SoFi Blog

Tips and news—
for your financial moves.

DM – Undergraduate 2024

EXCLUSIVE STUDENT LOAN DISCOUNT:

Enjoy a 0.25%

discount¹ on your rate.

Get a student loan that fits your budget-

with a rate drop to thank you for being a member.


View your rate

Apply by 1/30/26



Checking your rate will not affect your credit score.²



Six reasons to love your private student loan.

With benefits that help lower your student debt and monthly student loan payment, there’s a lot to love about SoFi Private Student Loans.

All online. All easy.

We’re making it easy to apply with a cosigner in minutes.

Repay your way.

Find the monthly student loan payment and rate that fits your budget.

Pay down your loan with rewards points.

Members can earn rewards points for setting up bill pay, credit score monitoring, and more. Rewards points can be redeemed to pay down SoFi student loans—it’s never been easier! Terms of service

Rate discounts.

Get a 0.25% discount when you set up autopay.
§ Through January 30,
2026 new and returning in-school borrowers are also eligible for an additional 0.25%
rate discount.¹

No fees required.

What you see is what you pay back with SoFi Private Student Loans.

Six-month grace period.

Give your postgrad self some extra runway by forgoing monthly student loan payments until six months after graduation.


Get started in minutes.

Find your loan rate in just a few clicks.

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SoFi x Haley Jones: The Home Team Advantage


SoFi Mortgages

Haley Jones has the
home team advantage.

Basketball star Haley Jones is teaming up with us to buy her first home. See how SoFi could give you the play-by-play to dominate your home purchase.


View your rate


Checking your rate will not affect your credit score.

What gives SoFi the edge?


View your rate


Checking your rate will not affect your credit score.

Competitive rates

We’ll help you score a rate that fits your budget.

Low down payment options

Get down payments as low as 3%-5% for first-time homebuyers.1

Flexible term options

Choose from 10-8, 15-7, 20-6, and 30-year5 mortgage loan options.

Simple online application

Enjoy a quick and easy application process from any device.

Dedicated Mortgage Loan Officers

Get play-by-play guidance each step of the way.

Your pregame strategy to apply for a
SoFi Home Mortgage Loan.

Home Affordability Calculator‘,
title: ‘Set a budget.’
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text: ‘Learn how your credit score affects your interest rate and loan options.
Understand how credit works before buying.‘,
title: ‘Review your credit score.’
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text: ‘Learn about the different mortgage loans available to you and find the right fit for you.
Types of mortgage loans‘,
title: ‘Know your loan options.’
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text: ‘Figure out how much money you need to put down to qualify for a mortgage loan.
Down payment for an average home‘,
title: ‘Determine your down payment.’
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text: ‘Your debt-to-income ratio is a good indicator of how much home you could afford. Why DTI matters‘,
title: ‘Assess your debt-to-income ratio.’
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text: ‘Learn which forms are required for a mortgage loan application.
Required mortgage loan documents‘,
title: ‘Prepare your paper trail.’
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/>


View your rate



Checking won’t affect your credit score.

Level up your home-buying game.

We’ve got a deep bench of resources to help you with your home purchase.

  • First-Time Homebuyer Guide


    Learn more

  • How to Budget for Buying a House


    View article

  • Mortgage
    Calculator


    Crunch the numbers

FAQs



What is a mortgage?


A mortgage loan (or home loan) is a loan to purchase a home or other real estate—without having all the money upfront.

Learn more: Understanding Mortgage Basics



What are the different types of mortgage loans?


There are a variety of different mortgage loan options with different interest rates, terms, and protections. Fixed-rate mortgages have the same rate throughout the life of the loan, whereas adjustable-rate mortgages have interest rates that can fluctuate after an initial fixed-rate period of months to years. Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans are loans issued by mortgage lenders on behalf of the government and are insured by the FHA. Learn more about different types of mortgage loans and their unique benefits here.



How much do I qualify for?


You can begin to figure out the right mortgage loan for you by evaluating your down payment, interest rate, credit score, and monthly payments. This Mortgage Calculator can help you get started.



What are the current mortgage rates?


Interest rates can vary and are subject to change. Our Mortgage Calculator can help you find a rate that works for you. You can also reach out to a Mortgage Loan Officer to discuss your needs.



How can I get the lowest mortgage rate?


Your mortgage loan’s interest rate is affected by your credit score, down payment, and the amount of your mortgage loan, among other factors. Our Mortgage Calculator can help you get a better look at your options.



