Grad school is a big investment.

We get it.

Advanced degrees come with higher costs—and higher expectations. Nelnet Bank Graduate Student Loans offer clear terms and flexible options, so you can move forward with confidence.

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  • No Application or Origination Fees

    More of your money goes toward school—not fees.

  • Clear Rates and Terms Upfront

    See costs and responsibilities before you commit.

  • Flexible Repayment Options

    Pay now, later, or somewhere in between.

  • Cover More Than Just Tuition

    Borrow up to 100% of your school-certified costs.

Interest rate display showing fixed and variable rates
Fixed rates starting at
4.99%
to9.58%APR
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Looking for undergrad school loans? See Undergrad Loans

Grad school is a big step. Your loans shouldn't feel like a leap.

Graduate student loans—built for what comes next.

Grad school costs go beyond tuition. When federal aid doesn’t cover everything, a private student loan can help fill the gap—without adding confusion.

  • Borrow up to 100% of your school-certified cost of attendance

  • Use funds for tuition, housing, books and eligible living expenses

  • Choose from multiple repayment options while in school and after

  • Review clear terms you can easily understand—before you decide

Cosigning is serious. So is our clarity.

We explain rates, responsibilities, and repayment expectations upfront—so there are no surprises later.

  • Straightforward rates and transparent terms

  • No application or origination fees

  • A clear explanation of responsibilities from day one

“The process was easy. Great customer service when I had questions. Prompt answers.”

-Nelnet Bank Customer

Clear from the start. Simple to finish.

It only takes a few minutes to check your rate.

first

Check Your Rate

Share basic info to see potential rates—with no credit impact. 2 Adding a cosigner may boost your chance of approval.

second

Pick Your Loan

Review rates, terms, and repayment choices. All offers are subject to credit approval.

third

Sign And Submit

If approved, upload any needed documents, sign online, and we'll handle the rest.

Applying lets you explore your options. You’ll review rates, repayment choices, and responsibilities before deciding what works for you.

After you apply, you’ll get clear next steps—and access to real people if questions come up.

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Comparing your options?

That’s smart.

Graduate school is expensive—and federal loans don’t always cover everything the way they used to. That’s why many students compare their options side by side before deciding.

Nelnet Bank

Graduate Student Loans
No origination fee complies
Better interest rates with good credit complies
See personalized rates in minutes complies
Can use for tuition and living expenses complies
Interest rate discount for autopay complies

Federal

Grad PLUS Loans
No origination fee doesn't comply
Better interest rates with good credit doesn't comply
See personalized rates in minutes doesn't comply
Can use for tuition and living expenses complies
Interest rate discount for autopay complies

You want a lender you can trust.

Built on decades of student loan experience—designed for what’s next.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will checking my rate affect my credit?

Checking your rate results in a soft credit pull, which will not affect your credit score. If you continue with your application, Nelnet Bank will request your permission to obtain your full credit report from one or more consumer reporting agencies. This is a hard credit pull and may affect your credit score. You’ll see all details before you commit.

How is this different from Grad PLUS loans?

Federal and private loans work differently. Private student loans from Nelnet Bank don’t charge application or origination fees, and eligibility is based on creditworthiness. We’ll help you understand whether this option fits your situation.

What is a cosigner? Do I need one?

A cosigner is a creditworthy individual who agrees to share responsibility for repayment if needed. While not required, a cosigner may be able to strengthen your application and help you qualify for better rates. Learn more about cosigners here.

How much can I borrow?*

You can borrow from $1,000 up to your school-certified cost of attendance. Loan limits vary by program:

  • Graduate and doctorate programs: up to $175,000

  • MBA or graduate law degree programs: up to $175,000

  • Graduate health professions programs: up to $500,000

Maximum loan amounts are subject to limits on total student loan debt.

What are the eligibility requirements for Nelnet Bank Graduate Student Loans?

You must be enrolled at least half-time in a graduate program at a school we work with. You or your cosigner must meet our credit and eligibility requirements. You or your cosigner must have income that can support the loan payments.

What repayment options are available?

Choose a repayment option based on what works best for you now and after. Repayment options include:

  • Immediate repayment: Monthly full principal and interest payments begin as soon as the loan is disbursed.

  • Interest-only repayment: You’ll make monthly interest-only payments while in school, then full principal and interest payments after leaving school.

  • Deferred repayment: No payments are required while you are in school, but interest will accrue during deferment.

  • Fixed payment: You’ll make a fixed $25 monthly payment while in school, then full principal and interest payments after leaving school. Unpaid interest will be charged and added to your loan.

Big decisions deserve clear answers.
We get it.

See rates, terms, and responsibilities—clearly explained—before you commit.

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