Sallie Mae is currently the nation's #1 private student loan lender, facilitating education for more than 300,000 students annually. With a network of over 3,000 eligible schools, the lender provides a broad spectrum of financing options ranging from standard undergraduate degrees to highly specialized professional training.
Diverse Loan Portfolios for Every Career Path
The lending options provided by Sallie Mae are categorized to meet the specific financial needs of different academic levels and professional tracks:
- Undergraduate and Career Training: Designed for those pursuing bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, or certificates from degree-granting institutions. Additionally, Career Training Student Loans are available for professional certificate courses such as aviation, culinary, and technical programs.
- Graduate and Professional Degrees: Tailored loans exist for MBA, Law (J.D. and L.L.M.), and Medical/Dental programs. Specialized financing is also available for Bar Study and Medical/Dental Residency and Relocation expenses.
- Health and Specialized Fields: Specific loan products are offered for Nursing, Health Professions, and Veterinary Medicine.
Interest Rates and Financial Terms
Borrowers have the choice between fixed and variable interest rates. For undergraduate loans, fixed rates range from 2.89% to 17.49% APR, while variable rates range from 3.87% to 16.50% APR.
Variable rates are influenced by the 30-day Average Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR), meaning they may increase or decrease over the life of the loan. It is important to note that interest begins accruing the moment funds are sent to the school. To help manage costs, borrowers can receive a 0.25 percentage point interest rate discount by enrolling in auto debit during the active repayment period.
Eligibility and Application Requirements
The application process is designed to be completed in minutes through a three-step process: providing basic personal info, choosing loan options, and signing the agreement. To apply, students generally need their Social Security number, address, and school details.
Key eligibility criteria include:
- Credit Approval: Loans are subject to credit approval and identity verification.
- Citizenship: Students who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents must reside in the U.S., attend a U.S. school, and apply with a creditworthy cosigner who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
- Minimum Amount: The requested loan amount must be at least $1,000.
- Age of Majority: Both the student or the cosigner must meet the age of majority in their specific state of residence.
Comparative Overview of Undergraduate Loan Rates
| Loan Feature | Fixed APR Range | Variable APR Range | Minimum Loan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Loans | 2.89% - 17.49% | 3.87% - 16.50% | $1,000 |
| Career Training | (Varies by application) | (Varies by application) | $1,000 |
Rates include the auto debit discount and are based on data valid as of 12/26/2025.
A Philosophy of Responsible Borrowing
Sallie Mae emphasizes a "Borrow Responsibly" approach. They encourage families to exhaust other funding sources—such as savings, grants, scholarships, and federal student loans—before considering a private loan. Borrowers are advised to evaluate anticipated monthly payments against their expected future earnings before committing to a loan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who is eligible for a Sallie Mae Bar Study Loan? Students who are enrolled at least half-time in their final year at an ABA-accredited law school, or those who have graduated within the last 12 months, are eligible. Borrowers should be planning to sit for the bar exam within 12 months of graduation.
2. Can non-U.S. citizens apply for these loans? Yes, but they must reside in the U.S. and attend a U.S.-based school. They are also required to apply with a creditworthy cosigner who is a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident.
3. What is the benefit of the auto debit discount? Enrolling in auto debit provides a 0.25 percentage point interest rate reduction. This discount applies during active repayment as long as the required amount is successfully withdrawn from the authorized bank account each month.
4. Are Residency and Relocation Loans available for all medical fields? These loans are specifically for students pursuing or who have received degrees such as M.D., D.O., D.D.S., D.M.D., D.P.M., D.V.M., or V.M.D.. Students must be in their final year of study or have graduated within the last 12 months from a participating accredited school.
5. How are the advertised APRs calculated? The advertised undergraduate APRs assume a $10,000 loan with a four-year in-school period, a six-month grace period, and the longest available loan term. Variable rates may change based on the SOFR index.
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