Understanding Student Loans

Student loans for continuing education students are used expressly for paying for educational costs such as tuition, room and board, and other expenses for students in non-degree programs or part-time, degree-seeking students.

• Are private loans and should supplement federal or government student loans, where they are available.
• Are taken out from banks, lending companies or other private entities, in the student's name, often with a co-signer.
• May be available for part-time (or less than half-time) students. Half-time or less (or part-time) is generally 6 or fewer credit hours per term. Check with your school about how enrollment status is defined.

How to Use the Student Loan Comparison Tools

Save time and money by comparing multiple student loan options from a variety of leading lenders. Simply enter the amount you need to borrow and a little bit about yourself, when you need the student loans, and where you go to school to see a customized list of student loan options.

What to Look for in a Student Loan

Use the comparison tools on this site to consider all of the costs of a student loan, including fees and rates. Examine all of the attributes of each loan, such as:

• the annual percentage rate (APR)
• the total cost of the loan
• the monthly payment
• the loan's borrower rewards
• student loan deferment options

Students should also consider their own credit history and credit rating - little or no history or a low credit score means a borrower will most likely need a co-signer to be qualified for a continuing education student loan.