STUDENT LOAN
4 Mins

MPower Financing vs Navient

May 14, 2024

Comparisons

Criteria
MPower Financing
Navient
APR
Undergraduate loan: 15.01%, Graduate loan: 13.98%, Refinance loan: 12.69%1
$1,000-$50,000
Loan/Line of Credit
Student Loans
Student Loan Refinance
Loan Term
Single repayment term of 10 years
Five to 20 years, in one-year increments
Credit Score Required
No credit score or history required for approval
Minimum credit score: 680
Pros
Offers loans to international students without a co-signer requirement, gives significant interest rate discounts, doesn’t require a credit score or history for approval, offers international student loan refinancing
More flexible repayment options for struggling borrowers than other lenders, no late fees, you can refinance without a degree
Cons
Only offers one repayment term, interest rates are relatively high, charges an origination fee and interest-only payments in school, not all schools are eligible
You can’t see if you’ll qualify and what rate you’ll get without a hard credit check, no option to make greater-than-minimum payments via autopay

MPower Financing

Who is it for?

MPower Financing Student Loan is designed for undergraduate or postgraduate students who are within 2 years of graduating or about to begin a 1-year or 2-year program. It caters to international students, DACA recipients, U.S. citizens, refugees, or asylum-seekers.

APR

The APR for MPower Financing Student Loan varies depending on the type of loan and the borrower’s status. The fixed rate for International Undergraduate Loan is 13.99%, and for International Graduate Loan is 11.99%.

Loan/Line of Credit

MPower Financing offers student loans. The loan amounts range from $2,001 to $100,000.

Loan Term

The loan term for MPower Financing Student Loan is a single repayment term of 10 years.

PROS
Cons
Offers loans to international students without a co-signer requirement.
Gives significant interest rate discounts.
Doesn’t require a credit score or history for approval.
Offers international student loan refinancing.
Only offers one repayment term.
Interest rates are relatively high.
Charges an origination fee and interest-only payments in school.
Not all schools are eligible.

Rewards & Fees

MPower Financing rewards responsible borrowers by offering up to a 0.25% rate discount on student loans. There is no cost to apply. If your loan is approved, a 5% origination fee will be added to your loan balance when the loan is disbursed to your school.

How to Qualify?

To qualify for an MPower Financing Student Loan, you must be admitted to or attending one of their 400+ approved schools in the U.S. or Canada. You should be an undergraduate or postgraduate student within 2 years of graduating or about to begin a 1-year or 2-year program. You should also be an international student, DACA recipient, U.S. citizen, refugee, or asylum-seeker

Navient

Who is it for?

Navient Student Loan is designed for both federal and private student loan borrowers. It caters to students who are looking for flexible repayment options and those who may be struggling with their payments.

APR

The APR for MPower Financing Student Loan varies depending on the type of loan and the borrower’s status. The fixed rate for International Undergraduate Loan is 13.99%, and for International Graduate Loan is 11.99%.

Loan/Line of Credit

MPower Financing offers student loans. The loan amounts range from $2,001 to $100,000.

Loan Term

The loan term for MPower Financing Student Loan is a single repayment term of 10 years.

PROS
Cons
Offers more flexible repayment options for struggling borrowers than other lenders.
No late fees.
You can refinance without a degree.
You can’t see if you’ll qualify and what rate you’ll get without a hard credit check.
There is no option to make greater-than-minimum payments via autopay.

Rewards & Fees

MPower Financing rewards responsible borrowers by offering up to a 0.25% rate discount on student loans. There is no cost to apply. If your loan is approved, a 5% origination fee will be added to your loan balance when the loan is disbursed to your school.

How to Qualify?

To qualify for an MPower Financing Student Loan, you must be admitted to or attending one of their 400+ approved schools in the U.S. or Canada. You should be an undergraduate or postgraduate student within 2 years of graduating or about to begin a 1-year or 2-year program. You should also be an international student, DACA recipient, U.S. citizen, refugee, or asylum-seeker

Common Terms to Know

  • APR (Annual Percentage Rate): This represents the yearly cost of borrowing, including interest and fees. It's crucial for comparing the overall cost of different loans.
  • Loan/Line of Credit: Defines the type of financial assistance available. MPower Financing primarily offers student loans, while Navient offers a broader range of options, including student loans, refinancing, and other financial products.
  • Loan Term: This refers to the duration of the loan. MPower Financing typically offers loan terms of 10-15 years, whereas Navient might offer variable terms depending on the specific product or loan.
  • Credit Score Required: MPower Financing may not have a strict minimum credit score requirement but often prefers a cosigner. Navient typically requires a good credit score for their loans.
  • Cosigner: A person who agrees to take responsibility for a loan if the borrower fails to repay. MPower Financing often recommends having a cosigner, especially for international students, while Navient might have varying policies depending on the borrower's credit history.
  • Repayment Options: This includes the flexibility offered in repaying the loan, such as grace periods, deferment, or income-driven repayment plans. Both companies might have different options available, so understanding these can be crucial for managing repayments effectively.
  • Prospective Interest Rates: Knowing the range of interest rates offered by each company can help in understanding the potential cost of borrowing. Both MPower Financing and Navient offer competitive rates, but these rates can vary based on creditworthiness and market conditions.
  • Customer Service: Understanding the quality and accessibility of customer support services offered by each company can be crucial during the loan application process and throughout the repayment period.

How to Compare Loans

  1. Interest Rates and APR: Compare the interest rates and Annual Percentage Rate (APR) to gauge the total cost of borrowing.
  2. Loan Term and Repayment Options: Assess loan duration and available repayment plans to match your financial capability.
  3. Fees and Additional Charges: Scrutinize for hidden fees like origination charges or prepayment penalties to understand the true cost of the loan.
  4. Flexibility in Repayment: Look for options like deferment, forbearance, or income-driven plans to ease repayment during financial difficulties.
  5. Customer Service and Support: Check reviews and ratings to ensure reliable customer service throughout your loan tenure.

How to Get a Student Loan

  • Research Loan Options: Explore federal loans, private lenders, and financial aid possibilities.
  • Complete the FAFSA: Submit the FAFSA to determine eligibility for federal student aid programs.
  • Explore Federal Loan Options: Investigate Direct Subsidized Loans, Direct Unsubsidized Loans, and PLUS Loans, known for flexible terms and rates.
  • Consider Private Loans: Assess private lender terms and compare against federal options for potential additional borrowing.
  • Gather Necessary Documents: Prepare personal identification, financial statements, and school information for the loan application.
  • Submit Applications: Complete applications and include all required documentation for the chosen loan(s).

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