Applying Private Educational Loans

If you need more loan assistance than the $20,500 Federal Stafford Loan offers and you believe the federal PLUS Loan for Graduate Students is not the right choice for you, you may choose to apply for a private educational loan. Approval of private loans is dependent upon the applicant's satisfactory credit history.

When selecting a private loan, you should make sure you are choosing a loan that truly meets your need. Consider working from this list of questions when researching lenders.

Penn State’s Office of Student Aid offers resources for students considering private alternative loans.

Please note that terms offered by individual lenders are subject to change. Please check directly with the lender to verify details.