Apply for a Private Loan

1. Search for a Private Student Loan

You may conduct your own research for private student loans with any lender, bank or credit union. Many lenders offer an online application. You may also use the following resources to find a lender:

• The FASTChoice Lender List provides a list of lenders, information about interest rates and more, as well link to the online loan application available on the lender's website.

• You may also find a list of private student loans online at www.finaid.org/loans/privatestudentloans.phtml/.

2. Determine how much you can borrow

• First, add up all of your Financial Aid, this includes:
  • Scholarships (from Lawrence or other sources)
  • Grants (Lawrence Grant, Pell Grant, SEOG, state grant)
  • Federal Loans (Stafford, Perkins, PLUS)
  • Federal Work-Study or Campus Employment
• Subtract your Financial Aid from the Cost of Attendance (PDF) (Direct Costs + Estimated Expenses)
• This is the maximum amount your loan can be approved for. If you want to increase your private student loan amount, you would have to reduce your Federal Work-Study or Campus Employment. Contact the Financial Aid Office regarding this option.

• We highly recommend borrowing a private student loan over all terms of enrollment rather than reapplying for an individual loan each term.
• Plan. Please allow 3-4 weeks for processing, certification, and receipt of funds.
• The loan will not appear on your student account until the lender has confirmed credit approval and sent a certification request to Lawrence.