College Ave vs SoFi

An honest side-by-side comparison of two of our top student loans picks — pricing, strengths, weaknesses, and who each one is really for.

College Ave

College Ave

Ranked #5 of 15 in this directory

Student-focused private loans with customizable repayment terms

Paid
SoFi

SoFi

Ranked #4 of 15 in this directory

Student loan refinancing with career support and no fees

Paid

Our pick: SoFi. Our editors rank SoFi higher overall in Student Loans — but College Ave can be the better fit depending on your budget and use case below. How we review

Compare the details

College AveSoFi
Pricing modelPaidPaid
Starting priceSee websiteSee website
CategoryPrivateRefinancing
Editorial rank#5 of 15#4 of 15

Strengths

College Ave

  • Highly customizable loan terms and payment options
  • Fast application with quick credit decisions
  • Multiple in-school repayment options available
  • Competitive rates for borrowers with good credit or co-signers
  • Parent loans available for families wanting to borrow directly

SoFi

  • Zero fees — no origination, application, or prepayment charges
  • Unemployment protection pauses payments during job loss
  • Career coaching and networking events for SoFi members
  • Both fixed and variable rate options available
  • Rate discount for autopay enrollment

Watch out for

College Ave

  • !Private loans lack federal protections and forgiveness options
  • !Co-signer required for most student borrowers
  • !Variable rates can increase substantially over time
  • !Not available for international students without a US co-signer

SoFi

  • !Best rates require excellent credit and high income
  • !Refinancing federal loans forfeits income-driven repayment and PSLF
  • !No co-signer option for refinancing products
  • !Minimum refinancing amount may exclude smaller loan balances

Best use cases

College Ave

  • Student wanting highly customizable private loan terms and payment options
  • Parent looking to borrow directly for their child's education costs
  • Borrower needing a quick credit decision for upcoming tuition deadlines

SoFi

  • Working professional refinancing high-interest student loans at a lower rate
  • Borrower wanting unemployment protection as a safety net
  • SoFi member looking to consolidate student loans within the SoFi ecosystem

About each tool

College Ave

College Ave Student Loans was founded by former Sallie Mae executives and focuses exclusively on private student loans and refinancing. The company offers highly customizable loan terms with 5, 8, 10, and 15-year repayment options and multiple in-school payment choices. College Ave is known for a fast, simple application process and quick credit decisions.

SoFi

SoFi is one of the largest student loan refinancing lenders, offering competitive rates with no origination fees, no prepayment fees, and unemployment protection that pauses payments and provides career coaching if you lose your job. SoFi also offers private student loans for current students. The company's member benefits extend beyond lending to include financial planning, networking events, and career services, creating a community-oriented approach to student loan management.

Still deciding? Browse all 15 options with honest pros, cons, and pricing.

See all Student Loans