Guide to Student Loan Refinancing for Counselors (2024)

Lender and Bonus disclosure

THIS IS AN ADVERTIsem*nT. YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO MAKE ANY PAYMENT OR TAKE ANY OTHER ACTION IN RESPONSE TO THIS OFFER.

Earnest:$1,000 for $100K or more, $200 for $50K to $99.999.99. For Earnest, if you refinance $100,000 or more through this site, $500 of the $1,000 cash bonus is provided directly by Student Loan Planner. Rate range above includes optional 0.25% Auto Pay discount.

Earnest Bonus Offer Disclosure:

Terms and conditions apply. To qualify for this Earnest Bonus offer: 1) you must not currently be an Earnest client, or have received the bonus in the past, 2) you must submit a completed student loan refinancing application through the designated Student Loan Planner® link; 3) you must provide a valid email address and a valid checking account number during the application process; and 4) your loan must be fully disbursed.

You will receive a $1,000 bonus if you refinance $100,000 or more, or a $200 bonus if you refinance an amount from $50,000 to $99,999.99. For the $1,000 Welcome Bonus offer, $500 will be paid directly by Student Loan Planner® via Giftly. Earnest will automatically transmit $500 to your checking account after the final disbursem*nt. For the $200 Welcome Bonus offer, Earnest will automatically transmit the $200 bonus to your checking account after the final disbursem*nt. There is a limit of one bonus per borrower. This offer is not valid for current Earnest clients who refinance their existing Earnest loans, clients who have previously received a bonus, or with any other bonus offers received from Earnest via this or any other channel. Bonus cannot be issued to residents in KY, MA, or MI.

Interest Rate Disclosure

Actual rate and available repayment terms will vary based on your income. Fixed rates range from 5.44% APR to 9.99% APR (excludes 0.25% Auto Pay discount). Variable rates range from 6.24% APR to 9.99% APR (excludes 0.25% Auto Pay discount). Earnest variable interest rate student loan refinance loans are based on a publicly available index, the 30-day Average Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The variable rate is based on the rate published on the 25th day, or the next business day, of the preceding calendar month, rounded to the nearest hundredth of a percent. The rate will not increase more than once per month. The maximum rate for your loan is 8.95% if your loan term is 10 years or less. For loan terms of more than 10 years to 15 years, the interest rate will never exceed 9.95%. For loan terms over 15 years, the interest rate will never exceed 11.95%. Please note, we are not able to offer variable rate loans in AK, IL, MN, NH, OH, TN, and TX. Our lowest rates are only available for our most credit qualified borrowers and contain our .25% auto pay discount from a checking or savings account.

Auto Pay Discount Disclosure

You can take advantage of the Auto Pay interest rate reduction by setting up and maintaining active and automatic ACH withdrawal of your loan payment. The interest rate reduction for Auto Pay will be available only while your loan is enrolled in Auto Pay. Interest rate incentives for utilizing Auto Pay may not be combined with certain private student loan repayment programs that also offer an interest rate reduction. For multi-party loans, only one party may enroll in Auto Pay.

Skip a Payment Disclosure

Earnest clients may skip one payment every 12 months. Your first request to skip a payment can be made once you’ve made at least 6 months of consecutive on-time payments, and your loan is in good standing. The interest accrued during the skipped month will result in an increase in your remaining minimum payment. The final payoff date on your loan will be extended by the length of the skipped payment periods. Please be aware that a skipped payment does count toward the forbearance limits. Please note that skipping a payment is not guaranteed and is at Earnest’s discretion. Your monthly payment and total loan cost may increase as a result of postponing your payment and extending your term.

Student Loan Refinancing Loan Cost Examples

These examples provide estimates based on payments beginning immediately upon loan disbursem*nt. Variable APR: A $10,000 loan with a 20-year term (240 monthly payments of $72) and a 5.89% APR would result in a total estimated payment amount of $17,042.39. For a variable loan, after your starting rate is set, your rate will then vary with the market. Fixed APR: A $10,000 loan with a 20-year term (240 monthly payments of $72) and a 6.04% APR would result in a total estimated payment amount of $17,249.77. Your actual repayment terms may vary.Terms and Conditions apply. Visit https://www.earnest. com/terms-of-service, e-mail us at hello@earnest.com, or call 888-601-2801 for more information on our student loan refinance product.

Student Loan Origination Loan Cost Examples

These examples provide estimates based on the Deferred Repayment option, meaning you make no payments while enrolled in school and during the separation period of 9 billing periods thereafter. Variable APR: A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $157.12) and an 11.69% APR would result in a total estimated payment amount of $21,290.40. For a variable loan, after your starting rate is set, your rate will then vary with the market. Fixed APR: A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $173.51) and an 13.03% APR would result in a total estimated payment amount of $22,827.79. Your actual repayment terms may vary.

Earnest Loans are made by Earnest Operations LLC or One American Bank, Member FDIC. Earnest Operations LLC, NMLS #1204917. 535 Mission St., Suite 1663, San Francisco, CA 94105. California Financing Law License 6054788. Visit earnest.com/licenses for a full list of licensed states. For California residents (Student Loan Refinance Only): Loans will be arranged or made pursuant to a California Financing Law License.

One American Bank, 515 S. Minnesota Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104. Earnest loans are serviced by Earnest Operations LLC with support from Navient Solutions LLC (NMLS #212430). One American Bank and Earnest LLC and its subsidiaries are not sponsored by or agencies of the United States of America.

© 2021 Earnest LLC. All rights reserved.

