Bank Introduction

PNC
PNC
Minimum FICO Credit Score
Not disclosed
BBB Rating
A+

Citizens Disclosures

Important Disclosures

PNC Solution Loans are subject to credit approval. Certain restrictions and conditions apply. PNC reserves the right to modify or discontinue the terms of these program at any time. You are encouraged to explore all scholarship, grant and federal borrowing options before applying for a private loan.

Annual Percentage Rates (APRs): APRs include a 0.50% interest rate discount for automated payments and may vary by repayment term and other factors (refer to additional details below). Rates are for the immediate repayment option, effective as of July 1, 2023 and are subject to change at any time.

Fixed APRs: 4.59% to 9.84% for a 5-year, 8.29% to 13.54% for a 10-year and 8.64% to 13.89% for a 15-year term. Fixed rates are based on the creditworthiness of the borrower and cosigner, if any.

Variable APRs: APRs range 5.19% to 10.44% for a 5-year, 8.89 % to 14.14% for a 10-year and 9.24% to 14.49% for a 15-year term. Variable rates are based on the Prime Rate index plus a margin depending on the creditworthiness of the borrower and cosigner, if any. The Prime index, adjusted monthly, is equal to the Prime Rate as published in the “Money Rates” section of The Wall Street Journal ‘(Eastern Edition)’ on the first business day of the immediately preceding calendar month. The Prime index is currently 8.25%. If the index increases or decreases, your rate will increase or decrease accordingly. The rate will not exceed 18%.

The lowest APR is available to well-qualified applicants. Your actual APR will be based on your credit qualifications, loan program, interest rate option, repayment term, repayment option and whether you elect the automated payment feature.

Loan Payment Examples: The monthly payment per $10,000 borrowed at a fixed-rate range of 8.29% APR to 13.54% APR for 10 years means you would make 120 payments that may range from $123.28 to $153.36. The monthly payment per $10,000 borrowed at a variable-rate range 8.89% APR to 14.14% APR for 10 years means you would make 120 payments that may range from $126.54 to $157.02. For the variable-rate loan, monthly payment may increase or decrease if the interest rate increases or decreases. Estimated loan payment examples assume 30 days to first payment and are for the immediate repayment option. Payments vary for other rates, loan amounts and repayment terms.

Automated Payment Discount: During repayment, an interest rate discount of 0.50% is available for automated payments. Borrower must be making scheduled payments that include both principal and interest. Interest-only payments do not qualify for the 0.50% interest rate discount. The rate discount will be applied at the time automated payment is established. If automated payment is discontinued at any time, the discount will be removed and the rate will increase by 0.50%.

Cosigner Release: Requires that the borrower has made at least forty-eight (48) consecutive timely payments of principal and interest with no periods of interruption within that 48-month timeframe. To qualify, the borrower must submit a request, meet the consecutive, timely payment requirements, provide proof of income and pass a credit check.

Repayment Options: Three repayment options are available - Immediate repayment of principal & interest, interest-only payments while in school and full deferment of principal & interest until six months after graduating or ceasing to be enrolled at least half-time in school. Interest will continue to accrue during periods of deferment. You will receive quarterly interest statements during this deferment period. Paying the interest as it accrues each quarter will save you money over the repayment term of the loan because any accrued interest that you do not pay will be added to the principal balance at the end of the deferment period.

Loan Types: PNC offers Student Loans for Undergraduates, Graduates, Health Professions, Residency and Bar Study.

Revised this content to replace the verbiage around the range of rates with verbiage that rates may vary by repayment terms & other factors with a reference to direct the consumer to the details below. The bolded statement remained to call out the key factors.
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Loan reviews

PNC offers student loans in all 50 states for students at all stages of postsecondary education, including professional training loans and refinancing. The bank is also engaged in a number of community efforts, including financial literacy programs and PNC Grow Up Great, which supports early childhood education. For eligible students, PNC offers opportunities to win $2,000 scholarships toward education expenses.

Pros

  • Range of loans for undergraduate, graduate and professional education.
  • Loans available in all 50 states.
  • Interest-rate discount for automatic payment.

Cons

  • Range of loans for undergraduate, graduate and professional education.
  • Loans available in all 50 states.
  • Interest-rate discount for automatic payment.

