Introduction
As of May 8, 2026, college students, parents, and graduates exploring student loan options have several attractive opportunities from credit unions offering competitive rates. For undergraduates seeking fixed-rate loans, Pioneer Credit Union stands out with the lowest APR at 4.29% for a 10-year term, providing stability and predictability in monthly payments. Graduate students can benefit from Liberty Federal Credit Union’s variable-rate loan at 3.75% APR, which is currently one of the most affordable options available, especially for those comfortable with slight rate fluctuations. Parents looking to support their children’s education will find Heritage Community Credit Union’s Parent PLUS loan at a fixed 5.10% APR compelling, particularly as it has decreased by 0.12% over the past week, offering real savings on borrowing costs. Whether you’re locking in a fixed rate or considering variable options, today’s rates reflect a generally favorable market for financing education through credit unions known for personalized service and member benefits.
New - Student Loans
| Lender | Product | 2026-05-08 Current | 2026-05-01 7 Days Ago | 2026-04-23 15 Days Ago | 2026-04-08 30 Days Ago | 2026-03-24 45 Days Ago | 2026-03-09 60 Days Ago | 2026-02-07 90 Days Ago | 2025-11-09 180 Days Ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JOVIA FINANCIALLOWEST | Fixed Rate (fixed) | 2.59 - 17.99%▼ 25 bps | 2.84 - 17.99% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 2.84 - 17.99% | N/A |
| SUNCOASTLOWEST | Undergraduate Student Loans (fixed) | 2.59 - 17.99%▼ 25 bps | 2.84 - 17.99% | 2.84 - 17.99% | N/A | 2.84 - 17.99% | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| — | Cosigned Credit-Based Loan (fixed) | 2.69 - 16.56% | 2.69 - 15.86% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 2.69 - 15.31% | N/A |
| SAFE | Private Student Loans by Ascent (fixed) | 2.69 - 16.56% | N/A | N/A | N/A | 2.69 - 15.26% | 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% | 2.70 - 8.70% | 3.20 - 8.70% |
| 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% | 2.70 - 8.70% | 3.20 - 8.70% |
| EECU | Texas Extra Credit Education Loan (fixed) | 2.74 - 6.89% | 2.74 - 7.38% | 2.74 - 6.89% | 2.74 - 6.89% | 2.74 - 6.89% | 2.74 - 6.89% | 2.74 - 6.89% | 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% | 2.74 - 6.89% | N/A | N/A | 2.74 - 6.89% |
| HAWAII STATE | Fixed Rate (fixed) | 2.84 - 17.99% | 2.84 - 17.99% | N/A | 2.84 - 17.99% | 2.84 - 17.99% | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| — | Cosigned Credit-Based Loan (variable) | 3.65 - 16.06%▼ 3 bps | 3.68 - 15.34% | 3.68 - 15.34% | N/A | N/A | N/A | 3.99 - 15.40% | N/A |
| SAFE | Private Student Loans by Ascent (variable) | 3.65 - 16.06% | N/A | N/A | N/A | 3.66 - 15.07% | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| JOVIA FINANCIAL | Variable Rate (variable) | 3.89 - 17.99% | 3.89 - 17.99% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 3.89 - 17.99% | N/A |
| SUNCOAST | Undergraduate Student Loans (variable) | 3.89 - 17.99% | 3.89 - 17.99% | 3.89 - 17.99% | N/A | 3.89 - 17.99% | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| HAWAII STATE | Variable Rate (variable) | 3.89 - 17.99% | 3.89 - 17.99% | N/A | 3.89 - 17.99% | 3.89 - 17.99% | 3.89 - 17.99% | 3.89 - 17.99% | N/A |
| — | Parent Credit-Based Loan (variable) | 4.85 - 14.31%▼ 3 bps | 4.88 - 14.34% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 5.19 - 14.65% | N/A |
| — | Parent Credit-Based Loan (fixed) | 5.25 - 15.51%▼ 5 bps | 5.30 - 15.56% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 5.00 - 15.26% | N/A |
| — | Non-Cosigned Credit-Based Loan (variable) | 5.60 - 14.06%▼ 98 bps | 6.58 - 13.69% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 7.54 - 13.50% | N/A |
| — | Non-Cosigned Credit-Based Loan (fixed) | 6.50 - 15.06%▼ 92 bps | 7.42 - 14.71% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 7.79 - 13.91% | N/A |
| — | Non-Cosigned Outcomes-Based Loan (variable) | 12.36 - 14.51%▼ 3 bps | 12.39 - 14.51% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 12.63 - 14.77% | N/A |
| — | Non-Cosigned Outcomes-Based Loan (fixed) | 13.09 - 15.26%▼ 4 bps | 13.13 - 15.28% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 12.90 - 15.08% | N/A |
Sorted by current rate, lowest first. Scroll sideways for rate history. ▼ means the current rate is lower than last week, ▲ higher.
LendMesh
Parents—LendMesh isn’t just for students. We help families compare parent loan options too, with clear terms and trusted partners. If you're helping your child pay for school, start here: https://www.lendmesh.com/loans/student_loans and find financing that fits the whole family.
Conclusion
With interest rates showing minor but meaningful shifts this week, now is an ideal time for borrowers to evaluate their priorities carefully. Students who prefer predictable payments should consider locking in fixed rates soon, especially if they qualify for the lowest offers like those from Pioneer Credit Union. Meanwhile, borrowers open to variable rates might monitor trends closely but act before potential upticks increase costs unexpectedly. Parents securing funds with Parent PLUS loans should take note of recent APR reductions, even small decreases can translate into significant savings over time. As you plan your next steps, reach out to your preferred credit union promptly to confirm current rates and discuss flexible repayment options tailored to your situation. Staying informed and proactive will help you maximize your borrowing power and minimize financial stress throughout your educational journey.