For Graduate Students

We offer low-cost Federal Stafford Loans, including subsidized and unsubsidized loans. And if you want more options, we offer Federal Grad PLUS Loans and Certified Private Loans – totaling up to 100% of your graduate school expenses.

With any of these loans, you won’t have to make any payments while you are enrolled in school at least half-time. Our Certified Private Loans have zero fees and a 2% Graduation Reward – that’s zero up-front cost and a 2% cash reward on your outstanding principal balance at graduation.

Federal Stafford Loans Federal Grad PLUS Loans Certified Private Loans
Interest Rate 6.8% fixed 8.5% fixed Variable, from Prime plus 1.00% to Prime plus 7.75%, based on credit evaluation
Interest Credit 0.25% repayment interest rate reduction when payments are set up for automatic debit from a bank account 0.25% repayment interest rate reduction when payments are set up for automatic debit from a bank account 0.25% repayment interest rate reduction when payments are set up for automatic debit from a bank account
Fees 0.5% origination fee
1% default fee *
Zero prepayment fees
 3% origination fee
1% default fee *
Zero prepayment fees
 Zero origination fees
Zero default fees
Zero prepayment fees
Payments Zero payments until 6 months after graduation or enrollment in school less than half-time
10 to 25 year repayment period 		Zero payments until 6 months after graduation or enrollment in school less than half-time
10 to 25 year repayment period 		Zero payments until 9 months after graduation or enrollment in school less than half-time
20 year repayment period
Graduation Reward
(see Graduation Reward Policy) 		Not applicable Not applicable 2% of outstanding principal balance at graduation
Loan Limits Subsidized = $8,500
Unsubsidized = $20,500 minus any subsidized Stafford loan amount
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 Attendance minus other aid, based on school certification
 Up to 100% of your Cost of Attendance minus other aid, based on school certification
FAFSA Required Yes Yes No
Cosigner Required No No No, but adding a cosigner may improve your chances for loan approval and may lower your interest rate
Credit Check Required No Yes Yes

* Waived if paid by guarantor