It is often a difficult task to calculate student loan interest rates. For example, when you apply for a loan, you need to understand how banks calculate the interest rate for your particular case. This will help you make an informed decision about whether or not it would be worth applying for that particular loan at this moment in time or not. This article explains what the average student loan interest rate and how banks do this so that you have all the information necessary to make an informed decision about applying for a student loan.
Different Banks have different ways of calculating the interest rate on a Student Loan.
As student loans are not secured, and no collateral is involved, banks charge an interest rate higher than traditional loans. This is because it is easy for a borrower to walk away from the student loan if he/she isn’t happy with the repayment terms.
The average interest rate on private student loans can range from 9% to 16%. However, some banks offer lower rates, while others may charge you more than what you would pay if you apply for a typical personal loan or mortgage. The bank you choose will also determine how your interest rate will be calculated and whether any other fees are associated with the account, such as an upfront or annual fee.
Lantern by SoFi experts also says, “The interest rate for private loans is also based on a financial index, but it’s one that varies by lender, plus a margin. Then it all depends on the financial health of the person applying for a loan–along with the length of the repayment term.”
Generally, banks follow the Reducing Balance Method to calculate interest rates on Student Loans.
Banks and other lenders use the Reducing Balance Method to calculate interest rates on student loans. It is based on the principle that the borrower needs to repay less principal because of the addition of new interest charges each day. Take a look at an example:
- Calculate your interest rate with the following variables:
- Amount borrowed – $10,000
- Annual Percentage Rate (APR) – 10%
Most banks follow a flat-rate interest system where they charge a fixed interest rate, not a fluctuating one.
The flat-rate interest system is the most common method for calculating student loan interest. Under this method, banks charge a fixed interest rate on every loan, not a fluctuating one.
Calculating the EMI, you must pay every month is done using the following formula.
The interest rate is the amount of money charged for borrowing money. This is usually expressed as a percentage of the principal per year. It is usually added to the principal every month, making it an essential factor in calculating how much you will pay back over time.
Calculating the EMI that you have to pay every month is done using the following formula:
Interest Rate x Principal Amount = Total Interest Payable
Total Interest Paid = Total Interest Payable + Principal Amount
Principal Amount = Total Interest Paid / Number Of Months Since Loan Was Taken Out
This is the first step to understanding how banks calculate student loan interest rates. Once you are familiar with the different factors that go into calculating a student loan interest rate, it will be easy to understand why rates differ from bank to bank.
