Private Student Loans
Private student loans are available for students who are not eligible for federal loans for any of the following reasons:- Enrolled less than half-time (1.5 credits/units per term)
- Enrolled in a non-degree or certificate program
- Non-matriculated
- Not a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
- Borrowing funds for a past loan period
As with all student loans, the amount borrowed must be for educational expenses and cannot exceed (including all other sources of aid) the Cost of Attendance for the loan period. The loan period for which funds are borrowed must be a time during which the student was, is or will be enrolled at Northwestern. The minimum loan period is one quarter. The maximum loan period is four quarters. Loans cannot cover more than one academic year. You must reapply for student loans each academic year.
Information about private loans:
- Explore your options - learn about other types of aid
- Federal versus private loans - understand the difference between federal and private loans
- Applying for private student loans - read about the private student loan application process
- Disbursement of funds - get an overview of how private loan funds are distributed
Am I in the right place?
The information in this section applies to graduate students in:
- Bienen School of Music
- School of Communication
- School of Education and Social Policy
- The Graduate School
- McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science
Not you?
See Financial Aid Offices for your appropriate contact.