Student Loan Planner® Bonus Disclosure:

Upon disbursem*nt of a qualifying loan, the borrower must notify Student Loan Planner® that a qualifying loan was refinanced through the site, as the lender does not share the names or contact information of borrowers. Borrowers must complete theRefinance Bonus Request formto claim a bonus offer. Student Loan Planner® will confirm loan eligibility and, upon confirmation of a qualifying refinance, will send via email a $500 e-gift card within 14 business days following the last day of the month in which the qualifying loan was confirmed eligible by Student Loan Planner®.If a borrower does not claim the Student Loan Planner® bonus within six months of the loan disbursem*nt, the borrower forfeits their right to claim said bonus.The bonus amount will depend on the total loan amount disbursed. This offer is not valid for borrowers who have previously received a bonus from Student Loan Planner®.

Guide to Student Loan Refinancing for Counselors (2024)

FAQs

What is the average student loan debt for counselors? ›

Seventy-eight percent of graduate students in clinical, counseling, school and combined psychology programs have grad school loan debt, with a median debt of $80,000. In comparison, just 48 percent of graduate students in other psychology programs have debt. For those who do, the median grad school debt is $32,000.

Do school counselors qualify for student loan forgiveness? ›

However, because they work in a public service industry, counselors can take advantage of the many state and federal programs that offer loan forgiveness. Student loan forgiveness programs are designed to help students in a variety of public service industries, including counseling.

Is it hard to get approved for student loan refinance? ›

Not everyone can qualify to refinance student loans. You typically need a college degree, good credit and an income that lets you comfortably afford your expenses and debt payments. If you meet these requirements, consider refinancing in these circ*mstances: The savings will make a difference.

What is not a good reason to refinance a student loan? ›

Here are some reasons to avoid a student loan refinance: You don't qualify for a lower interest rate. The main benefit of refinancing is lowering your student loan interest rate. If you don't see or qualify for a better rate, it's best to stick with your current lender.

What profession has the highest student loan debt? ›

The 14 medical careers with the highest student loan debt
  • OB-GYN: $241,600.
  • Anesthesiologist: $241,600.
  • Physician: $205,037.
  • Pharmacist: $170,444.
  • Physical therapist: $116,183.
  • Physician assistant: $112,500.
  • Registered nurse: $47,321.
  • Occupational therapist: Unavailable.
Sep 26, 2023

What is an OK amount of student loan debt? ›

Regardless, one rule of thumb for student debt is that you should try not to borrow more than the first year salary you can expect in your chosen field. This means that if you expect to earn $38,000 in the first year of your career, you should try to borrow $38,000 or less for your degree.

What is not eligible for student loan forgiveness? ›

Make sure you have the right type of loans

Only federal Direct Loans can be forgiven through PSLF. If you have other federal student loans such as Federal Family Education Loans (FFEL) or Perkins Loans you may be able to qualify for PSLF by consolidating into a new federal Direct Consolidation Loan.

Do guidance counselors qualify for teacher loan forgiveness? ›

guidance counselors . . . are not considered teachers for the purposes of this loan forgiveness program. ' However, school counselors and any employee at a public school would qualify for the Public Service Forgiveness Program through the U.S. Department of Education for their direct federal student loans.”

Can student loans be forgiven for mental illness? ›

Any permanent physical or mental impairment that prevents you from working can qualify for student loan forgiveness. Borrowers have received TPD discharges due to stage IV or terminal cancer, chronic fibromyalgia, degenerative disc disease (severe back pain), major depression and bipolar disorder.

What will you need to do in order to qualify to refinance a student loan? ›

In general, you'll need to have a credit score in the mid- to high 600s, a debt-to-income ratio of less than 43 percent and a source of steady income to refinance a student loan, but the requirements vary by lender. Getting pre-qualified is an excellent way to see if you're eligible for student loan refinancing.

What documents do you need to refinance a student loan? ›

Most lenders require the following documents for a student loan refinance application:
  • Government-issued photo identification, such as a driver's license or passport.
  • Social Security card or number.
  • Proof of income, such as pay stubs or a job offer letter.
  • Official statements for all your federal and private loans.
Feb 24, 2023

What are the disadvantages of refinancing student loans? ›

Cons
  • You lose the option for student loan forgiveness. ...
  • Private student loans do not offer income-driven repayment plans. ...
  • Deferment periods are not as generous as with federal loans. ...
  • Variable interest rates could increase. ...
  • You will lose your grace period for federal student loans.
  • You may not qualify for refinancing.

What credit score do you need to refinance student loans? ›

CNBC Select outlines the requirements. Borrowers who want to refinance student loans will likely need good or excellent credit to qualify. According to Experian, one of the three main credit bureaus, 670 is generally the base credit score that lenders require to be eligible for student loan refinancing.

How to get a lower student loan refinance rate? ›

Refinancing your student loans could be a big money saver. Here's how to save even more.
  1. Improve your credit. ...
  2. Get your finances in order. ...
  3. Apply with a cosigner. ...
  4. Get quotes from 3-5 different lenders. ...
  5. Ask how to get more of a discount on your rate. ...
  6. Shorten your loan term.
Mar 12, 2022

Should I refinance my student loans or wait for forgiveness? ›

Refinancing student loans might save money and alleviate financial stress, but only in certain situations. Refinancing might be a good choice if: You have private student loans. Federal loans carry some benefits you would permanently lose if you refinance into a private loan, like loan forgiveness and IDR plans.

What is the average debt for a PHD in psychology? ›

Doctoral Degree Debt by Major
College Major2022 Median Debt
Psychology, General$112,529
Public Health$103,953
Business Administration, Management, and Operations$85,038
Education, General$82,131
9 more rows
Aug 16, 2023

Is being a psychologist worth it financially? ›

Additionally, all psychologists in clinical practice need licensure. Becoming a psychologist is one of the more obvious choices for this particular major. Not only that, it's one of the most profitable. Those that aim to be psychologists can expect to earn a median annual income of $81,040.

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