Earnest

Earnest

Fintech lender offering low-interest student loans

Overview

Earnest provides low-interest loans in the United States, specializing in student loan refinancing, private student loans, and personal loans. The platform uses data analysis and underwriting software to tailor rates to each borrower's financial profile. Loans come with flexible repayment plans and terms, and the company earns revenue from the interest on issued loans. Earnest distinguishes itself through data-driven underwriting that customizes pricing for individual borrowers and by offering adaptable repayment options, appealing to financially responsible customers. Its goal is to stay competitive by adjusting rates to market conditions while helping people manage education and personal debt.

About Earnest

Simplify's Rating
Why Earnest is rated
C+
Rated C on Competitive Edge
Rated B on Growth Potential
Rated C on Differentiation

Industries

Data & Analytics

Fintech

Financial Services

Company Size

201-500

Company Stage

Acquired

Total Funding

$482M

Headquarters

San Francisco, California

Founded

2013

Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • July 1 graduate federal borrowing caps push more students toward private refinancing.
  • Federal Grad PLUS rates near 9% strengthen Earnest's savings pitch.
  • Job-offer-based refinancing captures borrowers before graduation and accelerates conversion.

What critics are saying

  • SoFi and Laurel Road undercut pricing and brand recognition on refinance.
  • Strict eligibility requirements exclude many applicants and hand them to competitors.
  • Navient ownership keeps reputational baggage alive among borrowers and regulators.

What makes Earnest unique

  • Earnest underwrites with thousands of data points beyond credit scores.
  • Its refinance product offers 180 repayment-term combinations and annual payment skips.
  • Pre-graduation refinancing preserves a nine-month grace period for eligible graduate borrowers.

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Funding

Total Funding

$482M

Above

Industry Average

Funded Over

6 Rounds

Acquisition funding comparison data is currently unavailable. We're working to provide this information soon!
Acquisition Funding Comparison
Coming Soon

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) Retirement Plan

401(k) Company Match

Home Office Stipend

Phone/Internet Stipend

Tuition Reimbursement

Paid Vacation

Parental Leave

Company Equity

Recently Posted Jobs

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