Earnest

Earnest is a technology-enabled fintech lender headquartered in San Francisco, California, that offers a range of education financing products tailored to the unique needs of its clients. Since its founding in 2013, Earnest has focused on making higher education both accessible and affordable for everyone. The company provides private student loans, student loan refinancing, and personal loans, specializing in low-interest rates based on individual financial profiles rather than solely on credit scores. The company’s approach is characterized by merit-based lending, which evaluates a borrower's entire financial situation, including education, employment history, and income potential.

Earnest empowers its clients by offering customizable loan terms and providing tools that allow borrowers to manage their loans effectively. As of now, Earnest has helped over 293,000 clients, refinancing more than $19.6 billion in student loans, making it a key player in the financial technology landscape. The company emphasizes client happiness, with an in-house team available to assist clients through the application process and to provide ongoing support. A founding member of the Fintech Equality Coalition, Earnest is committed to fostering a more equitable financial ecosystem, ensuring that everyone has access to essential financial resources.