Sallie Mae student loans offer 100% tuition coverage without an origination fee or prepayment penalty. While your APR can be anywhere between 1.37% and 13.83%, you can secure the best rate possible for your program of study and creditworthiness. Sallie Mae’s flexible payment options can help you get a repayment plan that works for your budget. MoneyGeek’s Sallie Mae student loan review can help you uncover whether this is the lender you need to cover your education.
2024 Sallie Mae Student Loans Review
Updated: November 21, 2024
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At a Glance: Sallie Mae Student Loans
- Sallie Mae
- 3.50%–13.83%Fixed APR Range
- 1.37%–11.76%Variable APR Range
- $1,000 minimum, no maximumLoan Amounts
- Six monthsGrace Period
- Allowed but not requiredCo-signer
Sallie Mae began in 1972 as a publicly listed banking corporation providing federal education loans. Currently, the company only gives private student loans to undergraduate, graduate and career training students who seek to finance part or all of their education. Students enrolled half-time or less than half-time can also get a student loan through Sallie Mae, which is unique among student loan lenders. The lender also provides loans to students taking online programs or studying abroad.
Your program of study and creditworthiness determines the APR, and you can select between a fixed or variable interest rate. While the fixed APR can range between 3.50% and 13.83%, the variable APR range is 1.37% to 11.76%. All students get a 0.25% discount on the APR for scheduling automatic payments and receive a four-month subscription to the Chegg learning platform for signing up. There is also a Sallie Mae parent loan for parents that want to fund their kids’ education.
The best part of a Sallie Mae student loan is the flexible repayment options (three in total) and the six-month grace period. Plus, students who are neither citizens nor permanent residents of the United States, including DACA students living or attending school in the country, may acquire loans with a co-signer. The co-signer, however, must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Pros
- No origination fee or prepayment penalty
- Flexible repayment plans
- Autopay discount of 0.25% on interest rate
- 100% tuition coverage potential
- Allows loan co-signers
- Search tool for colleges and scholarships
Cons
- APR can be as high as 13.83% for undergraduate loans
- Fund release may take around 10 days
- Late fee of 5% of the payment amount, up to a maximum of $25
- Fixed APR Range: 3.50%–13.83%
- Variable APR Range: 1.37%–11.76%
- Loan Amounts: $1,000 minimum, no maximum
- Grace Period: Six months from the date of enrollment termination/graduation
- Co-signer: Allowed but not required
MoneyGeek Breakdown: Sallie Mae Student Loan Details and Requirements
Sallie Mae Details
Fixed APR | 3.50%–13.83%
|
Variable APR | 1.13%-11.52%
|
Loan Types | Undergraduate, Graduate and Career Training |
Loan Amounts | $1,000 up to the cost of attendance minus financial aid |
Repayment Terms | 10 to 15 years (some loans may have a term of less than 10 years) |
Grace Period | Six months |
Co-signer | Optional |
Time to Receive Funds | Up to 10 days |
Late Fees | 5% of the past due amount, up to a maximum of $25 |
Prepayment Penalty Fees | None |
Perks |
|
Mobile Application | Yes |
Sallie Mae Student Loan Application Requirements
According to Sallie Mae, the following is essential when applying for a student loan. However, depending on your specific situation, the lender may require more documentation.
- 1
Permanent address (if you've been there less than a year, you must include your previous address)
- 2
Social Security number of borrower and co-signer
- 3
Information about the school, such as enrollment status, course of study and degree
- 4
Academic year and enrollment period
- 5
Financial information (e.g., bank accounts, monthly mortgage or rent payments)
- 6
Employment details (e.g., company name and gross income)
- 7
Requested loan amount and other financial aid
- 8
Be a part-time, half-time or full-time student
- 9
Must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or visa holder studying in the country or abroad
- 10
Students who are non-citizens or permanent residents (including DACA students) need a creditworthy U.S. citizen or permanent resident as co-signer
- 11
Information of two personal contacts (other than the co-signer)
Is Sallie Mae Right for You?
The best student loan is a matter of personal preference and financial need. MoneyGeek’s Sallie Mae student loan review enables you to review its conditions, rates, fees and features and compare them against other lenders before deciding which is ideal for your situation.
Type of Student Sallie Mae Is Perfect For
Student loans from Sallie Mae are an excellent choice for students to finance the entire cost of an undergraduate, graduate, or career training program. Loans are available independent of your enrollment status, which may be full-time, half-time or less than half-time. Sallie Mae also works for parents who require help financing their child's education.
Sallie Mae allows you to postpone your student loan payments until six months after graduation, which is ideal for those entering the workforce who need time to budget for the payments. High-amount borrowers also like the lender's loan terms, which can be as long as 15 years. Students who cannot qualify for a loan on their own or because they are an international student benefit from Sallie Mae loans because of the allowed co-signer option.
Furthermore, the minimum loan amount is $1,000, so anyone with even the most basic financial need can benefit from a Sallie Mae student loan. The lender also allows for early loan payoff without a penalty, which is pleasing to students who want that choice.
Who Should Not Choose Sallie Mae
MoneyGeek's Sallie Mae student loan review reveals that funds disburse in about 10 days. If you need money quickly for school expenses, Sallie Mae may not be the right choice. Plus, some institutions only certify a student loan 30 days before the enrollment session begins. Those who do not have at least 30 days before the enrollment period may have to look elsewhere for a student loan or inquire about the school's policies to learn when the loan can be certified.
