Earnest was founded in 2013 to provide every responsible borrower with the opportunity to attend college and repay their student loans. Our mission is to make higher education accessible and affordable for everyone. We provide funding for current students and refinancing for those who have finished their education.
In 2026, we expanded our mission to include Personal Loans, bringing the same thoughtful underwriting, transparent terms, and borrower-first approach to help clients navigate life beyond education. Earnest Personal Loans are designed to support a wide range of financial goals, from consolidating debt to covering major life expenses, empowering individuals to feel confident with their finances. For more information on the kinds of loans we offer, feel free to check out this article.
Our loans are created with simplicity in mind. The application is designed for your convenience, with clear language and an intuitive design to help guide you. We work relentlessly to offer some of the lowest interest rates on the market because we see you as an individual, not a loan. Before applying, we invite you to take a look at our Eligibility Guide & Requirements for more information.
Our team comprises specialists in technology, including engineers, financial professionals, designers, and individuals passionate about transforming financial lending, one loan at a time.
We have offices in both Oakland and Salt Lake City. Although we don't have any brick-and-mortar locations, we do have a responsive and knowledgeable Client Happiness team. They’re available to assist you by phone, email, or chat and can be reached by clicking the "Get In Touch" button at the bottom of this article. For additional support, you may start a chat by clicking the green chat icon in the bottom right corner of the page.