ELFI review

What ELFI offers.

ELFI, short for Education Loan Finance, focuses on student loan refinancing. Put its quote next to the others using the same balance and term.

Our ranking

#3 of 4 in Student Loan Refinance

Service type

Private refinance

Best for

A refinance-only lender to compare

Pricing

Check current terms with the company

Website

elfi.com

Last reviewed

October 2026

ELFI pros and cons

ELFI costs, terms, and who qualifies

Once a federal loan is refinanced into a private one, income-driven repayment, forgiveness programs, and federal forbearance are gone for good. Read the current Federal Student Aid guidance before you apply anywhere.

Before you commit to ELFI, ask for today’s terms in writing for the exact product or service you want. Pin down every one-time and recurring charge, who qualifies, which states are covered, and how you cancel or get out.

Who ELFI is for

ELFI belongs on your list if you’re looking at private refinance. Start with the fit above, then put its written terms next to the other companies in this category before you commit.

When someone else may be the better pick

Enter the same balance and term with each lender. Keep fixed and variable quotes in separate columns, and note any autopay discount baked into the headline rate. The rate in the ad is the floor, not the rate most people get.

Ask about the minimum balance, hardship options, and repayment terms. If that doesn’t suit you, look at the alternatives below before you go any further.

What to ask ELFI

1. What will I have paid in total by the last payment?
2. What are my options if I lose my job?
3. Which federal protections disappear if I refinance?
4. Can I get the full agreement and today’s terms in writing?

How we reviewed ELFI

We keep what a company says about itself separate from what we could verify. A company only gets a score once we’ve confirmed its identity, current terms, and real costs and run it through the category’s research process. Until then, no number.