Basic Information

Before taking out a private loan to finance the family or student contribution, consider the Federal Parent PLUS Loan for Undergraduate Students or the Federal Graduate and Professional Student PLUS Loan. Both loans are credit-based (rather than need-based), have fixed interest rates, require no collateral and do not impose an early payment penalty.

Private financing programs are unsecured educational loans made by private financial institutions such as a banks or credit unions. These are loans that must be repaid with interest. The interest rates, origination and repayment fees for this loan program are based on the credit-worthiness of the borrower and/or co-borrower. Interest rates will vary on a monthly or quarterly basis. Repayment generally begins immediately after full disbursement. Although payment may be deferred during periods of at least halt time enrollment and economic hardship, interest will accrue on the loan from the date it is disbursed. Rules for repayment and deferment vary from lender to lender. Check with your lender for more information.

How To Apply

• If you have not already done so, fax the appropriate completed form to the Financial Aid Office. (For instructions, visit www.usc.edu/contactfao.)
• 2008-2009 Supplemental Form for Undergraduate Students
• 2007-2008 Supplemental Form for Undergraduate Students
• 2008-2009 Supplemental Form for Graduate Students
• 2007-2008 Supplemental Form for Graduate Students
• Apply online with the lender of your choice. (Once the lender has approved the student's credit—and that of the co-borrower, if appropriate—and received all necessary documentation, USC will be contacted for loan certification. USC processes these requests promptly.)

Private Financing Lenders

Students and families may borrow from any lender.

USC has analyzed all known lender programs of this type offered to USC students. The terms of the analysis include, but were not limited to, interest rates, fees, repayment duration, and other repayment options. The lender program rankings that resulted from our analysis were reviewed by an independent accounting firm.

The top lender programs for private loans, based on the analysis described above, are shown on this page in alphabetical order. Bear in mind that USC does not endorse or recommend specific lenders. For more information, contact the Financial Aid Office at www.usc.edu/contactfao.