College Ave vs. Sallie Mae: Private Student Loan Comparison
Detailed institutional comparison between private lending giants College Ave and Sallie Mae covering rates, terms, cosigner release, and fee transparency.
Comparing the Two Largest Private Higher Education Lenders
When federal financial aid (Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized loans) is insufficient to cover the total Cost of Attendance (COA), many families evaluate private student lenders. Sallie Mae and College Ave represent the two dominant private student loan originators in the United States.
Direct Feature Comparison Matrix
| Feature | College Ave | Sallie Mae |
|---|---|---|
| Repayment Terms | 5, 8, 10, 15 Years (Highly Flexible) | Typically fixed 10 to 15 Years |
| Cosigner Release Policy | After 50% of the repayment term (stricter) | After 12 consecutive on-time payments |
| Origination / Application Fees | $0 (None) | $0 (None) |
| Autopay Discount | 0.25% APR deduction | 0.25% APR deduction |
| Grace Period | 6 Months (up to 9 months for medical) | 6 Months |
Before committing to private loans, exhaust all federal aid and model potential monthly costs with our Student Loan Repayment Calculator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which lender has an easier cosigner release?
Sallie Mae allows borrowers to apply for cosigner release after just 12 consecutive on-time payments, whereas College Ave requires borrowers to complete half of the total repayment term.
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