How to apply for a federal PLUS loan

Difference between Private Student Loan and Federal PLUS Loan

Private student loans and Federal PLUS loans are both options available to students and their families to finance education expenses. However, there are several key differences between these two types of loans. Here are some important distinctions:

1. Source of Funds:

Private Student Loan: Private student loans are offered by private financial institutions such as banks, credit unions, and online lenders. These loans are not funded or guaranteed by the federal government. Federal PLUS Loan: Federal PLUS loans are federal loans available to parents of dependent undergraduate students or to graduate or professional students. They are issued by the U.S. Department of Education.

2. Borrower Eligibility:

Private Student Loan: Private student loans often require a credit check and typically consider the borrower's creditworthiness, income, and debt-to-income ratio. Students may need a co-signer if they have limited credit history or insufficient income. Federal PLUS Loan: Federal PLUS loans do not require a credit check for eligibility. However, borrowers with an adverse credit history may face additional requirements or need an endorser (co-signer) to qualify.

3. Interest Rates:

Private Student Loan: Interest rates for private student loans can vary based on the borrower's creditworthiness and market conditions. Some private lenders may offer both fixed and variable interest rate options. Federal PLUS Loan: Federal PLUS loans have a fixed interest rate set by the federal government for each academic year. The interest rate is generally higher than the rates offered for federal direct student loans.

4. Repayment Options:

Private Student Loan: Private student loans may offer various repayment options, including immediate repayment, interest-only payments, or deferred payments while in school. Repayment terms can vary among lenders. Federal PLUS Loan: Federal PLUS loans typically offer a deferment option while the student is enrolled at least half-time. After graduation or leaving school, borrowers have a six-month grace period before they are required to begin repayment. Federal PLUS loans also provide access to federal loan forgiveness and income-driven repayment plans.

5. Loan Limits:

Private Student Loan: Private student loans often have higher loan limits compared to federal loans. The maximum loan amount varies among lenders and is typically based on the cost of attendance minus other financial aid received. Federal PLUS Loan: The loan limit for Federal PLUS loans is determined by the cost of attendance minus any other financial aid received. The maximum amount is not as high as some private loans but can still cover a significant portion of education expenses.

6. Loan Forgiveness and Discharge:

Private Student Loan: Private student loans generally have fewer options for loan forgiveness or discharge. However, some private lenders may offer loan discharge or forgiveness in specific circumstances, such as death or permanent disability. Federal PLUS Loan: Federal PLUS loans are eligible for certain forgiveness and discharge programs, such as Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) discharge. It's important to carefully review the terms, interest rates, repayment options, and benefits offered by both private student loans and Federal PLUS loans. Compare the options available to you based on your specific financial situation, loan needs, and future plans to make an informed decision about which type of loan best suits your needs.


Bank Introduction

Sallie Mae

Sallie Mae

4.4 4.4

FIXED APR4.50% to 15.49% with autopay

VARIABLE APR6.12% to 16.45% with autopay

MAX. LOAN AMOUNTCost of attendance, minus aid

MIN. CREDIT SCOREMid 600s

Citizens Disclosures

Rates displayed are for undergraduate and career training students:

Lowest rates shown include the auto debit discount: Additional information regarding the auto debit discount: Advertised APRs for undergraduate students assume a $10,000 loan to a student who attends school for 4 years and has no prior Sallie Mae-serviced loans. Interest rates for variable rate loans may increase or decrease over the life of the loan based on changes to the 30-day Average Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) rounded up to the nearest one-eighth of one percent. Advertised variable rates are the starting range of rates and may vary outside of that range over the life of the loan. Interest is charged starting when funds are sent to the school. With the Fixed and Deferred Repayment Options, the interest rate is higher than with the Interest Repayment Option and Unpaid Interest is added to the loan’s Current Principal at the end of the grace/separation period. To receive a 0.25 percentage point interest rate discount, the borrower or cosigner must enroll in auto debit through Sallie Mae. The discount applies only during active repayment for as long as the Current Amount Due or Designated Amount is successfully withdrawn from the authorized bank account each month. It may be suspended during forbearance or deferment. *These rates will be effective 06/26/2023.

