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Sallie Mae – Personal Loan

4.1 / 5 (5870 reviews)

Sallie Mae is the largest US private student lender, offering loans for undergraduate, graduate, K-12, and career training with multiple repayment options.

Amount $1,000 USD – $65,000 USD
APR from 4.50%
Term 60 – 180 months
Approval 15 minutes
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Applying does not obligate you to accept a loan offer.

Sallie Mae Student Loan – Review 2026

Sallie Mae is the most widely used private student lender in the United States. Originally a government-sponsored entity (now Sallie Mae Bank), it offers private student loans for nearly every type of education — undergrad, grad, MBA, medical, dental, law, and K-12.

Repayment Options

Sallie Mae offers three in-school repayment options: defer payments, $25 fixed payments while in school, or interest-only payments. The 6-month grace period after graduation gives borrowers time to find work.

✓ Pros

  • Largest US private student lender
  • Many education types
  • No origination fees
  • Multi-year option

✗ Cons

  • Higher max APR (16.74%)
  • No cosigner release
  • Variable rates may rise

Loan Example

Example: $15,000 undergrad loan over 10 years at 9.99% APR = monthly payment of $198.18, total payable $23,781.60.

Eligibility Requirements

  • ✓ Age 18+ years
  • ✓ US citizen or permanent resident
  • ✓ Enrolled in eligible school
  • ✓ Credit check (cosigner often required)
  • ✓ Acceptable academic standing

Loan Features

  • Loans for every type of education
  • Three in-school repayment options
  • 6-month grace period
  • No origination fees
  • Multi-year approval

Frequently Asked Questions

15 minutes after submitting your application.

The minimum amount at Sallie Mae is $1,000 USD.