How does my credit score affect my home mortgage interest rate?


Your credit score will weigh heavily in whether you qualify for a conventional or FHA mortgage loan and the interest rate on that loan. This article breaks down how your credit score can affect your interest rate, monthly payments, and mortgage loan options.



What is the minimum down payment on a home?


Mortgage lenders have traditionally asked borrowers to pay at least 20% of a home’s purchase price as a down payment. However, this is changing. Your credit score, type of mortgage loan, and purchase price can all affect how much you’re required to put down. This article breaks down these factors and can help you determine how much you should put down.




Do I need to get a home appraisal before getting a mortgage loan?


A home appraisal is an objective and professional analysis of a home’s value. An appraisal consists of information like the floor plan, amenities, and size, as well as a visual inspection, real estate trends in the area, and the value of homes near yours. Before applying for mortgage loan refinancing, listing your house on the market, or buying a home, you’ll need to get a home appraisal.


See more FAQs

5 30-YEAR Payment Example: The payment for a 30-year term, loan amount $362000.00, Rate 6.000%, LTV 80% is $2170.00 for full Principal and Interest Payments with $5364.84 due at closing. The Annual Percentage Rate is 6.226%. No prepayment penalty. Payment shown does not include taxes and insurance. The actual payment amount will be greater. Interest rates and annual percentage rates (APRs) are for informational purposes only and are subject to change without notice.

6 20-YEAR Payment Example: The payment for a 20-year term, loan amount $362000.00, Rate 5.875%, LTV 80% is $2567.00 for full Principal and Interest Payments with $4792.88 due at closing. The Annual Percentage Rate is 6.154%. No prepayment penalty. Payment shown does not include taxes and insurance. The actual payment amount will be greater. Interest rates and annual percentage rates (APRs) are for informational purposes only and are subject to change without notice.

7 15-YEAR Payment Example: The payment for a 15-year term, loan amount $362000.00, Rate 5.125%, LTV 80% is $2886.00 for full Principal and Interest Payments with $5676.16 due at closing. The Annual Percentage Rate is 5.507%. No prepayment penalty. Payment shown does not include taxes and insurance. The actual payment amount will be greater. Interest rates and annual percentage rates (APRs) are for informational purposes only and are subject to change without notice.

8 10-YEAR Payment Example: The payment for a 10-year term, loan amount $362000.00, Rate 5.125%, LTV 80% is $3862.00 for full Principal and Interest Payments with $5668.92 due at closing. The Annual Percentage Rate is 5.670%. No prepayment penalty. Payment shown does not include taxes and insurance. The actual payment amount will be greater. Interest rates and annual percentage rates (APRs) are for informational purposes only and are subject to change without notice.

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Rising Healthcare Costs Could Put a Dent in Your Paycheck

America spends more than any other nation on healthcare . These high costs take the form of insurance premiums, high co-pays, and pricey procedures. We know that healthcare in the U.S. is already super expensive and the past few years have acclimatized us to rising prices everywhere. But as many of us encounter open enrollment right now – about 165 million Americans have employer-sponsored health insurance plans – there may be some sticker shock ahead.

The cost of healthcare benefits is expected to rise 5.8% in 2025, per a survey from consulting firm Mercer . But wages, on average, aren’t expected to keep pace. In fact, employers plan to increase merit-based pay by a mere 3.3% on average next year, according to a separate Mercer study . And you’re going to have to make up the difference.

So what? The vast majority of Americans stick with the same insurance and benefits they had last year, according to a survey by Justworks , an HR solutions firm. That could still totally make sense for you, especially if you haven’t had a major life change over the past year. Still, take this reminder to look closely at all your options – including coverage, limits, and price. If higher costs are coming your way, you’ll want to know in advance.


Photo Credit: iStock/anilakkus

Please understand that this information provided is general in nature and shouldn’t be construed as a recommendation or solicitation of any products offered by SoFi’s affiliates and subsidiaries. In addition, this information is by no means meant to provide investment or financial advice, nor is it intended to serve as the basis for any investment decision or recommendation to buy or sell any asset. Keep in mind that investing involves risk, and past performance of an asset never guarantees future results or returns. It’s important for investors to consider their specific financial needs, goals, and risk profile before making an investment decision.

The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. These links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement. No brands or products mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this content.

SoFi isn't recommending and is not affiliated with the brands or companies displayed. Brands displayed neither endorse or sponsor this article. Third party trademarks and service marks referenced are property of their respective owners.

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