Private Educational Loans
Financial Aid Advising
In order to assist students with borrowing decisions, Student Financial Services has financial aid advising available to discuss loan indebtedness, loan amounts, and loan terms prior to applying for an private educational loan. Contact the Campus Hub if you wish to set up an advising appointment.
About Private Loans
Several private lenders offer educational loan programs. The terms of these loans vary from one lender to another. Some have fees attached to the loans along with interest. Repayment options also vary from one lender to another.
- 2025-2026 Other Loans Options Information Sheet (PDF - For Printing)
Eligibility
To be eligible for a private educational loan, students must meet the specific requirements of the loan they select. The lender may also require a creditworthy co-signer to determine approval of the loan application. A FAFSA must be on file in order for Student Financial Services to process a private loan application. Students who are prohibited from completing (or choose not to complete) the FAFSA must meet with a financial aid advisor for approval before the private loan application can be processed.
Choosing a Private Lender
FASTChoice is an online private educational loan comparison tool. It offers an opportunity for students to learn about private educational loans through its beneficial Borrowing Essentials tutorial and side-by-side comparison of selected lenders.
You may borrow from any lender you choose. We encourage you to compare interest rates, fees, and benefits to identify the most competitive options for your financial needs.
Learn more about Managing Your Student Loans.
Truth-In-Lending Act (TILA)
The Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) reauthorized the Higher Education Act (HEA) and amended the Truth-In-Lending Act (TILA). It established new institution based disclosure requirements and Private Education loan disclosures. It requires institutions to inform borrowers of their possible eligibility for Title IV loans and that the terms/conditions of the Title IV loans may be more favorable than Private education loans. This is to ensure an informed student loan borrower, borrower choice of lender, and transparency and high ethical standards in the student lending process.