Terms:

Examples of typical costs for a $10,000 Smart Option Student Loan with the most common fixed rate, fixed repayment option, 6-month separation period, and two disbursements: For a borrower with no prior loans and a 4-year in-school period, it works out to a 10.28% fixed APR, 51 payments of $25.00, 119 payments of $182.67 and one payment of $121.71, for a Total Loan Cost of $23,134.44. For a borrower with $20,000 in prior loans and a 2-year in-school period, it works out to a 10.78% fixed APR, 27 payments of $25.00, 179 payments of $132.53 and one payment of $40.35 for a total loan cost of $24,438.22. Loans that are subject to a $50 minimum principal and interest payment amount may receive a loan term that is less than 10 years.

Loan reviews

Sallie Mae is a publicly traded consumer bank that offers private student loans to pay for undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees, among other educational needs. Congress started Sallie Mae in 1972 as a government-sponsored entity that serviced student loans. The lender went private in 2004 and today provides a range of student loan products. Additionally, Sallie Mae Bank offers savings products and other tools to help families plan and pay for college, including a credit card that earns bonus cash back to help you pay off any student loan.

Pros

  • Student loans can completely cover school-certified expenses, such as tuition and fees, books, and other related costs.
  • Borrowers pay no loan origination fee.
  • Autopay enrollment qualifies you for a 0.25-percentage-point interest rate discount.

Cons

  • Sallie Mae does not refinance student loans.
  • The lender strongly encourages adding a creditworthy co-signer.
  • Difference between Private Student Loan and Federal PLUS Loan

    Private student loans and Federal PLUS loans are both options available to students and their families to finance education expenses. However, there are several key differences between these two types of loans. Here are some important distinctions:

    1. Source of Funds:

    Private Student Loan: Private student loans are offered by private financial institutions such as banks, credit unions, and online lenders. These loans are not funded or guaranteed by the federal government. Federal PLUS Loan: Federal PLUS loans are federal loans available to parents of dependent undergraduate students or to graduate or professional students. They are issued by the U.S. Department of Education.

    2. Borrower Eligibility:

    Private Student Loan: Private student loans often require a credit check and typically consider the borrower's creditworthiness, income, and debt-to-income ratio. Students may need a co-signer if they have limited credit history or insufficient income. Federal PLUS Loan: Federal PLUS loans do not require a credit check for eligibility. However, borrowers with an adverse credit history may face additional requirements or need an endorser (co-signer) to qualify.

    3. Interest Rates:

    Private Student Loan: Interest rates for private student loans can vary based on the borrower's creditworthiness and market conditions. Some private lenders may offer both fixed and variable interest rate options. Federal PLUS Loan: Federal PLUS loans have a fixed interest rate set by the federal government for each academic year. The interest rate is generally higher than the rates offered for federal direct student loans.

    4. Repayment Options:

    Private Student Loan: Private student loans may offer various repayment options, including immediate repayment, interest-only payments, or deferred payments while in school. Repayment terms can vary among lenders. Federal PLUS Loan: Federal PLUS loans typically offer a deferment option while the student is enrolled at least half-time. After graduation or leaving school, borrowers have a six-month grace period before they are required to begin repayment. Federal PLUS loans also provide access to federal loan forgiveness and income-driven repayment plans.

    5. Loan Limits:

    Private Student Loan: Private student loans often have higher loan limits compared to federal loans. The maximum loan amount varies among lenders and is typically based on the cost of attendance minus other financial aid received. Federal PLUS Loan: The loan limit for Federal PLUS loans is determined by the cost of attendance minus any other financial aid received. The maximum amount is not as high as some private loans but can still cover a significant portion of education expenses.

    6. Loan Forgiveness and Discharge:

    Private Student Loan: Private student loans generally have fewer options for loan forgiveness or discharge. However, some private lenders may offer loan discharge or forgiveness in specific circumstances, such as death or permanent disability. Federal PLUS Loan: Federal PLUS loans are eligible for certain forgiveness and discharge programs, such as Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) discharge. It's important to carefully review the terms, interest rates, repayment options, and benefits offered by both private student loans and Federal PLUS loans. Compare the options available to you based on your specific financial situation, loan needs, and future plans to make an informed decision about which type of loan best suits your needs.