The following steps represent borrowing options beginning with the best value and proceeding to other, less favorable loan options based on interest rates, loan terms and conditions, and repayment options. These loan options may be used alone or in combination with each other. Select the loan links below for more information about each option.
Step 1:
Perkins Loan
Loan program awarded to our highest need students.
University Loan
Loan program awarded to undergraduate students who demonstrate high
financial need.
Federal Direct
Stafford Loan
A federal loan program available to all students.
Step 2:
Federal
Direct Parent (PLUS) Loan
When undergraduate students need funding beyond the Stafford or
Perkins Loan, parents may need to consider the PLUS Loan.
Step 3:
Alternative Loans
Students who need additional funds after considering the feasibility
of the loan options in Steps 1 and 2--or students who are ineligible
for federal aid--may need to apply for an alternative loan.
To better evaluate the Federal Parent PLUS and alternative loans, please review the PLUS vs. alternative loan side-by-side comparison.
