GradBridge Review: Second-Look Student Loans

It offers loans for graduates and students that can cover the full cost of attendance. This GradBridge review examines the different student loan offers to help you decide if this is a viable option for you.

GradBridge is a student loan financing company created to help students access affordable private student loans without the hassle of researching and comparing lenders. The Sunnyvale, California-based company was founded by education and fintech professionals, including a former Sallie Mae executive.

Here’s a closer look at the graduate and undergraduate student loans offered by GradBridge:

Undergraduate Loans

GradBridge student loans are designed to help students cover tuition, fees, housing, books and other education-related expenses.

Main features:

• Minimum loan amount: $5,000
• Variable APRs: 17.57% – 22.26%
• Fixed APRs: 18% – 22.78%
• Origination costs: 5% (added to the loan amount)
• Refund types: Interest only, $25 fixed, deferred payments
• Refund Terms: 5, 10 or 15 years
• Co-signers accepted
• Associate’s Degree or certificate programs are not eligible (must be a 4-year degree)

Borrowers can choose between fixed and variable interest rates and repayment terms of 5, 10 or 15 years, depending on the amount borrowed. You also have a choice of the type of repayment. For example, you can choose to pay during school (interest or fixed payments of $25) or defer payments while you are in school.

Graduate loans

GradBridge offers graduate student loans for advanced degrees in fields such as medicine, law, dentistry, technology, business administration (MBA) and more. The rates are the same as what is listed for student loans, as are the repayment options and terms.

Main features:

• Minimum loan amount: $5,000
• Variable APRs: 17.57% – 22.26%
• Fixed APRs: 18% – 22.78%
• Origination costs: 5% (added to the loan amount)
• Refund types: Interest only, $25 fixed, deferred payments
• Refund Terms: 5, 10 or 15 years

Are there any costs?

In addition to the interest charged on the student loans, GradBridge charges an origination fee of 5% of the original student loan balance. This fee is added to the loan amount and included in the financing.

GradBridge is a second-tier student loan provider, so you’ll probably only consider them if you’ve been turned down for financing by a traditional lender. Before signing up with GradBridge, consider more affordable options.

To take College AveFor example. It offers private student loans at rates as low as 2.8% APR, which are much lower than GradBridge. And like GradBridge, they can cover the full cost of college and offer flexible repayment terms.

Another private student loan provider worth considering is SoFi. It offers undergraduate loans with APRs starting at 3.18%. You may even qualify for a cash bonus of up to $250 if you can achieve a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

GradBridge just launched in 2025. There are application links on the website, but it doesn’t seem like they are active yet. When you click on the link, you will receive a message “Coming Soon!” message. However, GradBridge states on its site that if another private lender has turned you down, it may be able to refer you to GradBridge. If you are referred, you will receive a direct link to apply.

We have no reason to believe that it is unsafe to deal with GradBridge, but it should be noted that it is a brand new company that launched in 2025. It has already partnered with established names such as CampusDoor, Nelnet, Gestalt and Maquette Advisors, who will help GradBridge scale by providing the required origination technology, service and analytics. In addition, GradBridge was founded by a former Sallie Mae executive, and its advisory team includes other former Sallie Mae executives.

How do I contact GradBridge?

You can contact GradBridge by calling 1(877) 427-5123. The company’s mailing address is: 800 North King Street, Suite 304 3596, Wilmington, DE 19801

Is it worth it?

It’s still early for that GradBridgebut by all accounts the product offering looks promising. Remember, GradBridge is a second-look lender. That means you’ll probably only consider them if you can’t get a private student loan from a traditional lender, which will offer much lower rates and fees and more flexible terms. In fact, GradBridge will likely compensate traditional lenders who refer rejected applicants to GradBridge.

What I like about GradBridge is how simple their product offering is. Although their origination fees and APRs are very high, they offer decent repayment flexibility and a very transparent website. If you’re having trouble getting approved through a private lender, ask them if GradBridge might be an option.

View GradBridge here >>