Welcome to Nelnet Bank Private Student Loans for
CommonBond Visitors
At Nelnet Bank, we’re with you. We know how to help make your educational dreams a reality.

Check Your Rate
See your rate in minutes without affecting your credit score. See Disclaimer
Your education is a smart way to get ahead – and we want to help you, too.
Before taking out a private student loan, make sure to take advantage of any federal student loans, grants, or scholarships you have access to. Federal student loans often include benefits and lower interest rates, so be sure to consider all of your options before applying for a private student loan.
Variable Rates
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Rates BetweenFixed rate
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Rates BetweenLowest rates listed above include an interest rate reduction for eligible applications, enrollment in auto debit, and are available only to the most creditworthy applicants. Advertised variable rates reflect the starting range of rates and may increase over the life of the loan.
Get Smart About Student Loans
Backed by 40+ years of experience serving the student loan industry, Nelnet Bank has created student loan options that put more possibilities in reach of more students. From better financial terms to more comfortable repayment options, we’re helping to make educational dreams possible nationwide.
Auto Debit Savings
We’ll knock .25% off of your interest rate when you enroll in auto debit. See Disclaimer
Cosigner Release
We offer cosigner release after 24 consecutive, on-time payments have been made. See Disclaimer
Flexible Repayment Options
Choose from three repayment options to find the plan that best fits your lifestyle. Also enjoy a six-month grace period after you get your degree.

How To Get Started
The next step in your journey is just a few clicks away. We make the process as easy as possible, offering knowledgeable help when you need it.
START A LOAN APPLICATION
Whether you’re a borrower or a cosigner, you begin the application by providing basic information about you and the school the borrower attends.
ADD A COSIGNER OR INVITE THE BORROWER
Borrowers can add a cosigner (if needed), and cosigners will invite a borrower. Either way, we'll send them an email to complete the application.
SELECT YOUR LOAN OFFER
The borrower and cosigner (if one is needed) will select the best loan option from the offers.
How do I qualify?
There are just a few simple eligibility requirements.
- CheckCitizenship
You or your cosigner must be a U.S. citizen or have permanent residency status with a valid U.S. Social Security number. - CheckEnrollment
You must be enrolled at a Nelnet Bank-eligible school for the loan period in question. - CheckCredit
You or your cosigner must meet Nelnet Bank’s credit criteria. - CheckAge
Be the legal age to enter into binding contracts in your state/territory of residency, or be at least 17 years of age and apply with a cosigner who is at least the age of majority in their state/territory.
What do I need to get started?
Once you’re pre-qualified, you’ll need to upload some documents to verify income.
- CheckProof of Income
If you’re employed, two recent pay stubs work best. If you have other income, we’ll instruct you on the proper documentation.
Why Would I want a Cosigner?
Cosigners may help you qualify for private student loans and may help reduce your interest rate. As a student, it’s likely you’ll need a trusted individual with a solid credit score to act as your cosigner.
Learn More About CosignersThere’s a lot of managing your money while you’re in college, putting student loans behind you, and moving on to your next big adventure. We’re here every step of the way with helpful resources.
Going to Graduate School? Options for Managing Undergraduate Student Loan Debt
A Guide to Important Student Loan Terms
5 Facts Students Should Know about Financial Aid
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about student loan refinancing? If we haven’t answered your questions below, contact us – that’s why we’re here.
The longer answer? Federal Direct Loan interest rates are determined each year by the U.S. Congress. Private loan interest rates are set by private lenders (like Nelnet Bank) using a number of factors.
- You must be enrolled at a Nelnet Bank-eligible school for the loan period in question.
- You or your cosigner must be a U.S. citizen or have permanent residency status and a valid Social Security number.
- You or your cosigner must meet Nelnet Bank’s credit criteria.
- A cosigner isn’t required, but may help you meet credit or qualify for a better rate.
- Minimum loan amount: $1,000
- Maximum loan amount: $125,000
- Minimum loan amount: $1,000
- Maximum student loan limit:
- Graduate and doctorate: $175,000
- MBA or graduate law degree: $175,000
- Graduate health professions degree: $500,000
- Immediate repayment (you'll be required to make full principal and interest payments as soon as the loan is disbursed).
- Interest-only repayment (you’ll make interest-only payments while in school) and full principal and interest payments after you separate from school.
- Defer principal and interest payments (you won’t be required to make any payments until after you separate from school) but interest will accrue while in deferment.
This referral partner is not the creditor of Nelnet Bank loans and may receive compensation from Nelnet Bank for the referral of Nelnet Bank loan customers.