GradBridge Review: Second-Look Student Loans

GradBridge is a second-look student loan financing company that aims to bridge the gap if you’ve been denied funding from traditional lenders.

It offers graduate and undergraduate loans that can cover up to the full cost of attendance. This GradBridge review explores the various student loan offerings to help you decide if it’s a viable option for you.

GradBridge is a student loan finance company founded to help students access affordable private student loans without having to go through the hassle of researching and comparing lenders. The Sunnyvale, California-based company was founded by educational 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’s undergraduate loans are designed to help students cover tuition, fees, housing, books, and other education-related expenses.

Key Features:

• Minimum Loan Amount: $5,000
• Variable APRs: 17.57% – 22.26%
• Fixed APRs: 18% – 22.78% 
• Origination Fee: 5% (added to loan amount)
• Repayment Types: Interest-Only, $25 Fixed, Deferred Payments
• Repayment Terms: 5, 10, or 15 years
• Cosigners accepted
• Associate’s Degree or Certificate Programs ineligible (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 their loan amount. You also have a choice of repayment type. For example, you can opt to pay during school (interest or $25 fixed payments) or defer payments while you’re in school. 

Graduate Loans

GradBridge offers graduate student loans for advanced degrees in fields such as Medicine, Law, Dental, Technology, Business (MBA), and more. The rates are the same as what’s quoted for undergraduate loans, as are the repayment options and terms. 

Key Features:

• Minimum Loan Amount: $5,000
• Variable APRs: 17.57% – 22.26%
• Fixed APRs: 18% – 22.78% 
• Origination Fee: 5% (added to loan amount)
• Repayment Types: Interest-Only, $25 Fixed, Deferred Payments
• Repayment Terms: 5, 10, or 15 years

Are There Any Fees?

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 amount borrowed and included in the financing. 

GradBridge is a second-look student loan provider, so you’re likely only considering them if you have been turned down for financing from a traditional lender. Before applying with GradBridge, you will want to consider more affordable options. 

Take College Ave, for example. It offers private student loans at rates as low as 2.8% APR, which are much lower than GradBridge’s. And like GradBridge, they can cover the full cost of school and offer flexible repayment terms.

Another private student loan provider worth considering is SoFi. It offers undergraduate loans with APRs starting as low as 3.18%. You can 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. It has application links on its website, but it appears that they are not yet active. When you click on the link, you get a “Coming Soon!” message. However, GradBridge states on its site that if another private lender has declined you, it may be able to refer you to GradBridge. If referred, you would receive a direct link to apply. 

We have no reason to believe that GradBridge is unsafe to deal with, but it should be noted that it is a brand-new company that launched in 2025. It has already partnered with established names like CampusDoor, Nelnet, Gestalt, and Maquette Advisors, who will help GradBridge to scale by delivering the origination technology, servicing, and analytics required. Also, GradBridge was founded by a former Sallie Mae executive, and its advisor 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 early days for GradBridge, but by all accounts, its product offering looks promising. Remember, GradBridge is a second-look lender. That means that you will likely only consider them if you cannot obtain a private student loan from a traditional lender, which will offer much lower rates and fees and more flexible terms. As a matter of fact, GradBridge will likely compensate traditional lenders who refer declined applicants to GradBridge. 

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

Check out GradBridge here >>