Private Educational Loans

Do not apply for a private educational loan until you have exhausted your eligibility for federal, state and institutional financial aid programs. 

We urge you to research the answers to the following questions before applying for this type of loan or signing any loan paperwork.

Eligibility
• What are the minimum and maximum loan amounts available?
• How will my credit rating affect my loan?
• Is a co-borrower required?
• Is there an option to release the co-borrower at a later date?

Interest Rate and Fees
• Is there an interest rate cap?
• What is the current interest rate?
• What additional fees, interest reductions, or other incentives are offered during the life of the loan?
• How is my loan capitalized—annually or only at repayment?

Repayment Terms and Conditions • What are the minimum and maximum terms and payment ?
• When do payments begin?
• Can interest only payments be made while still in school?
• Is there a penalty for paying off the loan early?
• Are grace periods, deferments, or forbearance offered? If so, what are the conditions and how is interest capitalized during these periods?

Service
• What is the turnaround time for credit decision and disbursement of funds?
• How are problems resolved? Does problem resolution occur by phone, online, or another method?
• What is the lender’s policy on selling loans to other lenders after the loan has been disbursed? 

The Private Loan Marketplace

Once you have done your research and have decided on a private student loan, you can find a loan by using the Private Student Loan Marketplace.  The Marketplace presents, side-by-side, specific loan rate and terms you would see if you applied with each lender directly.  You should pick the private loan that is most appropriate to you and continue on to your chosen lender to complete the loan process.  

The Marketplace pulls your credit report to instantly simulate the actual terms of the loans available to you from local and national lenders - complete with APR, interest rate, total cost, monthly payment, borrower benefits, fees and repayment options.  Your credit report will not be harmed by using the Marketplace.  Complete the loan application as instructed to ensure that you receive the rate and terms you selected in the Marketplace. As a final reminder, it's important to know and understand the terms of your loan.  Before you sign the loan application, be sure to view all loan disclosure information.