Also, Sallie Mae loans typically have a term of 10 to 15 years — anyone looking for a shorter-term student loan should look at other lenders. The lender also imposes a late payment fee, making it unsuitable for people who are doubtful of their ability to pay on time.
How to Apply for a Sallie Mae Student Loan
To apply for a student loan through Sallie Mae, you must complete an application, which can take a few minutes. MoneyGeek details the steps involved in applying for a Sallie Mae student loan.
- 1
Prequalify
Sallie Mae does not provide loan prequalification. It checks your and the co-signer’s credit score to determine whether or not you qualify for a loan.
- 2
Fill Out Application Form
In addition to your personal information, address and financial information, the loan application requires information about your school and enrollment status. You can expect to include the following information:
- Details like address and phone number
- Social Security number
- Information about the school (e.g., enrollment status, course of study and degree)
- Loan amount
- Financial details
- Citizenship details
- Employment information
- 3
Wait for Approval
Following the submission of a fully completed application form, you are subject to approval, which should take no more than 10 minutes.
- 4
Review Loan Agreement
Following your approval, you need to select the loan's APR type and repayment option. Review the terms and conditions of the loan before signing any paperwork.
- 5
Sign Loan Agreement
You must accept and sign your loan disclosure agreement after reading and understanding the terms and conditions. The lender then contacts your school to verify your enrollment and certify your eligibility.
- 6
Receive or Direct Funds
If your certification is obtained and the term for exercising your right to cancel elapses, Sallie Mae disburses your student loan. You must contact the lender to learn more about the right to cancel period.
- 7
Make Payments
Sallie Mae provides three different ways for borrowers to pay back their student loans. Each has a different impact on the total cost of a student loan.
- Deferred repayment: With this option, you start paying the principal and interest six months after your enrollment ends or you graduate.
- Fixed repayment: You pay $25 a month while in school and during the grace period. Then, you start paying off the principal and interest on your loan.
- Interest repayment: This option entails making monthly interest payments while enrolled in school and throughout the grace period and then paying the principal and interest after school.
What to Do if You Are Rejected From Sallie Mae
If you apply for a Sallie Mae student loan and are rejected, you must determine why. There are several possible explanations, including a low credit score, lack of credit history, insufficient income and employment history.
Before applying for a student loan with another lender, ask Sallie Mae about any modifications that may make your application approved. For example, if your credit score is too low to qualify on your own, see if you can find a co-signer who knows and trusts you well and is willing to sign the application. Your co-signer can be a parent, friend, relative or guardian.
Additionally, you can speak with your school's financial aid counselors to determine your alternatives. They may know of other financial aid options you can pursue.
Frequently Asked Questions About Student Loans
MoneyGeek's Sallie Mae student loan review might help you decide if the lender is right for you. We answered some frequently asked questions concerning Sallie Mae student loans below.
What can I use a Sallie Mae student loan for?
You can use Sallie Mae student loans to pay for undergraduate, graduate and career training programs in part or whole. Students enrolled full-time, half-time or less than half-time are eligible for Sallie Mae student loans for school-certified expenses, such as tuition, books, accommodation, transport, and even a laptop.
What credit score do I need for a Sallie Mae student loan?
Sallie Mae does not specify a minimum credit score requirement for its student loans. However, a strong credit score can improve your chances of approval for a loan or a better rate. If your credit score may not be good enough, you can get a co-signer with good credit to include on the loan.
How long does Sallie Mae take to approve a student loan?
After submitting the application, expect a response within 10 minutes about whether your loan is approved or denied. Sallie Mae typically disburses funds within 10 days, although this can vary depending on how long your school needs to validate your eligibility.
Does Sallie Mae have a mobile app?
Yes, Sallie Mae offers a mobile app for iOS and Android users.
What is the maximum amount I can borrow from Sallie Mae?
Sallie Mae does not have a maximum amount that you can borrow. Sallie Mae permits students to borrow up to the full cost of attending a qualified school, minus any financial aid they may have received.
Will applying for a Sallie Mae student loan affect my credit score?
Sallie Mae evaluates your credit score to determine your eligibility. That means they will run a hard credit check to determine your creditworthiness, which could affect your credit score.
Does Sallie Mae accept co-signers on student loans?
Yes, Sallie Mae accepts co-signers on student loans.
Can I use Sallie Mae student loans at my college?
Not every school in the country partners with Sallie Mae. You must contact the lender directly to know whether the college you are applying to or attending works with them.
About Christopher Boston
Christopher (Croix) Boston was the Head of Loans content at MoneyGeek, with over five years of experience researching higher education, mortgage and personal loans.
Boston has a bachelor's degree from the Seattle Pacific University. They pride themselves in using their skills and experience to create quality content that helps people save and spend efficiently.
sources
- Sallie Mae. "Student Loans for College and Graduate School." Accessed November 6, 2024.
- Sallie Mae. "Get Ready to Borrow." Accessed November 6, 2024.
- Wikipedia. "Sallie Mae." Accessed November 6, 2024.
- Sallie Mae. "The Sallie Mae Mobile App." Accessed November 6, 2024.
- Sallie Mae. "Frequently Asked Questions." Accessed November 6, 2024.
- Sallie Mae. "Understand the Student Loan Application Process." Accessed November 6, 2024.
- Sallie Mae. "Co-signer Responsibilities." Accessed November 6, 2024.
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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions, reviews, analyses and recommendations are the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. Learn more about our editorial policies and expert editorial team.
Advertiser Disclosure: MoneyGeek has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. MoneyGeek and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. To ensure thorough comparisons and reviews, MoneyGeek features products from both paid partners and unaffiliated card issuers that are not paid partners.