Credit-Based Loans

When considering a student loan, we urge you to compare loan terms, interest rates, and repayment options to determine the best fit for your circumstances. Before applying for a private credit-based loan, be sure to consider Federal Direct Loans and Federal PLUS Loans. Although Federal PLUS Loans and private credit-based loans both include a credit-check, there are many differences for borrowers to consider.

If you decide to borrow a private credit-based loan, we encourage you to use Credible.com to research private credit-based loan options. Credible is a free online loan selection tool that allows you to compare prequalified ratesPrequalified rates are based on the information you provide and a soft credit inquiry. Receiving prequalified rates does not guarantee that the Lender will extend you an offer of credit. You are not yet approved for a loan or a specific rate. All credit decisions, including loan approval, if any, are determined by Lenders, in their sole discretion. Rates and terms are subject to change without notice. Rates from Lenders may differ from prequalified rates due to factors which may include, but are not limited to: (i) changes in your personal credit circumstances; (ii) additional information in your hard credit pull and/or additional information you provide (or are unable to provide) to the Lender during the underwriting process; and/or (iii) changes in APRs (e.g., an increase in the rate index between the time of prequalification and the time of application or loan closing). (Or, if the loan option is a variable rate loan, then the interest rate index used to set the APR is subject to increases or decreases at any time). Lenders reserve the right to change or withdraw the prequalified rates at any time...., terms, and eligibility rules side-be-side in just a few minutes. With your approval, Credible will pull a soft credit inquiry – which will not affect your credit score – but will enable you to compare the actual interest ratesA loan expense charged a borrower for the use of borrowed money. Interest is calculated as a percentage of the principal of the loan, which includes the original amount borrowed and any capitalized interest. you qualify for at multiple lenders. Your information will be secured by Credible with 256-bit encryption technology and you are free to review Credible’s privacy policies in more detail if you have any questions.

While requesting prequalified ratesPrequalified rates are based on the information you provide and a soft credit inquiry. Receiving prequalified rates does not guarantee that the Lender will extend you an offer of credit. You are not yet approved for a loan or a specific rate. All credit decisions, including loan approval, if any, are determined by Lenders, in their sole discretion. Rates and terms are subject to change without notice. Rates from Lenders may differ from prequalified rates due to factors which may include, but are not limited to: (i) changes in your personal credit circumstances; (ii) additional information in your hard credit pull and/or additional information you provide (or are unable to provide) to the Lender during the underwriting process; and/or (iii) changes in APRs (e.g., an increase in the rate index between the time of prequalification and the time of application or loan closing). (Or, if the loan option is a variable rate loan, then the interest rate index used to set the APR is subject to increases or decreases at any time). Lenders reserve the right to change or withdraw the prequalified rates at any time.... on Credible is free and does not affect your credit score, applying for a loan will involve a hard credit pull that impacts your credit score. Likewise, closing a loan will result in costs to you. You are not required to borrow from any of the lenders on Credible and there is no penalty for selecting a lender who is not listed on Credible.

If you are interested in applying for a credit-based loan, it’s advised that you do so no more than 90 days prior to the start of the enrollment period.

You must complete Private Education Loan Self-Certification Form and submit it to the lender before your application for a private educational loan can be processed.

Credit-based Loans Offered by Your State

The University cannot guarantee that this is a comprehensive list of credit-based loans offered by states, and we encourage you to check with your state about the availability of such loans. You are not required to borrow from any of the lenders listed here or in other University materials. You may consider and choose any lender without penalty.