<ul data-eligibleForWebStory="true">Rates on 10-year fixed-rate private student loans decreased last week.The average fixed interest rate on a 10-year private student loan was 6.80% for borrowers with a credit score of 720 or higher.Average variable rates on five-year loans also decreased last week to 7.76%.Borrowers are advised to carefully consider fixed vs. variable rates and explore federal loan options for lower rates and more borrower protections.