Alternative Loans

Students and parents sometimes wish to borrow non-federal education loans, called “private loans” or “alternative loans,” to help with remaining college expenses. Numerous lending institutions offer private alternative education loans, which may be combined with institutional, federal, and state financial aid up to cost of attendance.

Lafayette maintains a list of the lenders our students have used over the past three years that still offer educational loans. Please note that this list is not inclusive or an endorsement of any specific lender or product.

Access the lender list for private education loans.

We offer this advice when families are seeking financing options:

Explore the monthly payment plan for short-term financing.
If you must borrow, take full advantage of federal student and parent loans ahead of private loan programs as they may have more favorable terms.
All education loans not certified by Lafayette must be reported to our office so that we may account for that funding in the financial aid package.
Be cautious about unsolicited loan offers from direct-to–consumer marketing.
You may choose any lender, but make sure you do your research.

For more information, contact the Office of Financial Aid, (610) 330-5055, financialaid@lafayette.edu.