For the first time, banks and other private student loan lenders are now offering attractive fixed rate loans.
Sallie Mae and Discover became the latest companies to do that. They join Wells Fargo and five other private lenders in offering fixed low rates.
The rates vary, but Sallie Mae's fixed rate loans start at 5.75 percent. Compare that to the federal unsubsidized Stafford loans at 6.8 percent. Subsidized Stafford loans are also expected to spike to 6.8 percent this summer unless Congress acts.
