Additional borrowing options
Private lenders offer alternativeÌýloans.ÌýºÚÁÏÉçÇø does not recommendÌýanyÌýparticularÌýprivateÌýlender.ÌýLearn more about private alternative education loans.
Students should utilize alternative loans only as a last resort.ÌýImportant facts about alternative loans to keep in mind include:
- Alternative student loans are funded by private lendersÌý(notÌýtheÌýFederalÌýgovernment)ÌýÌýand are not based on need.
- The amount borrowed cannot exceed your cost of attendance minus other financial aid.
- These loans are primarily used to supplement the federal programs when federal aid and scholarships do not meet the cost of attendance.
- Alternative loans are based on a student's creditÌýhistory and often require a cosigner.
- ºÚÁÏÉçÇø does not recommend any specific lender.ÌýYou are free to use any lender you choose as long as they will work with ºÚÁÏÉçÇø. For information on lenders that we have successfully worked with in the past, please visit .
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What should I do before applying for an alternative loan?Ìý
- Determine if you really need an alternative loan.ÌýÌýDiscuss your situation with financial aid staff to determine what other options are available to you (payment plans, financial aid, employer benefits, scholarships).
- Ask lenders about:Ìý cosigners, interest rates, interest caps, additional fees, borrowerÌýrepaymentÌýincentives, repayment terms, penalties for early repayment, late charges, etc.
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HowÌýdoÌýIÌýapplyÌýfor a private alternative loan?
- Decide on a lender.
- Complete allÌýnecessaryÌýpaperworkÌýincludingÌýaÌýSelfÌýCertification form.Ìý The Truth in Lending Act requires this form; and it should be available on your lender's website.
- Your lender will send us notification that you have been approved.
- We certify the loan based on lender criteria and establish the dates funds should be sent to ºÚÁÏÉçÇø.
- Your alternative loan will appear on your account at the College.
- Funds will be applied to your outstanding balance, and any excess monies will be refunded to you.
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