Check your current student loan balances
Review your current interest rates
Confirm whether your loans are federal or private
Understand the loss of federal loan benefits
Check your credit score
Calculate your debt-to-income ratio
Decide if you need a co-signer
Compare refinance lenders
Review fixed and variable interest rates
Compare repayment term options
Check lender fees and penalties
Get prequalified with multiple lenders
Compare monthly payment estimates
Compare total interest savings
Choose the best refinance offer
Gather required documents
Submit a formal application
Review the final loan terms
Sign the refinance agreement
Continue paying current loans until payoff is confirmed
Set up autopay with the new lender
Confirm old loan accounts are closed
Monitor your credit report
Refinance again later if rates improve