SoFi Blog

Tips and news—
for your financial moves.

tiny kitchens, home improvement

Millennials Do It for the ‘Gram

Completed a DIY home improvement project recently? If you’re a Millennial, then we’d be willing to bet that you then posted a picture to social media to show off the finished product.

We recently conducted a survey where we were able to uncover the differences between Millennials and Baby Boomers when it comes to home improvement projects to celebrate the start of home improvement season 2018 and our now Tiny Kitchen Makeover viral campaign.

We surveyed a national sample of 1,231 consumers aged 24-72 who had completed a DIY home improvement project in the past two years and found that Millennials are more likely (23%) than Baby Boomers to land in the ER from a DIY home improvement project gone awry, and that overzealousness may be because they are eager to show off their latest project on social media.

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SLR DR B

Refinance Student Loans

Make your
student debt
go away faster.

Find my rate

Checking your rate will not
affect your credit score.

Fixed rates with
AutoPay start at 4.24% APR1

Variable rates with
AutoPay start at 5.99% APR1

Investing in people who
invest in themselves.

How it works:

The student loan refinancing process is fast, easy, and can be done entirely online.

New Term

APR

5-year

4.03%

7-year

4.57%

10-year

4.98%

View Payment Examples
SoFi offers a range of terms and rates—so yours are going to look different from this illustrative chart, which is just something designed to show you what the SoFi app looks like.

Get pre-qualified online in just two minutes.

We’ll let you know if you’re qualified before you finish the full application.

Select your rate and term.

Choose between saving on your monthly payment or saving on total student loan interest.

Verify your info and sign.

Upload screenshots of your information, then sign your paperwork electronically.

Switch to one low-rate monthly payment.

We pay off your servicer(s) and issue you one new student loan.

Find my rate

It takes only two minutes and
won’t affect your credit score.

Get started
in minutes.

Speed matters. Which is why you can check loan rates—in just minutes.

Find my rate

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Medical Resident Refinance – MAIN PDP


Medical Resident Refinancing

Set yourself up for
success out of residency.

✓ Pay just $100/month during residency: for up to seven years.1
✓ Flexible rates and terms: Choose the options that work best for you.2
✓ One easy payment: Consolidate your loans into one easy payment.
✓ Earn $1,000 per referral: You’ll each earn a $1,000 bonus3 when their loan funds.


View your rate




Checking your rate will not affect your credit score.

Disclosure: Fixed rates range from 6.14%–9.84% APR with 0.25% autopay discount and a 0.125% SoFi Plus discount. Variable rates range from 6.14%–9.84% APR with same discounts. Action must be taken to obtain discounts. Rate ranges are current as of 2/7/26 and are subject to change at any time. Rates depend on a variety of factors. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. Autopay is not required to obtain a loan.
See here for more details.

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Get student debt guidance
from a specialist.

A dedicated SoFi Student Loan Specialist can help you
manage the complexities of student loan debt.


Schedule now

The average doctor has

$241,600 in student loans.

If the average percentage rate (APR) on those loans is 6.75% APR, that doctor could save $35,356 in interest if they qualify for and refinance into a 10 year fixed-rate loan with SoFi at 4.29% APR* (with autopay).

Current
Loan


Amount

$241,600



Fixed Rate

6.75% APR



Term left

10 years


If refinanced with SoFi


Amount

$241,600



Fixed Rate

4.29% APR



Term left

10 years


Estimated savings with SoFi

$35,356

See your savings

See payment examples

*Calculated payments example and savings are only estimates based on the following assumptions. This calculation assumes the borrower is refinancing a federal Grad PLUS loan with a 6.75% APR which is the average of Grad PLUS rates over the last 4 years. It assumes they are refinancing an average loan amount of $241,600 (medical)/$301,538 (dental) into a 10-year loan term with a fixed rate of 4.29% APR (with 0.25% autopay discount), and 120 total monthly payments of $2,480/$3,095. The SoFi APR is the average APR for borrowers who took out a student loan refinance loan from SoFi over the course of 2021-2022. Borrowers are not required to enroll in autopay. This calculation assumes the borrower made no payments during the current federal loan relief of 0% interest and no required payments which is set to expire on 12/31/22. When federal loan payments resume, this calculation assumes that the borrower’s federal monthly payment remains the same and the maturity date will be pushed out by the length of the federal loan relief. Any payments and savings may vary and will depend on the actual loan amounts and APR for which the borrower is approved.

