Student Loans

Types of Student Loans

Loans may be offered to you as part of your financial aid award. They must be paid back with interest and can come from the federal government or from private sources such as banks or credit unions. Federal loans may be offered with lower interest rates and have more flexible repayment options. Evaluate your aid offer carefully. You are strongly encouraged to only borrow the amount you need.

Federal Student Loans

Federal student loans include many benefits (such as fixed interest rates and income-driven repayment plans) not typically offered with alternative student loans. More details about each type of federal student can be found below.

Private Student Loans

If federal aid, along with scholarships, state grants, tuition waivers, and personal savings is not enough to cover your educational expenses, you may wish to consider borrowing a private student loan. Below you will find information that should help guide you through the process of deciding if a private student loan is right for you.

Parent Loans

If federal aid, along with scholarships, state grants, tuition waivers and personal savings is not enough to cover your student's educational expenses, parents may wish to consider borrowing a parent loan.  Below you will find information which should help guide you as you decide whether a parent loan is right for you.

Short Term Loan

A Short Term Loan is intended to help students in an emergency situation when they have exhausted all other financial resources. Typically, this is the result of an unforeseen emergency situation or the need for funds prior to the arrival of financial aid. Please note that a Short Term Loan is NOT financial aid and cannot be used to pay student account charges. Short Term Loans may also be used for the purpose of receiving an advance payment of Pell Grant funds.

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