Juno (formerly LeverEdge)

Juno, formerly known as LeverEdge, operates as a student loan negotiating service rather than a direct lender. It groups borrowers together to negotiate lower interest rates with lenders on their behalf, then passes those rates to members. This model is different from a traditional lender relationship.

Before using Juno or any private student loan service, you should complete the FAFSA and exhaust federal student loan options. Federal loans from the US Department of Education offer income-driven repayment, deferment, forgiveness programs, and other protections that no private loan product, regardless of rate, can replicate.

Juno's approach involves forming a group of student borrowers and negotiating with banks and credit unions to offer rates that are lower than those members might find independently. The actual loans are issued by the partner financial institution Juno selects, not by Juno itself.

For graduate students and MBA candidates in particular, Juno has historically focused its efforts and may offer access to competitive fixed or variable rate products through its partner lenders. Undergraduate student loan products may also be available depending on current offerings.

Because the lender in a Juno arrangement is a third-party institution, it is important to understand and evaluate the terms set by that actual lender, including the annual percentage rate, repayment terms, co-signer requirements, and any fees, rather than focusing solely on the rate Juno advertises.

Juno also offers student loan refinancing negotiation for graduates. If you are considering refinancing federal loans through any path Juno provides, be aware that this permanently removes access to federal income-driven repayment, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and other federal protections.

Verify current lender partners and product availability directly with Juno before applying.