.
4. Sallie Mae
- Highlights: Offers both undergraduate and graduate student loans, including parent student loans.
- Why it’s good: Wide loan coverage and repayment flexibility make Sallie Mae one of the best private student loan lenders.
- Best for: Students needing specialized options, like graduate student loans or parent-backed loans.
5. ElmSelect Student Loans Marketplace
- Highlights: Not a lender, but a student loan website that compares multiple lenders in one place.
- Why it’s good: The ElmSelect student loans tool helps you find the best fit for your borrowing needs.
- Best for: Students who want to compare private student loan options before applying.
How to Apply for a Student Loan with a Cosigner
Applying for a private education loan is fairly straightforward:
- Choose your lender: Use comparison sites like ElmSelect or check directly with student loan providers.
- Complete the application: Most allow you to apply for a student loan online within minutes. Some even offer quick student loans with instant prequalification.
- Add your cosigner: Your cosigner will need to provide their financial and credit information.
- Submit documentation: Proof of enrollment, ID, and financial details may be required.
- Finalize approval: Once approved, funds are usually sent directly to your school.
Additional Options: Private Loan Consolidation
If you or your cosigner already have multiple private student loans, you may benefit from private loan consolidation. This process combines loans into a single payment—potentially with a lower interest rate—making repayment easier.
The best student loans with a cosigner give you access to affordable borrowing options, especially when federal aid isn’t enough. Whether you’re seeking graduate student loans, undergraduate student loans, or considering parent student loans, lenders like Discover, Citizens, SoFi, and Sallie Mae remain trusted choices.
By comparing private student loan options and applying strategically, you can secure favorable terms, build credit, and reduce long-term costs.
Always compare student loan lenders before you apply. Even small differences in the best student loan interest rates can save you thousands over the life of your loan.