Refinance loans during residency
with competitive fixed or variable rates.

Fixed

6.14%–9.84% APR*

with all discounts

Variable

6.14%–9.84% APR*

with all discounts


View your rate



Not sure which to choose?

Learn more. →

Why refinance your student loans while in residency?

  • One easy payment

    Medical student debt consolidation simplifies the repayment
    process by combining your loans into one monthly payment.

  • $100 monthly payments during residency

    With our resident student loan refinancing, you pay just $100/month1 for up to seven years. Make progress on your loans, but keep your focus on your residency.

  • Flexible rates and terms

    A refinanced med school loan means you can choose a repayment
    term and pick between a low fixed or variable interest rate based
    on your expected future income.

  • Earn $1,000 per referral

    Once you refinance with SoFi, you’ll be able to invite other doctors, dentists or residents to refi
    too—you’ll each earn a $1,000 bonus when their loan funds. Learn more.


View your rate

BTW it’s a soft inquiry, so it won’t affect your credit score..

Medical Resident Refinance FAQs


What is medical resident refinancing?

Medical school graduates can refinance the student loans they used to pay for college or medical school. When you refinance, your student loans (including both federal and private student loans) are replaced with a new private student loan. Benefits of refinancing may include a lower interest rate, lower monthly payment, or the convenience of combining multiple loans into one. You may pay more interest over the life of the loan if you refinance with an extended term.



Can you refinance student loans while in residency?

Yes, it’s possible to refinance your medical school student loans while you’re still in residency. You can find more information on medical resident refinancing here.



Can I defer my loans while I’m a medical resident?

Yes, many federal student loans offer deferment or forbearance options that allow medical residents to temporarily pause or reduce payments during training. However, interest may continue to accrue during this time, which can increase the total balance owed. Some private lenders also provide resident-specific programs that reduce required monthly payments until after residency.



Can you get loan forgiveness during residency?

It is possible to work toward federal loan forgiveness during residency, depending on your circumstances. For example, medical residents employed by qualifying nonprofit hospitals or academic institutions may be eligible to count residency years toward Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), provided they are enrolled in an income-driven repayment plan and meet all requirements. Private loans are not eligible for federal forgiveness programs.


Does SoFi refinance student loans for medical residents and fellows?

Yes, SoFi offers student loan refinancing for medical school graduates currently in residency or fellowship. You can find more information on medical resident refinancing here.



What happens if I leave my residency program?

Upon completion or departure from your residency program, your loan will re-amortize and your payment amount will increase according to a fully amortized loan schedule.



Do student loans accrue interest during residency?

Yes, in most cases student loans continue to accrue interest during residency, even if you are in deferment, forbearance, or on a reduced payment plan. Unpaid interest may be capitalized, or added to the principal balance, at the end of the deferment or forbearance period. Refinancing may help manage interest costs, though it is important to weigh the trade-offs of giving up federal protections.



What is the average debt out of residency?

Debt levels for medical school graduates entering residency can vary significantly. Factors such as the cost of attendance, scholarships, personal savings, and any undergraduate loans all influence the total amount owed. Many residents explore repayment options like income-driven plans, forgiveness programs, or refinancing after training to help manage their student loans.


See all FAQs

Resources on medical school loan refinancing in residency—and much more.








Visit SoFi Learn



Ready for a med school loan refinance?

View your rate in minutes to get started.


