I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.
See all posts Frank GogolHow to Get Loans for Grad School
Updated on April 9, 2024
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Written by
Once you have shortlisted your college/school to pursue your graduate studies, the biggest hurdle that you need to cross is – planning for tuition fees and hostel and food bills, etc. Most students prefer opting for scholarships and grants, but in case you don’t get one, the next best option is applying for a student loan.
Before You Turn to Loans for Grad School
There is a lot to take into consideration before you apply for a student loan. For example, figuring out the actual cost of your studies including tuition, boarding, books, transportation, etc. Then you must always compare all the loan options before fixing one. The best way is to consider the 1-2-3 approach, i.e.:
Start with Money that Doesn’t have to Be Paid Back
It is always best to pay for your education with money where you don’t have to worry about paying back. This is when your savings come into the picture. According to a report, about 24% of the total cost for studies comes from a student’s savings.
To do this, however, you need to create a thorough budget to figure out how much your monthly expenses are going to be. To further assist you with the deficit in your total requirement, you can look at the followings:
Grants
You can apply for one of the several grants available out there for students of various streams. Grants are either need-based or merit-based. Need-based grants are given after carefully going through your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form or Expected Family Contribution (EFC) form. Merit-based grants are awarded to students with exemplary academic records and proven leadership skills.
Scholarships
Several organizations, companies, states, colleges, and other institutions offer scholarships for various programs. These are need-based and merit-based as well. You can apply for scholarships basis your school, your field of study, your region and demographics.
Explore Your Federal Loan and Student Loan Options
Once you have thoroughly researched all the available options for scholarships and grants, there are other avenues that can be explored. If you have submitted your FAFSA form, you may apply for federal financial aid such as:
Federal Direct Loans
Sometimes referred to as ‘Stafford
Direct Graduate PLUS Loans
These are credit-based
School-funded Aid
Some schools offer their wards the opportunity to work on campus and earn part-time. Additionally, some schools offer financial aid as well. You will be required to apply for it.
State Aid
You can also check via your state’s website if there is any aid/assistance available for graduate students.
Private Student Loans for Grad School
Different banks and credit unions offer private school
As with federal
3 Best Private Student Loans for Grad School
Stilt (Best for Students on Visas)
This is the best option for students who have a student Visa and have limited to zero credit score. Stilt Inc. offers loans to students, who have a US bank account and residential address, without even asking for a co-signer.
Citizens Bank (Best for Good Credit Scores)
For students with good credit score Citizens Bank provide easy loan options with variable and fixed-rate
Sallie Mae (Best for Long Repayment Terms)
Students who seek a loan with a longer repayment term may apply to Sallie Mae. Sallie May offers
Tips for Improving Your Chances of Approval
Applying for
Maintain Stable Employment
If you have a good educational background and have a steady job, your chances of getting your application approved are much higher compared to a person who hops from one job to another at frequent intervals. Lenders see stability as a sign that their money will come back to them.
Retain a Good Credit History and High Credit Score
The higher your credit score the better are your chances to get a lower interest rate from the banks. Generally, a borrower with a credit score greater than 700 gets a quick approval on their loan application. A high credit score also tells the lender that there is a high probability of their money being returned to them.
Get a Credit-worthy Co-signer
One big obstacle for many students in securing a student loan is the lack of a good credit-worthy co-signer. Banks require a co-signer while reviewing the application as the presence of a co-signer on a student’s application means that they will be able to recover their sum in any condition.
Shop Around for the Best Interest Rates and Fees
Before fixing upon a bank to borrow a loan from, it is advisable that you carefully go through all the available options in the market to find out the best interest rates for you. You must carefully review:
- Repayment terms
- Interest rates
- Processing fee
- Prepayment penalty (if any)
- Monthly and total payment
- Any other offers
Only attempt to borrow what you need
The best way to not feel overburdened by the loan is to borrow only what you need. Consult your financial advisor, dig into your savings and find out how much exactly you will need to borrow. This helps in reducing the interest sum that will come as part of the loan.
Personal Loans
for International Students!
Loans for up to $35,000. No cosigner required. No prepayment penalty.
Conclusion
It may seem like a daunting task to figure out how you will pay for your education, but all your efforts and time will pay rich dividends in the end. Always prioritize grants and scholarships over private student
Frank Gogol
I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.