Alternative Loan Lenders

Alternative Loans

Alternative loans are available to students who are not eligible for financial aid or who need additional funds to meet educational expenses. The student's eligibility is determined by the cost of attendance minus other financial aid or the annual loan maximum amount as determined by the lender. In addition, the lender will look at your credit history as well as other factors to determine if it will lend to you. You may be denied by one lender and approved by another because of the different ways they interpret your information.

Alternative loans are not for everyone. They can be expensive and should be borrowed when all other federal resources, such as Federal Direct Stafford and Federal Direct PLUS Loans, have been exhausted.

Before You Apply for an Alternative Loan

The Office for Student Financial Affairs encourages all students eligible for federal loans to maximize their eligibility before borrowing any alternative loans.

Before applying for an alternative loan, contact your financial aid adviser. Your adviser can ensure that you have received your maximum eligibility in federal aid and help you determine the correct amount to borrow in an alternative loan.

We recommend that you review many alternative loan lenders and research their policies and loan terms to decide which lender is best for you. We will process an alternative loan with the lender of your choice.

Things to Consider when Selecting a Lender

Applications and Eligibility

Requirements vary according to lender. Some of the most common requirements are listed below.

The borrower:

must be an undergraduate or graduate student in a degree or certification program
must be enrolled at least half-time
must be a creditworthy borrower or a borrower with a creditworthy cosigner
may be required to be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or eligible non-citizen.

Interest Rates and Fees

Many education loans involve fees. These fees are usually presented as a percentage of the requested loan amount. Fees are usually added to the amount you requested to borrow - but sometimes they are deducted from loan proceeds. You should consult your selected lender and read your promissory note carefully to determine the type of fee (if any) associated with your loan.

Some loans are more credit-sensitive than others. Alternative loans have specific qualifications and may have higher rates and fees for borrowers with less than perfect credit.

When shopping for an alternative loan, be aware that the advertised interest rate may be introductory or limited to highly qualified borrowers. The rate that you are offered may be considerably higher depending on your creditworthiness.

Repayment and Deferment

Deferment is an important principle in student loans. Since in many cases students do not have any income, lenders are often willing to allow deferment of payments while the borrower is enrolled in school at least half-time. During this time, interest may accrue, but the student does not need to make any monthly payments. Some loans will allow you to pay the accruing interest during this time; these are called interest-only payments.

Deferment usually lasts from the time the money is taken until graduation, plus some additional number of months, called a "grace period." (This is typically 6 to 12 months.) This will vary from lender to lender, and product to product, so check each loan for details.

Borrower Benefits

Borrower benefits can significantly alter the cost of your loan. Make sure you research the fine print on a lender's borrower benefits and keep up your end of the bargain.

Some borrower benefits can be lost if:

You fail to continuously pay on time and/or discontinue use of auto debit for your monthly payment
Your loan is sold to another lender

Additionally, if you fail to keep meeting the requirements you may owe your lender the amount you have saved.

Where can I find alternative loan lenders?

Your bank, credit union, or other financial institution can be a good place to start your search for a reputable lender, however, you should always compare several loan options or lenders.
Employers sometimes help families pay for children's education by offering financing options of their own. For example, some employers help employees with education expenses such as education through private loans, through automatic deductions from paychecks, and other financing options.
Use the internet. Search websites that list alternative lenders, such as www.finaid.org/loans/privatestudentloans.phtml. Read blogs and consumer reports to help direct you to a good lender.

Helpful Hints

Take your time and compare multiple lenders and loan programs. Remember, the decision you make will affect you for the life of your loan.
Generally, a co-signer with good credit can help you secure a lower interest loan with no or low fees.
Many lenders process Federal Family Education Loans (FFEL) in addition to alternative loans. The University of Florida is a Direct Lending school and does not participate in the FFEL program. Make sure that you apply for an alternative or private loan.
Keep a copy of your loan application and other related documentation for your own records.
When speaking to lenders on the phone, always get the name of the person you are talking to. Once you decide on a loan, keep records of the address, phone number, and fax number of the lender so you can easily contact the lender if you have additional questions or need assistance.
Check the status of your loan request by calling your lender's borrower services department. Be sure you have supplied all required documents.
Make sure that the "Local Home Mailing Address" you have on file in the UF Directory is up to date. Checks for alternative loans must be mailed, and an invalid address may cause long delays in receiving your money. You can update your "Local Home Mailing Address" at www.isis.ufl.edu under the "Personal Info" link.
Alternative loan applications will ask that you enter a requested loan period, or the dates for which you need a loan. Use the dates listed below.

Fall Only

Fall and Spring

Spring Only

Summer A Only

Summer A and B

Summer B Only

08/24/2009 to 12/21/2009

08/24/2009 to 05/04/2010

01/05/2010 to 05/04/2010

05/10/2010 to 06/18/2010

05/10/2010 to 08/09/2010

06/28/2010 to 08/09/2010

Questions to Ask Prospective Lenders

What is the application process?
What is the approximate time it takes to obtain a decision for loan approval?
Who is eligible to borrow the loan? Is a co-signer required?
Is there an option to release the co-signer at a later date?
What are the credit criteria for loan approval?
What is the minimum and maximum loan amount per year?
What web-based services do you provide?
Are there minimum enrollment requirements?

Is the interest rate fixed or variable? If variable, how frequently can the rate change?
Does the interest rate have a cap?
Is the rate offered for a limited time only? For example, is it an introductory rate? What happens after the initial rate ends?
Does the interest rate change when I enter repayment?
What fees are applied to the loan and when and how are they applied?
What is the Annual Percentage Rate (APR)?
How often is loan interest capitalized?

When does repayment begin?
Is the interest and/or principal deferred while I am in school?
What are the terms and conditions for hardship deferments/forbearance?
What is the maximum length of time for which I can receive my deferment?
What are the repayment options and are there any repayment benefits?
What is the definition of an "on-time" payment?
Is there a penalty for early repayment?
Is there a grace period after graduation?

What borrower incentives or discounts are offered?
How do I qualify for borrower incentives?
Will I keep my benefits if my loan is sold?
Under what circumstances can my benefits be lost?

Is there an online interface to my account information?
Does the lender provide toll-free customer service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week?