Best student loan refinance lenders for physicians (2026)
⚠ Read this before you refinance. Refinancing federal loans into a private loan permanently forfeits PSLF, income-driven forgiveness, and federal protections. For many physicians, especially those at nonprofit or government employers, refinancing is the wrong move and costs six figures. Check your free plan first → If our tool confirms refinancing is your cheapest path, then compare the lenders below.
Lender comparison
A side-by-side look at the refinancing lenders physicians use most. Rates and terms are general and change frequently, they are not quotes. Every lender shows your real rate with a soft credit check that won't affect your score. Compare your actual offers before deciding.
| SoFi | KeyBank | Earnest | ELFI | Splash | Credible | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Member perks & career resources | Residents & physicians (healthcare focus) | Customizable terms | Large balances + an advisor | One app, many lenders | Several quotes side-by-side |
| Typical terms | 5–20 yr · fixed & variable | 5–20 yr · physician programs | 5–20 yr · flexible payments | 5–20 yr · no max amount | Marketplace | Marketplace |
| Resident / training option | $100/mo while in residency | $100/mo residency option | Skip-a-payment feature | Dedicated advisor | Varies by lender | Varies by lender |
| See current rates | SoFi → | KeyBank → | Earnest → | ELFI → | Splash → | Credible → |
Advertising disclosure: some lenders may pay AttendingFi a referral fee. It never affects your result, our calculator tells PSLF candidates not to refinance even though we earn nothing in that case. See how we're paid.
What rates look like
Fixed APR by term, shown the way lenders publish it. These are illustrative ranges anchored to published physician/medical-resident refinance rates (June 2026), not an offer or a quote. Shorter terms and stronger credit land at the low end. Always check your real rate with a soft pull.
Illustrative fixed-APR ranges as of June 2026, anchored to SoFi's published medical-resident rates and KeyBank refinance rates. Rates change frequently; verify current rates directly with each lender.
How to choose a refinance term
Once you've confirmed refinancing is right for you, the biggest lever is the term length: pick the shortest term whose monthly payment you can comfortably afford. Shorter terms carry lower rates and far less total interest. Get quotes from two or three lenders (all soft-pull) and compare the real numbers, not the advertised "as low as" rate.
Not sure if you should refinance at all?
That's the right question. Run your numbers free and we'll tell you whether refinancing actually beats PSLF or an income-driven plan for you, before you give up federal protections you can't get back.
Check my lowest-cost plan free →Educational estimates, not financial advice. Lender terms change frequently and are not quotes. Verify current rates directly with each lender. See our disclosures.