There are many cost management opportunities available through commercial lenders. Similar to federal student loans, repayment can be postponed until the borrower graduates. Private loan interest begins accruing immediately and fluctuates with market rates. Unlike federal loans most undergraduate private loan borrowers will be required to have a cosigner. Overall, federal loan programs are less expensive than private loans and be consider first when developing your cost management plan.

The lender, not Bradley, determines eligibility for a private loan. However, the university is required to certify your enrollment and calculate the amount you can borrow. Total loan amount is limited to cost of education minus financial assistance. Proceeds from these loans are disbursed through Bradley.

The university does not endorse or recommend any specific private loan products. To link to a nonprofit, independent website that provides information about private student loan programs and offers a comparison calculator, click here.

While Bradley takes no position on any particular lenders or the quality of their products, the following list of private loan providers represents those frequently used (or recommended) by Bradley students during the past year:

• Chase
• Citiassist
• Discover
• Wells Fargo