Private education loans are often used to close the gap between educational cost and the amount of federal assistance you have received. Private lenders offer these loans; eligibility is based on your credit score. The interest rate will be variable and there is no cap. Applying for private loan with a co-signer may help you qualify for better terms.

Private loans are generally more costly and have fewer benefits than federal loans, although they can be a better alternative to using credit cards for education costs. Most private loans offer deferred payments until you leave school and often have flexible repayment options.

Be sure to understand the full impact a private loan will have on your financial aid package and your budget. Some lenders offer private loan in excess of the cost of attendance. Taking such a large loan may reduce the cost of attending school.

Consider alternatives to borrowing a private loan. Use savings, a part time job, a loan from a family member, a home equity loan or simply take steps to reduce the cost of attending school.

If you are choosing a private loan and are faced with few options, determine which loans is the best deal for you. If you plan to pay the private loan off over the usual 10 years, choosing a loan based on a lower interest rate rather than the low upfront fees will generally be less expensive. Before accepting a loan, be sure to review all terms and conditions. If you are unsure of the true cost of borrowing, or the effects on other aid, ask your financial aid office.

Ask prospective lenders these questions to help ensure you make the best choice:

1. Interest Rate
   How much is it? Fixed or variable? When does interest capitalize and how often?
   
2. Loan Amount
   Is there a maximum? Can I borrow more than the cost of my education? Can I use the loan to pay off a prior year's balance owed to my school?
   
3. Co-signers
   IIs a cosigner required? Is there a co-signer release process? Will having a co-signer lower the interest rate?
   
4. Fees
   Is there an application fee? Are there any disbursement fees? Are there any repayment fees?
   
5. Disbursement
   Is the loan check payable to me or the school? How long does it take to receive the funds?
   
6. Borrower Benefits
   Are there interest rate reductions that reward me for on-time payments or other actions?
   
7. Repayment
   What will my minimum payment be? When does payment begin? How long is the repayment period? Is there a prepayment penalty?
   
8. Billing
   Will I get one bill for all of my private loans? Can private loan bills be combined with federal loan bills?
   
9. Customer Service
   Whom do I call with questions about the application? Is that the number I'll call once I'm payments?
   
10. Deferments
    Will payments be deferred while I'm in school? If so, will interest continue to accrue?
    

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