economy
Student loan interest rates are set to rise for 2026-27: Expert analysis
Federal student loan interest rates will rise in the 2026-27 academic year, according to an exclusive analysis provided to CNBC.
TL;DR
- Federal student loan interest rates are expected to increase for the 2026-27 academic year.
- The new rates are tied to the May auction of the 10-year Treasury Note.
- Mark Kantrowitz's analysis estimates undergraduate loan rates at 6.52%, graduate rates at 8.07%, and Parent PLUS rates at 9.07%.
- These higher rates will apply to federal education loans issued on or after July 1, 2026.
- Existing federal student loans will not be affected as most rates are fixed.
- The rate increase comes as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act removes several affordable student loan repayment options.