College Loans > Overview
Find the right loan for college
Your Student Loan Options
Whether you're sending someone to college or attending school yourself, the cost of higher education shouldn't stand in the way of your success. We're here to help.
Explore your loan options
- We encourage you to consider Federal Stafford Loans and Federal Parent PLUS Loans with a fixed interest rate (for more information, contact your school)
-
If you need additional funds, our Certified Private Loans
have zero origination fees and a
2% Graduation Reward
Take control of college expenses
- You can get up to 100% of the money you need for college, including tuition, housing, books and more
- All loan amounts are school certified, so you won’t borrow too much
- Funds go directly to your school, so your tuition bills get paid automatically (and your school sends you any remaining funds)
Apply today
- Apply for a Certified Private Loan – it just takes a few minutes
- Reach a live person 7 days a week if you have any questions
Student Loans at a Glance
Many students and parents take more than one loan per single year of school. If a Federal Stafford Loan isn't enough to cover your student's full cost of attending school Annual cost of attending a specific school, including tuition, fees, room and board, books and supplies, transportation and personal expenses. This amount is determined by your school. , a Federal Parent PLUS Loan can bridge the gap. When a parent can help financially, we recommend a Federal Parent PLUS Loan before applying for a Certified Private Loan .
| Federal Stafford Loans | Federal Parent PLUS Loans | Certified Private Loans | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Borrower |
Student | Parent | Student (may require a Cosigner) | |||||||||||||||
Loan Provider |
Government | Government | Discover Student Loans | |||||||||||||||
Annual Loan LimitLoan amounts are certified and disbursed through your school |
Up to:
|
Up to 100% of your cost of attendance Annual cost of attending a specific school, including tuition, fees, room and board, books and supplies, transportation and personal expenses. This amount is determined by your school. minus other aid | Up to 100% of your cost of attendance Annual cost of attending a specific school, including tuition, fees, room and board, books and supplies, transportation and personal expenses. This amount is determined by your school. minus other aid | |||||||||||||||
Fees |
1% of loan | Up to 4% of loan | Zero origination fees | |||||||||||||||
Interest Rate2010-2011 |
4.5% fixed (subsidized loans) 6.8% fixed (unsubsidized loans) |
7.9% fixed | Variable based on credit evaluation, from Prime Index plus 0.50% to Prime Index plus 7.75% (see Prime Index & APR) | |||||||||||||||
0.25% Auto Debit Reward |
Check with your loan servicer | Check with your loan servicer | Yes | |||||||||||||||
2% Graduation Reward |
No | No | Yes | |||||||||||||||
Payment Deferment while in School |
No payments due until 6 months after graduation or enrollment in school less than half-time | Payments typically begin within 60 days of final disbursement; you have the option to defer payments until 6 months after graduation or enrollment in school less than half-time | No payments due until 6 months after graduation or enrollment in school less than half-time | |||||||||||||||
Repayment Term |
10 to 25 years | 10 to 25 years | 15 years | |||||||||||||||
Availability |
For more information, contact your school’s financial aid office | For more information, contact your school’s financial aid office | Available at many schools with 4- or 5- year degree programs | |||||||||||||||
FAFSA Required? |
Yes | No (but recommended) | No | |||||||||||||||
Credit Check Required? |
No | Yes | Yes | |||||||||||||||
Cosigner Required? |
No | No | Depends on credit | |||||||||||||||
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©2010 Discover Bank, Member FDIC | Lender ID 831312
