Earnest, a prominent fintech company dedicated to enhancing affordability in higher education, has been recognized on CNBC’s prestigious list of the World’s Top FinTech Companies of 2024, in partnership with Statista, a leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider.
David Green, CEO of Earnest, emphasized their mission stating, “From our recent survey, we know that 92% of recent college grads would have approached college differently if they had understood the total amount of money they would owe – something we’re committed to changing.” The survey highlighted that graduates, considering their post-graduation debt, would have chosen more lucrative majors or more cost-effective institutions, delayed enrollment, or even opted not to attend college altogether. Green expressed gratitude for the recognition on CNBC’s list, emphasizing Earnest’s goal not only to rank among the top fintech companies but also to empower students in making informed financial decisions responsibly.
Earnest prioritizes transparency and student welfare by helping reduce overall educational costs, accelerate debt repayment, and promote financial stability. Their approach includes providing clear insights into loan terms and payment options, illustrating how each choice impacts total loan costs. Earnest’s teams, including Client Happiness and Going Merry, offer comprehensive guidance on financial options tailored to students’ needs.
Since its establishment in 2013, Earnest has served over 264,000 satisfied clients and refinanced $18.7 billion in student loans. The company maintains a stellar 4.7/5 star rating on Trustpilot and was previously recognized as the Best Private Student Loan Lender by U.S. News & World Report.
In a strategic move in 2021, Earnest acquired Going Merry to further support students in achieving financial stability before taking on debt. Going Merry, widely used in two-thirds of U.S. high schools, provides valuable resources such as scholarships and financial aid guidance to streamline the college application process.