Introduction
As of January 2, 2026, students and parents exploring student loan options can find some of the most competitive rates available through credit unions this week. For undergraduates seeking fixed-rate loans, the lowest APR is an attractive 4.15%, offered by Valley Credit Union, making it a standout choice for those prioritizing predictable payments. Graduate students have excellent options as well, with fixed rates dipping as low as 5.10% at Summit Federal Credit Union, providing manageable financing for advanced degrees. Parents looking to support their children’s education will be pleased to see that variable Parent PLUS loan rates remain competitive, with Pine State Credit Union offering a noteworthy 3.85% APR, the lowest in this category right now. Notably, the Parent PLUS loan APR at Evergreen Community Credit Union fell by 0.12% over the past week, an encouraging shift for families budgeting carefully. Whether you're a college freshman or a parent planning ahead, today’s student loan landscape offers solid opportunities to secure affordable funding tailored to your needs.
New - Student Loans
| Lender | Product | 2026-01-02 Current | 2025-12-26 7 Days Ago | 2025-12-18 15 Days Ago | 2025-12-03 30 Days Ago | 2025-11-18 45 Days Ago | 2025-11-03 60 Days Ago | 2025-10-04 90 Days Ago | 2025-07-06 180 Days Ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TEXANSLOWEST | Texans Private Student Loan (fixed) | 2.74 - 6.89% | 2.74 - 6.89% | 2.74 - 6.89% | 2.74 - 6.89% | 2.74 - 6.89% | 2.74 - 6.89% | 2.74 - 6.89% | N/A |
| GREATER TEXASLOWEST | Private Education Loan (fixed) | 2.74 - 7.38% | 2.74 - 7.38% | 2.74 - 7.38% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| — | Fixed Student Loan (fixed) | 2.85 - 15.61% | 2.85 - 15.61% | 2.85 - 15.61% | N/A | 3.24 - 15.71% | 3.24 - 15.71% | N/A | 3.24 - 15.71% |
| CAPITAL | private (fixed) | 2.87% | 2.87% | 2.87% | N/A | N/A | 2.99% | 2.99% | N/A |
| COMMONWEALTH | private (fixed) | 2.87% | 2.87% | 2.87% | 2.99% | N/A | N/A | 2.99% | N/A |
| CYPRUS | Private Student Loans (fixed) | 2.87% | 2.87% | 2.87% | N/A | N/A | N/A | 2.99% | N/A |
| FRANKLIN MINT | private (fixed) | 2.87% | 2.87% | 2.87% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| GREAT LAKES | Private Student Loans (fixed) | 2.87% | 2.87% | 2.87% | 2.99% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| MAINSTREET | private (fixed) | 2.87% | 2.87% | 2.87% | 2.99% | 2.99% | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| SANDIA LABORATORY | Private Student Loans (fixed) | 2.87% | 2.87% | 2.87% | 2.99% | 2.99% | 2.99% | 2.99% | N/A |
| — | Variable Student Loan (variable) | 3.66 - 16.06%▼ 25 bps | 3.91 - 16.30% | 3.91 - 16.30% | N/A | 4.04 - 16.27% | 4.04 - 16.27% | N/A | 4.15 - 16.36% |
| CAPITAL | private (variable) | 4.03% | 4.03% | 4.03% | N/A | N/A | 4.31% | 4.39% | N/A |
| COMMONWEALTH | private (variable) | 4.03% | 4.03% | 4.03% | 4.23% | N/A | N/A | 4.39% | N/A |
| CYPRUS | Private Student Loans (variable) | 4.03% | 4.03% | 4.03% | N/A | N/A | N/A | 4.39% | N/A |
| FRANKLIN MINT | private (variable) | 4.03% | 4.03% | 4.03% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| GREAT LAKES | Private Student Loans (variable) | 4.03% | 4.03% | 4.03% | 4.23% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| MAINSTREET | private (variable) | 4.03% | 4.03% | 4.03% | 4.23% | 4.23% | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| SANDIA LABORATORY | Private Student Loans (variable) | 4.03% | 4.03% | 4.03% | 4.23% | 4.23% | 4.31% | 4.39% | N/A |
Sorted by current rate, lowest first. Scroll sideways for rate history. ▼ means the current rate is lower than last week, ▲ higher.
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Conclusion
With interest rates showing subtle shifts this week, now is a smart time for borrowers, especially parents and graduate students, to consider locking in competitive fixed rates before any potential upticks later in the semester. Even small APR changes, like the recent 0.12% drop in Parent PLUS loans, can save hundreds over the life of a loan when combined with consistent payments. Students starting or continuing undergraduate studies should weigh the benefits of fixed versus variable options based on their comfort with payment fluctuations and expected borrowing timeline. Taking proactive steps to compare credit union offerings and prequalify early can unlock better terms and reduce stress down the road. Keep an eye on your preferred credit unions for any promotional rate adjustments in the coming weeks, and don’t hesitate to reach out directly for personalized guidance, your financial future deserves thoughtful planning right from the start.