Loans

Money that students or parents must repay after graduation. There are several federal loan programs that offer fixed interest rates and deferment options, as well as private education loans from various lenders.

Federal Direct Student Loans

Federal loans funded directly by the U.S. Department of Education help students cover higher education costs. They offer fixed interest rates, income-driven repayment options, and do not require a credit check for most undergraduates. Eligibility is determined by completing the FAFSA.

Learn more about federal student loans

Institutional Student Loans

These loans are limited to International Students as part of a need based financial aid award. 

Learn more about institutional student loans

Federal Direct Parent Loans

Federal loans available to biological, adoptive, or eligible stepparents of dependent undergraduate students. Parents can borrow up to the total cost of attendance minus any other financial aid received.

  • Borrower Responsibility: The loan is solely in the parent’s name, and repayment is the legal responsibility of the parent borrower.
  • Credit Requirement: Requires a basic credit check. Repayment generally begins after full disbursement, though deferment options are available while the student is in school.

Learn more about federal parent plus

Alternative/Private Loans

Non-federal loans offered by commercial lenders such as banks, credit unions, and state agencies.

  • Credit-Based Approval: Approval and interest rates (which can be fixed or variable) depend heavily on creditworthiness. Most undergraduate students require a creditworthy cosigner to qualify.
  • Terms: They generally lack the standard federal protections, such as income-driven repayment plans or broad deferment options. On our dashboard you can compare fees, repayment options, cosigner releases, etc. 

Visit Our Dashboard of Lenders