Private Education Loans

Private Education Loans are credit based, non federal loans obtained from various private financial institutions. We suggest exploring your federal loan options before applying for a Private Education Loan.  

Fordham students’ approval rate for Private Education Loans is considerably lower than the approval rate for Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans. Many students need a creditworthy cosigner to be approved for a private loan.   

The strength of your and/or your cosigner’s credit background will determine your interest rate.  Interest rates can be variable or fixed. The period of repayment varies by lender, and typically ranges from five to 25 years.  

Some lenders offer Private Education Loans solely in a parent or sponsor’s name.  

Students and sponsors can borrow up to the Cost of Attendance less all other financial aid.

Private Education Loan Disclosures

Fordham University staff is available to discuss loan options if students are seeking to decide between a Federal Direct Loan or a private education loan. Contact the financial aid office to speak with a counselor and discuss your options.

Upon request, Fordham University will provide the self-certification form for private education loans required under Sec. 128(e)(3) of the Truth in Lending Act (15 U.S.C. 1638(e)(3) and the information required to complete the form, to the extent that Fordham University possesses the information.