Since private educational loans generally have higher interest rates than Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans, we recommend that you first consider borrowing a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan if you are a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident. International students have other private loan options, which can be found by visiting All Other Graduate Student Loans.
If you need to borrow additional funding to help cover educational costs, we advise choosing only one credit-based loan option. This will simplify repayment in the future. You can opt to use any lender of your choice, whether they are listed here or in other University material. Please remember, unlike Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans, private educational loans and the Federal Graduate PLUS Loan are credit-based.
For more information on credit-based loans available to graduate students, including the Federal Graduate PLUS loan and a sample of other private lenders, please visit All Other Graduate Student Loans.
Graduate PLUS Loan: U.S. citizens and permanent residents apply initially on their own signature without a co-signer. Students unable to meet the credit criteria may be able to borrow with a creditworthy co-signer or “endorser.” Please submit your completed loan request on the Federal Student Aid website. International students are not eligible to apply for the Graduate PLUS Loan.
Private Credit-Based Loans: U.S. citizens and permanent residents may first apply on their own signature or may use a co-signer. International students must apply with a creditworthy U.S. citizen or permanent resident with a U.S.-based address.
Please remember that total financial aid, including federal and private loans, scholarships, stipends, work study, etc., cannot exceed your cost of attendance (which is the sum of your tuition, fees, and living expenses).