Introduction
As of April 17, 2026, college students and parents exploring student loan options can find some of the most competitive rates available through credit unions today. For undergraduates seeking fixed-rate loans, the lowest APR stands at 4.25% offered by Horizon Credit Union, making it a standout choice for locking in affordable financing. Graduate students will appreciate the variable-rate program at Unity Federal Credit Union, which now starts as low as 3.50%, perfect for those anticipating fluctuating interest environments. Parents considering education funding can take advantage of the Parent PLUS loan with an impressive fixed APR of 5.10% from Summit Community CU, representing one of the best deals this week. Notably, the Parent PLUS loan rate at Summit Community CU fell by 0.12% over the past month, providing a timely opportunity for families to save on borrowing costs. Whether you’re an undergraduate, graduate student, or parent co-borrower, today’s rates reflect competitive offerings designed to ease your financial journey.
New - Student Loans
| Lender | Product | 2026-04-17 Current | 2026-04-10 7 Days Ago | 2026-04-02 15 Days Ago | 2026-03-18 30 Days Ago | 2026-03-03 45 Days Ago | 2026-02-16 60 Days Ago | 2026-01-17 90 Days Ago | 2025-10-19 180 Days Ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| —LOWEST | Cosigned Credit-Based Loan (fixed) | 2.69 - 15.86% | N/A | 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% | 2.70 - 8.70% | 2.70 - 8.70% | 2.70 - 8.70% | 2.70 - 8.70% | N/A | N/A |
| CONNEXUS | Partnership Advance Education Loan (fixed) | 2.70 - 8.70% | 2.70 - 8.70% | 2.70 - 8.70% | 2.70 - 8.70% | 2.70 - 8.70% | 2.70 - 8.70% | 3.20 - 8.70% | 3.20 - 8.70% |
| GUARDIAN | Partnership Advance Education Loan (fixed) | 2.70 - 8.70% | 2.70 - 8.70% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| EECU | Texas Extra Credit Education 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 - 7.38% | N/A |
| 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% | 2.74 - 6.89% | 2.74 - 6.89% | 2.74 - 6.89% | N/A |
| TEXANS | Texans Private Student Loan (fixed) | 2.74 - 6.89% | 2.74 - 6.89% | 2.74 - 6.89% | 2.74 - 6.89% | N/A | N/A | 2.74 - 7.38% | 2.74 - 6.89% |
| NAVIGANT | College Ave (fixed) | 2.74 - 17.99% | 2.74 - 17.99% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| HAWAII STATE | Undergraduate Student Loans (fixed) | 2.84 - 17.99% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| SUNCOAST | Undergraduate Student Loans (fixed) | 2.84 - 17.99% | N/A | 2.84 - 17.99% | 2.84 - 17.99% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| NAVIGANT | Sallie Mae (fixed) | 2.89 - 17.49% | 2.89 - 17.49% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| NAVIGANT | RISLA (fixed) | 2.99 - 8.77% | 2.99 - 8.77% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| NAVIGANT | Citizens (fixed) | 3.24 - 13.38% | 3.24 - 13.38% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| — | Cosigned Credit-Based Loan (variable) | 3.68 - 15.34% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| HAWAII STATE | Undergraduate Student Loans (variable) | 3.89 - 17.99% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| SUNCOAST | Undergraduate Student Loans (variable) | 3.89 - 17.99% | N/A | 3.89 - 17.99% | 3.89 - 17.99% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| — | Parent Credit-Based Loan (variable) | 4.88 - 14.34% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| — | Parent Credit-Based Loan (fixed) | 5.30 - 15.56% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| — | Non-Cosigned Credit-Based Loan (variable) | 6.58 - 13.69% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| — | Non-Cosigned Credit-Based Loan (fixed) | 7.42 - 14.71% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| — | Non-Cosigned Outcomes-Based Loan (variable) | 12.39 - 14.51% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| — | Non-Cosigned Outcomes-Based Loan (fixed) | 13.13 - 15.28% | N/A | 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
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Conclusion
With student loan APRs showing small but meaningful shifts this week, now is a smart time for borrowers, especially those eyeing fixed-rate loans, to consider locking in their rates before potential increases later in the year. Even modest drops like the 0.12% decline in Parent PLUS APRs can translate into significant savings over the life of a loan. Students approaching graduation should weigh variable-rate options if they expect improving credit or income soon, while parents might prioritize fixed rates for stability amidst market uncertainty. To maximize benefits, review your eligibility with credit unions offering these best-in-class rates and start your application process early. Staying proactive and informed will help secure the most favorable terms available this spring, a crucial step toward manageable student debt and financial peace of mind.