GradBridge Review: Type II Student Loans

Gradbridge It is a second-look student loan financing company that aims to bridge the gap if you have been denied financing from traditional lenders.

It offers graduate and undergraduate loans that can cover the full cost of attendance. Our GradBridge review explores different student loan offerings to help you decide if this is a viable option for you.

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

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

University loans

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

Main Features:

• Minimum loan amount: $5,000
• Variable APR: 17.57% – 22.26%
• Fixed APR: 18% – 22.78%
• Origination fees: 5% (added to the loan amount)
• Payment types: Interest only, $25 flat, deferred payments
• Payment terms: 5, 10 or 15 years
• Cosigners 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 periods of 5, 10 or 15 years, depending on their loan amount. You also have a choice of payment type. For example, you can choose to pay while you’re in school ($25 interest or 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, dentistry, technology, business (MBA), and more. Rates are the same as advertised rates for college loans, as are repayment options and terms.

Main Features:

• Minimum loan amount: $5,000
• Variable APR: 17.57% – 22.26%
• Fixed APR: 18% – 22.78%
• Origination fees: 5% (added to the loan amount)
• Payment types: Interest only, $25 flat, deferred payments
• Payment terms: 5, 10 or 15 years

Are there any fees?

In addition to the interest charged on 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 It is a second-tier student loan provider, so you probably wouldn’t consider it unless you were denied financing from a traditional lender. Before applying with GradBridge, you’ll need to consider more affordable options.

takes College StreetFor example. It offers private student loans with interest rates as low as 2.8% APR, which is much lower than GradBridge loans. Like GradBridge, they can cover the full cost of school and offer flexible payment terms.

Another private student loan provider worth paying attention to is Sufi. It offers loans for undergraduate students with an annual interest rate starting from 3.18%. You can also qualify for a cash bonus of up to $250 if you can achieve a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Gradbridge It just launched in 2025. It has links to the app on its website, but they don’t seem to be active yet. When you click on the link, you get a “Coming soon!” message. However, GradBridge states on its site that if another private lender declines to accept you, they 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 doing business with GradBridge is unsafe, but it is worth noting that it is a completely new company that launched in 2025. It has already partnered with well-known names such as CampusDoor, Nelnet, Gestalt, and Maquette Advisors, who will help GradBridge expand by offering the required construction technology, services, and analytics. Also, 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 early days Gradbridgebut by all accounts, its product offering looks promising. Remember, GradBridge is a second-tier lender. That means you’ll likely 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 clearly their products are presented. While their set-up fees and APR are quite high, they offer decent repayment flexibility and a very transparent website. If you’re having difficulty getting approved through a private lender, ask them if GradBridge is an option.

Check out GradBridge here>>