Private Credit Based Alternative Loans

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Borrowers have the right and ability to select the education loan provider of their choice and are not required to use any of the lenders on this list.  Niagara receives no incentive or benefit from any lender on this list.  All of the listed lenders provide loans for Graduate and Undergraduate students to provide funds beyond what federal programs can offer.  Students can borrow up to cost of attendance minus financial aid.  All loans are variable interest rates unless otherwise indicated. 

  • Niagara University does not automatically certify alternative loans until students have completed the FAFSA and their eligibility for Federal Stafford Loans has been determined.
  • It is usually in the student’s best interest to borrow from the Federal Stafford Loan program first before borrowing an alternative loan.  There is no cap on the interest rate for an alternative loan.
  • If a student does not intend to complete a FAFSA and only wants an alternative loan, we must be notified in writing to determine your eligibility for the alternative loan.

Consumer Alert

  • Lenders look at your credit score to determine if you are a good credit risk.  Applying for more than one Alternative Loan will no longer negatively affect your credit score.  It’s treated as a “soft hit” on your credit report for both the borrower and the co-signer if you are applying to multiple lenders.
  • Be wary of any Direct to Consumer Loans that do not require a school certification.  Usually the interest rates on those loans are much higher.  If a school certification is not required you will be asked for a bill or a copy of your class schedule.
  • The Financial Aid Office is required by Federal regulations to make certain your aid does not exceed cost of attendance if the aid includes a loan.  The cost of attendance elements are set by federal regulation.
  • Important:  Pursuant to Section 155 of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, (HEA) and to satisfy the requirements of Section 128(e)(3) of the Truth in Lending Act, a lender must obtain a self-certification signed by the applicant before disbursing a private education loan. The school is required on request to provide this form or the required information only for students admitted or enrolled at the school.  This form is available on our website or in the Financial Aid Office upon request. 
  • Defaulting on your loan could prevent you from owning a car or a house one day, and it is virtually impossible to eliminate student debt by declaring bankruptcy except in extreme cases of hardship.

Questions you want to ask before borrowing an alternative loan.

  • What is the interest rate?
  • What is the cap on the interest rate?
  • When and how often is the interest capitalized (added to the principal)?
  • When does repayment begin?
  • What are the penalties for missing a payment?
  • Can you postpone payments after graduation; under what circumstances?
  • Is there in-school deferment for graduate school; and is there a maximum time for in-school deferment?

Lender Selection:

Niagara University’s Preferred Lender List is developed by surveying lenders on an annual basis in order to provide a resource to assist our students as they research loan options.  Lenders are asked to provide information regarding their benefits and services.  This includes:

  • Terms and conditions of the lender’s loan products (for example, interest rates, options for repayment length, etc.)
  • Borrower Benefits (for example, lender payment of fees, interest rate reductions for on-time payments)
  • Previous lender service to Niagara University
  • Previous lender service to borrowers
  • Loan processing (for example, speed of loan approval and disbursement, error resolution)

The information is carefully reviewed by the Financial Aid Office at Niagara University annually to ensure that our students receive the best possible service and benefits associated with their private educational loans.

Lenders order is alphabetical.  It is best to contact the lender concerning current rates and benefits.

Lender Description of Loan
Chase Select Loan
www.chaseselectloans.com/
Ph: 866-306-0868


The Chase Select Loan is privately sponsored and serviced by Chase Bank.  Students can borrow for less than half time, half time, or full time.  A co-borrower release option is also available after 36 consecutive on time payments.  It can be used to cover previous balances up to 12 months.  No fees.  No minimum income or employment requirement. Apply online.

CitiAssist Loan from CITIBANK
www.studentloan.com
Ph: 800-967-2400
Application CheckList
Disclosure Information

 

The Citiassist Alternative Loan is privately sponsored and serviced by Citibank.  Students can borrow for less than half time, half time, or full time.  A co-borrower release option after 24 consecutive on-time payments.  Past due balances are not covered.  0% or 3% fees may apply.  $18,500 minimum income or employment requirement. Apply online. 

Citizen's Bank
www.citizensbank.com/trufitstudentloan
Ph: 800-708-6684
Disclosure Information


The Trufit Student Loan is privately sponsored and serviced by Citizens Bank.  Students must be enrolled at least half-time in a degree granting program.  Cosigner release option is available after 36 consecutive on-time payments.  Zero fees.  Easy qualification with minimal income requirements.  Can cover past due balances up 180 days.  Apply online.

Discover Certified Private Loan
http://www.discoverstudentloans.com
Ph: 877-728-3030
8:00am - 12:00am, Sun-Sat (Eastern Time)
The Discover Private Loans have zero origination fees, competitive interest rates, a 2% Graduation Reward on outstanding principal balance at graduation, and a 0.25% auto debit reward.  No payments are due until 6 months after you graduate or enroll in school less than half-time.  You must be enrolled at least half time.  Past due balances covered up to 6 months.  Co-signer release option is not available.  No income or employment requirements. Apply Online.

New York Higher Education Loan Program (NYHELPs)
www.HESC.org/NYHELPs
NYHELPs - Website
NYHELPs - Student Loan Market Place

NYHELPs offers a competitively priced private loan with a fixed interest rate up to a maximum of $10,000 per academic year.  Must be a New York State resident for the last 12 months.  Cosigner is required and must also be a New York State resident for the last 12 months.  Must be enrolled at least half-time in a degree granting program.  Interest and/or principal payments may be required. Apply Online.

PNC Solution Loan
http://www.pnconcampus.com
Ph: 800-762-1001, option 1
8:00am - 6:00 pm, M-F (Eastern Time)

The credit application on the PNC Solution Loan is good for 180 days.  Zero fees.  Past due balances are covered up to 90 days.  Must be enrolled at least half time in a degree granting program.  Co-signer release option is available after 48 on time payments are made.  0.50% interest rate reduction for payments made with auto debit when in repayment.  Minimal income requirements apply. Apply Online.
Wells Fargo Collegiate Loan
www.wellsfargo.com/student
Ph: 800-658-3567
8:00am - 10:00 pm, M-F
7:00am - 12:00 pm, Sat (Eastern Time)
Collegiate Disclosure Information
Graduate Disclosure Information
MedCAP Disclosure Information
The Collegiate Loan is privately sponsored and serviced by Wells Fargo Bank, NA.  Students can be less than half time, half time, or full time in a degree seeking program per semester to qualify. A co-borrower release option is available after 24 consecutive on time payments.  Past due balances may be covered.  Zero fees.  $12,000 minimum income requirements.  Loan forgiveness on existing and future Wells Fargo private student loans in the event of the death of permanent disability of the student is now available.  The Wells Fargo Private Consolidation loan is not eligible. Apply Online.

If you would like to shop around and compare private student loans you can go to

http://studentlendinganalytics.com/ratings.html
www.elmselect.com