Find the right loan for graduate school
Your Graduate School Loan Options
The cost of higher education shouldn't stand in the way of your success.
We're here to help.
Take control of graduate school expenses
- You can get up to 100% of the money you need for graduate school, including tuition, housing, books and more
- All loan amounts are school certified, so you won't borrow too much
- Funds go directly to the school, so your tuition bills get paid automatically (and you can still use remaining funds to pay for housing, books and more)
Choose from these loans
- Federal Stafford Loans with a fixed interest rate of 6.8%
- Federal PLUS Loans with a fixed interest rate of 8.5%
- Certified Private Loans with zero origination fees and a 2% Graduation Reward
Compare your options and apply today
- Choose the combination of loans that's right for you
- Apply online in just a few minutes
- Reach a live person 7 days a week if you have any questions
Graduate School Loans at a Glance
Many students take more than one loan per single year of school. If a Federal Stafford Loan isn't enough to cover your full cost of attending schoolAnnual 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 Grad PLUS Loan can bridge the gap. We recommend a Federal Grad PLUS Loan before applying for a Certified Private Loan.
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Federal Stafford Loans |
Federal Grad PLUS Loans |
Certified Private Loans |
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Borrower |
Student |
Student |
Student (may require a Cosigner) |
Annual Loan LimitLoan amounts are certified and disbursed through your school |
Up to $20,500 (certain programs for health professions may qualify for higher loan limits, see your financial aid office for exact amounts) |
Up to 100% of your
cost of attendanceAnnual 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 attendanceAnnual 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 |
0.5% federal origination fee
1% federal default feefor Federal Stafford Loans and Federal PLUS Loans – waived if paid by guarantor |
3% federal origination fee
1% federal default feefor Federal Stafford Loans and Federal PLUS Loans – waived if paid by guarantor |
Zero origination fees |
Interest Rate |
6.8% fixed (subsidized loans)
6.8% fixed (unsubsidized loans) |
8.5% fixed |
Variable based on credit evaluation, from Prime Index plus 1.00% to Prime Index plus 7.75% (see Prime Index & APR) |
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Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
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Not applicable |
Not applicable |
Yes |
Payment Deferment while in School |
No payments due 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 |
No payments due until 9 months after graduation or enrollment in school less than half-time |
Repayment Term |
10 to 25 years |
10 to 25 years |
20 years |
Availability |
Available at all schools that participate in the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP). Eligible schools will display Federal Stafford Loan as an option in the first step of our online application |
Available at all schools that participate in the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP). Eligible schools will display Federal Grad PLUS Loan as an option in the first step of our online application |
Available at many schools with graduate degree programs
Eligible schools will display Certified Private Loan as an option in the first step of our online application |
FAFSA Required? |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Credit Check Required? |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Cosigner Required? |
No |
No |
Depends on credit |
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