This is the first and most important step in finding funds outside of personal funds. Many schools and programs offer a loan processing service that will help guide the family through the application process. Please request student loan information from the school or program that you are considering. The schools and programs have established a “relationship” with the lending organization and the proper information about the school or program is already set.

Organizations that make student loans might be able to package the tuition with other costs and fees associated to the student’s support. Please check with the loan processor if transportation, uniforms and accessories may be included in the loan application.

Rates from these institutions vary based on various criteria and credit scores. Rates and fees are assigned according to the credit worthiness and debt to income ratio of the applicant.

A group of well-established organizations in this business are PrepGate, SLM (Sallie Mae), Key Bank (Achiever) and TERI. As lending institutions they have both the funds to make loans and the depth of funding to work with many families.