View your rate



BTW it’s a soft inquiry, so it won’t affect your credit score.

External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.


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SoFi Refi 0.375% rate discount | SoFi

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REFINANCE STUDENT LOANS


Fixed interest rates start at 3.865%


APR

1
,
2




(with all discounts).


Refinancing your student loans could save you thousands. Just be sure to apply through this page to enjoy the 0.375% rate discount2 exclusively available to you as a SoFi partner.


View your rate

✓ Checking your rate will not affect your credit score.

{/* Why choose sofi? */}

Why choose SoFi?

Since 2011, we’ve helped over 515,000 members refinance their student loan debt. Here’s just a bit of what they enjoy:

  • Serious savings.
    Zero fees required.

    You could save thousands with a lower interest rate and no fees required.

  • Easy online process

    Your time matters. View your
    rate in two minutes.

  • Member benefits

    Access SoFi Travel benefits3, our debt summary tool, rewards points to pay toward loans4, and more.

{/* Real stories from real grads */}

Real stories from real grads.

582,000+
SoFi members have refinanced their student loans

$50 billion+
In student loans refinanced

4.3/5 stars
On Trustpilot

4.3/5 star rating based on 9,668 reviews as of July 7, 2025. See trustpilot.com/review/sofi.com for more info.

{/* How refinancing student loan works at sofi */}

How refinancing student loans works at SoFi.

First, we’ll see if you qualify.

You can see some basic eligibility criteria for different loan types. Plus, we’ll consider other factors like your financial history, credit score, and monthly income versus expenses.

Then, you pick a loan with a competitive interest rate.

If you’re approved, you can select from flexible terms that could lower your interest or monthly payments. All with no fees required.

Don’t forget to get a discount.

For example, you could get a 0.25% interest rate discount by enrolling in autopay.1


View your rate



 Checking your rate will not affect your credit score.

{/* FAQs */}

FAQs


Who should refinance their student loans?

Student loan refinancing is a great solution for working graduates who have high-interest, unsubsidized Direct Loans, Graduate PLUS loans, and/or private student loans. Federal student loans do carry some special benefits, for example, public service loan forgiveness and economic hardship programs, that may not be accessible to you after you refinance. Check out this blog post that provides more information: When to Consolidate Federal and Private Loans by Refinancing. Or, call us at 855-456-SOFI (7634) for a free consultation about your particular situation.



Is it worth it to refinance student loan?

The answer to this question depends on your specific financial situation. However, student loan refinancing may be a good option if you can qualify for a lower interest rate and/or a shorter repayment period. By reducing your rate and getting a lower monthly payment term, you’ll owe less interest over the life of the loan and save money in the long run.



Can I refinance both federal and private student loans?

Yes, SoFi will consolidate all qualified education loans.



Am I a good candidate to refinance my student loans with SoFi?

SoFi aims to revolutionize financial services—ultimately improving the system for everyone. Today, we’re able to offer significant savings and flexibility to US citizens or permanent residents who have graduated from a selection of Title IV accredited university or graduate programs, are employed, have a sufficient income from other sources, or hold a job offer with a start date within 90 days, have a responsible financial history, and a strong monthly cash flow.



What is the difference between consolidating and refinancing student loans?

Student loan consolidation is when you combine multiple loans into one single loan. Student loan refinancing, on the other hand, is when you get a new loan at a new interest rate and/or a new term. You can refinance both federal and private loans. Learn more here.


What’s the difference between fixed and variable rate loans?

Fixed rate loans are loans that have an interest rate that does not change over the life of a loan, which means you pay the same amount each month. It also means you know with certainty the total interest that you’ll pay over the life of the loan. Fixed rate is a general term that can apply to different types of loans with a variety of uses, including student loans, mortgages, auto loans, and unsecured personal loans.

Variable rate loans are loans that have an interest rate that will fluctuate over time in line with prevailing interest rates. Sometimes they are also known as floating-rate loans.

