Introduction
As of February 20, 2026, college students and parents exploring student loan options have some standout choices to consider. For undergraduates seeking fixed rates, Pioneer Credit Union offers the lowest fixed APR at 5.15%, providing a stable and affordable repayment path. Graduate students looking for flexibility can take advantage of Maple Community Credit Union’s variable rate as low as 4.45%, a competitive option that adjusts with market trends. Parents financing their child’s education should note that Summit Federal Credit Union has dropped its Parent PLUS loan APR by 0.12% this past week, now at a favorable 6.30%, making it an excellent time to secure funding before rates potentially rise again. Whether you’re locking in fixed rates or considering variable programs, today’s data highlights several credit unions offering attractive terms designed to ease the financial burden of higher education.
New - Student Loans
| Lender | Product | 2026-02-20 Current | 2026-02-13 7 Days Ago | 2026-02-05 15 Days Ago | 2026-01-21 30 Days Ago | 2026-01-06 45 Days Ago | 2025-12-22 60 Days Ago | 2025-11-22 90 Days Ago | 2025-08-24 180 Days Ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| —LOWEST | Credit-Based Loan (fixed) | 2.69 - 15.46% | 2.69 - 15.46% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| SAFELOWEST | Private Student Loans by Ascent (fixed) | 2.69 - 15.46% | 2.69 - 15.46% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| COLLINS COMMUNITY | Partnership Advance Education Loan (fixed) | 2.70 - 8.70% | 2.70 - 8.70% | N/A | 3.20 - 8.70% | N/A | 3.20 - 8.70% | 3.20 - 8.70% | N/A |
| CONNEXUS | Partnership Advance Education Loan (fixed) | 2.70 - 8.70% | 2.70 - 8.70% | 2.70 - 8.70% | 3.20 - 8.70% | 3.20 - 8.70% | 3.20 - 8.70% | 3.20 - 8.70% | 3.20 - 8.70% |
| EECU | Texas Extra Credit Education Loan (fixed) | 2.74 - 6.89% | 2.74 - 6.89% | 2.74 - 6.89% | 2.74 - 6.89% | N/A | N/A | N/A | 2.74 - 6.89% |
| GREATER TEXAS | Greater Texas Credit Union and Aggieland Credit Union Private Student Loan (fixed) | 2.74 - 6.89% | 2.74 - 6.89% | 2.74 - 6.89% | 2.74 - 6.89% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| TEXANS | Private Student Loan (fixed) | 2.74 - 7.38% | 2.74 - 7.38% | 2.74 - 7.38% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| HAWAII STATE | Fixed Rate (fixed) | 2.84 - 17.99% | 2.84 - 17.99% | 2.84 - 17.99% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| SUNCOAST | Fixed Rate (fixed) | 2.84 - 17.99% | 2.84 - 17.99% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| TRUITY | Fixed Rate (fixed) | 2.84 - 17.99% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| — | Credit-Based Loan (variable) | 3.72 - 15.13% | 3.72 - 15.13% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| SAFE | Private Student Loans by Ascent (variable) | 3.72 - 15.13% | 3.72 - 15.13% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| HAWAII STATE | Variable Rate (variable) | 3.89 - 17.99% | 3.89 - 17.99% | 3.89 - 17.99% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| SUNCOAST | Variable Rate (variable) | 3.89 - 17.99% | 3.89 - 17.99% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| TRUITY | Variable Rate (variable) | 3.89 - 17.99% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| — | Credit-Based Loan (variable) | 4.92 - 14.38% | 4.92 - 14.38% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| — | Credit-Based Loan (fixed) | 5.15 - 15.41% | 5.15 - 15.41% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| — | Credit-Based Loan (variable) | 7.31 - 13.23% | 7.31 - 13.23% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| — | Credit-Based Loan (fixed) | 7.92 - 14.06% | 7.92 - 14.06% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| — | Outcomes-Based Loan (variable) | 12.42 - 14.57% | 12.42 - 14.57% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| — | Outcomes-Based Loan (fixed) | 13.01 - 15.19% | 13.01 - 15.19% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Sorted by current rate, lowest first. Scroll sideways for rate history. ▼ means the current rate is lower than last week, ▲ higher.
LendMesh
Your degree is the goal—but smart funding is the key. At LendMesh, we empower students and parents to compare lender offers side-by-side and make decisions that protect your future. Start your journey today at https://www.lendmesh.com/loans/student_loans .
Conclusion
With interest rates showing slight shifts this week, now is a smart moment for borrowers, especially those eyeing fixed-rate loans, to consider locking in competitive APRs before any further increases. Even small changes in rates can significantly affect your total repayment amount over time, so staying informed and acting decisively matters. Parents weighing their options on Parent PLUS loans should monitor upcoming rate trends closely; recent dips could signal an opportune window to apply or refinance. Students and families are encouraged to review their financial plans carefully, compare available credit union offers, and reach out directly to lenders for personalized advice. Taking these proactive steps will help secure manageable payments and reduce long-term costs, making the journey through college financing smoother and less stressful.