Studying in the United States can be a dream come true for many international students, but financing your education here can be a challenge. With tuition costs soaring and living expenses adding up, finding the right student loan is crucial. The good news is that, in 2025, there are more options available than ever before for international students looking to fund their education. In this guide, we’ll explore the best student loans for international students, what they offer, and how to navigate the application process so you can get the financial help you need.
Why Student Loans Are Essential for International Students
Unlike U.S. citizens, international students don’t have access to federal student loans, which typically offer lower interest rates and more flexible repayment options. This means that international students often have to look for private loans, which can be more challenging to secure without a U.S. co-signer. However, there are still plenty of options that can make your educational journey more affordable.
Top Options for International Student Loans in 2025
In 2025, the landscape of student loans for international students has evolved, with several private lenders and organizations offering tailored solutions for non-U.S. residents. Let’s take a look at some of the top choices:
1. Prodigy Finance
If you’re an international student looking to pursue graduate studies in the U.S., Prodigy Finance is an excellent option. They offer loans to students from over 150 countries. What sets Prodigy Finance apart is its unique approach – they don’t require a co-signer, which is often a roadblock for international students.
- Loan Amounts: Up to the full cost of your tuition, including living expenses.
- Repayment Terms: Repayment starts after graduation, and the loan term ranges from 10 to 15 years.
- Interest Rates: Interest rates are competitive, typically ranging between 7.0% and 10.0%, depending on the country of origin and the program you’re enrolled in.
Although Prodigy Finance does not require a co-signer, it does consider factors such as your chosen program, school, and your potential earning ability post-graduation. This makes it a great option for those pursuing graduate degrees in high-demand fields such as engineering, business, or computer science.
2. MPOWER Financing
Another top lender in the U.S. that offers loans to international students is MPOWER Financing. MPOWER provides loans to students from over 190 countries, without requiring a co-signer or collateral. This makes it one of the most accessible options for international students, especially those without U.S. credit histories.
- Loan Amounts: Loans range from $2,000 to $50,000, depending on the student’s degree program.
- Repayment Terms: Flexible repayment options include deferment during school, with repayments starting after graduation.
- Interest Rates: MPOWER Financing offers competitive interest rates ranging between 9.99% and 13.99%.
MPOWER also offers scholarships for international students, further helping to ease the financial burden of studying abroad. The application process is straightforward, and they consider your academic performance and future potential when determining loan amounts and interest rates.
3. Stilt
Stilt is another lender that has gained popularity for providing loans to international students, particularly those who are studying in the U.S. without a credit history or co-signer. What makes Stilt stand out is its focus on the whole student, considering factors like employment history, academic performance, and other financial factors beyond just credit scores.
- Loan Amounts: Up to $25,000, depending on your school and program.
- Repayment Terms: Repayment starts six months after graduation, with terms ranging from 3 to 5 years.
- Interest Rates: Stilt’s rates are highly competitive, generally between 6.00% and 13.00%.
Stilt offers flexible repayment terms and does not require a co-signer, which is great news for many international students who struggle to find a co-signer. Stilt is also known for providing loans to students with less-than-perfect credit, making it a more inclusive option for many international students.
4. Sallie Mae (with a Co-Signer)
While Sallie Mae is best known for offering loans to U.S. students, they also provide loans for international students – if you have a co-signer who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. If you meet this criterion, Sallie Mae offers one of the most flexible loan options for international students.
- Loan Amounts: Up to the full cost of attendance (tuition, fees, books, living expenses).
- Repayment Terms: Options to begin repayment while still in school or defer until after graduation.
- Interest Rates: Rates range from 3.50% to 12.50% depending on your co-signer’s creditworthiness.
Although Sallie Mae loans require a co-signer, they offer a variety of repayment options, including interest-only payments while you’re still in school. Additionally, they have a grace period after graduation where you don’t need to make payments right away.
5. Discover Student Loans (with a Co-Signer)
Another private lender that offers loans to international students with a U.S. co-signer is Discover. Discover is a well-known name in student loans, and their private loans for international students come with competitive interest rates and a wide range of benefits.
- Loan Amounts: Up to the full cost of your education.
- Repayment Terms: Options to defer payments until after graduation, with a 6-month grace period.
- Interest Rates: Starting at 5.99% for undergraduate loans, and 6.49% for graduate loans, with variable rates available.
Discover also offers cash rewards for good grades, which can be applied to your loan balance. While having a co-signer is a drawback for some, the benefits they offer, such as no fees for late payments or prepayment, make them a competitive option for international students who have the right co-signer.
How to Choose the Right Student Loan for You
Choosing the best loan for your education depends on several factors, such as:
- Whether you have a co-signer: If you don’t have a co-signer, options like Prodigy Finance and MPOWER are your best bet.
- Your program and degree level: Some loans are tailored specifically for graduate students or those studying in high-demand fields.
- Your potential earning ability: Some lenders, such as Prodigy Finance, base their loan approval on your future earning potential, rather than just your credit score.
- Repayment terms and flexibility: Consider how long you’ll have to start repaying the loan and whether the lender offers deferment options while you’re still studying.
Tips for International Students Applying for Loans
- Start Early: Loan applications can take time, so it’s important to start the process early. Many lenders require extensive documentation, so make sure you have everything ready before applying.
- Check Your Eligibility: Not all loans are available for all countries or programs. Be sure to check whether you’re eligible before you apply.
- Compare Multiple Lenders: Don’t settle for the first loan you find. Compare interest rates, repayment terms, and loan amounts from different lenders to find the best fit for your situation.
- Look for Additional Scholarships: Many organizations offer scholarships specifically for international students, which can help reduce your reliance on loans.
Final Thoughts
Securing funding for your education in the U.S. as an international student may seem daunting, but with the right loan options, it’s entirely possible to make your dreams of studying abroad a reality. In 2025, Prodigy Finance, MPOWER Financing, Stilt, Sallie Mae, and Discover are some of the best options available to help you finance your education. Be sure to weigh the pros and cons of each lender and choose the one that best fits your needs. By starting early, comparing different lenders, and exploring additional scholarships, you can make studying in the U.S. more affordable than ever before.