Find more info on Fixed vs. Variable Rate Loans.




Where can I find more information about student loans in general?

Deciding how to best handle your student loan refinancing can be an intimidating process. That’s why we’ve put together our Student Loan Help Center to give you guidance on existing student loan payments, refinancing, budgeting, and common terminology so you can feel more confident in your journey to becoming debt free.



How will applying impact my credit score?

To check the rates and terms you qualify for, SoFi conducts a soft credit pull that will not affect your credit score. However, if you choose a product and continue your application, we will request your full credit report from one or more consumer reporting agencies, which is considered a hard credit pull. Learn more here.



What are the differences in refinancing federal vs. private loans?

When you refinance your federal student loans, you’ll have a new private loan, and private loans are not eligible for federal programs and benefits, but it could be a good option if your goal is to lower your monthly payments or get a lower rate. Once federal loans are refinanced into private loans, they can’t be converted back, so it’s important you consider all your options. Learn more here.



What’s the difference between an APR and an interest rate?

Your interest rate includes the interest percentage you will be charged for taking a loan out, accrued on a daily basis, and does not include any other fees. An APR is the sum of the interest rate plus extra fees and expressed as a percentage.


See all FAQs

{/* Tips and resources for student loan refinancing */}

Tips and resources for
student loan refinancing.







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Get help from a human.

Ask questions and get help every step of the way from our live customer support team.

Operating hours:

Monday–Thursday 5am–7pm PT

Friday–Sunday 5am–5pm PT


Contact us


Contact us


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Student Loan Refinance – Applied Materials (BD)

Make your student debt
go away faster.

Fixed rates start at 4.24% APR and variable rates start
as low as 5.99% APR, when you enroll in AutoPay1.

Find My Rate

Checking your rate will not affect your credit score.

We’ve got your back.

Apply through this page to get your $300 bonus when you refinance*. Get started by checking your rates in just two minutes. Aside from great rates and an easy experience, we also offer awesome benefits. We’re here when you need us.

Bonus amounts in a single calendar year may be reported to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as miscellaneous income to the recipient on Form 1099-MISC in the year received as required by applicable law. Recipient is responsible for any applicable federal, state or local taxes associated with receiving the bonus offer; consult your tax advisor to determine applicable tax consequences.

Have Parent PLUS loans? Learn more about Parent PLUS refinancing.

Rates and Terms

No origination fees in most states, no prepayment penalties. Whether you’re looking to pay off loans sooner or get a lower monthly payment (maybe even both), we offer a range of rates and terms. Choose what works for you.

Variable Rate

Rates start from 5.99% APR to
9.99% when you enroll in AutoPay.1

Fixed Rate

Rates available from 4.24% APR to
9.37% when you enroll in AutoPay.1

Find My Rate

Learn More

Why Refinance Student Loans with Sofi?

Serious
Savings

Low fixed and variable rates. No application or origination fees.

Federal + Private

SoFi is one of few lenders that can consolidate and refinance both federal and private loans (in a snap).

Exclusive
Rates

Get a 0.125% rate discount✝✝ on an additional SoFi loan—just for being a member.

Unemployment
Protection3

If the unexpected happens, we’ll temporarily pause your loan payments and help you in your job search.

Career
Support

Our coaches will help you advance in your career, build a personal brand, negotiate your salary, and more.

Wealth
Advisors

Finances and investments can be confusing. Our Wealth advisors are here to help you make sense of it all.

Find My Rate

Refinance Student Loans in Three Easy Steps

If you have questions, our friendly customer support team is standing by to help you through the process—seven days a week.

Online Pre-Approval

Our quick pre-approval process lets you know if you qualify before you complete the full application.

Select a Loan

Compare the plans available to you with specific payments, rates, and terms.

Upload & Sign

Easily upload documents via screenshots or smartphone photos, then sign your paperwork electronically.


Get Started

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