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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFor U.S. Direct Loans first disbursed from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, fixed rates are 6.52% for undergraduate loans, 8.07% for graduate or professional unsubsidized loans, and 9.07% for PLUS loans. Private student loans have no single comparable rate: lenders may offer fixed or variable rates that vary with the borrower and loan terms. Compare your actual private offer with the federal rate for your loan type and disbursement date—and weigh fees and borrower protections, not just the headline rate.
Federal student loan interest rates for 2026–27
Federal Student Aid lists the following rates for Direct Loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2026, and before July 1, 2027. Each rate is fixed for the life of that loan. The applicable rate depends on both loan type and first-disbursement date, so these figures do not apply to loans disbursed in a different period. See Federal Student Aid’s interest rates and fees table.
| Direct Loan type | 2026–27 interest rate |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Direct Subsidized and Direct Unsubsidized | 6.52% fixed |
| Graduate or professional Direct Unsubsidized | 8.07% fixed |
| PLUS for parents and graduate or professional students | 9.07% fixed |
The same official table lists Perkins Loans at a fixed 5%; the figures above focus on Direct Loans, which are the relevant comparison for most borrowers evaluating current federal borrowing.
Why the same rate may not mean the same balance growth
Direct Loan interest accrues daily on the outstanding principal. For subsidized loans, the borrower is not responsible for interest that accrues while enrolled in school; for unsubsidized loans, the borrower is responsible for that interest. As a result, the nominal rate alone does not describe how a balance may grow during school.
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Are private student loan rates higher than federal rates?
Not necessarily. Federal Student Aid says private loans may have rates above or below federal rates depending on the borrower’s circumstances. Private lenders may offer fixed or variable rates, and pricing and fees can depend on credit. The official sources do not establish a representative private-loan average, so a claimed universal “private student loan rate” would not be a sound comparison.
Use an actual lender offer and compare it with the federal rate that applies to your loan category and disbursement date. Federal Student Aid recommends considering federal aid first and private loans when a funding gap remains. Its guidance is: “Before accepting a private loan, compare offers from different companies.” See 7 Options if You Didn’t Receive Enough Financial Aid.
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How to compare two actual loan offers
Compare offers on the same borrowing amount and a comparable repayment timeline. A lower quoted rate does not by itself establish that a loan costs less overall or offers better terms.
- Confirm rate applicability and type. For a federal loan, verify the category and first-disbursement period. For a private loan, identify whether the rate is fixed or variable and review the disclosed APR as well as the interest rate. Ask the lender how often a variable rate can reset, which index or margin controls it, and whether a cap applies; these mechanics depend on the specific contract.
- Check fees and net proceeds. Review fees and contract terms, and compare how much money you receive after fees with the repayment cost. Federal Student Aid advises borrowers to check both when evaluating private options.
- Review credit and cosigner requirements. Most federal student loans do not require a credit check or cosigner; Direct PLUS is an exception to the federal credit-check statement. Private loans often require an established credit history and may require a cosigner.
- Compare when repayment begins. Federal student loans generally enter repayment after you leave school or drop below half-time enrollment. Private lenders set their own terms: many require payments while you are in school, while some offer deferment.
- Compare relief and repayment choices. Federal loans may offer temporary postponement or reduced payments and multiple repayment plans, including income-linked plans. Private-lender options vary and may be more limited.
- Check forgiveness provisions. Eligible federal borrowers may qualify for forgiveness in some circumstances. Many private lenders do not offer forgiveness, though some state agency loans may have circumstances in which forgiveness is available. Do not assume a particular loan qualifies; check its terms and applicable program rules.
Is a variable student loan rate riskier than a fixed rate?
A fixed rate stays the same over the loan’s life. A variable rate can change under its contract, so its future cost is less predictable. Before accepting a variable-rate offer, get the lender’s reset schedule, index and margin, and any rate cap in writing. The federal comparison guidance establishes the fixed-versus-variable distinction but does not specify mechanics for individual private loans; those details must come from the lender’s offer.
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What if you already have federal loans?
Refinancing federal debt into a private loan may produce a lower interest rate, but the replacement loan does not necessarily retain the federal loan’s terms and conditions. Compare potential rate savings against the changes to repayment terms and federal features before refinancing. See Federal Student Aid’s refinancing guidance.
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