Alternative Educational Loans

Alternative loans are non-federal educational loans provided by private lenders. 

Students are advised to consider federal aid options first. RPI has no affiliations or recommendations regarding specific lenders on this site.

Typically, the student is the primary borrower and may need a credit-worthy co-signer. Most lenders do not lend to students under 18, even with a co-signer, and consider factors like income and debt in eligibility decisions.

Loan terms vary by lender, including options for in-school deferment, interest rates, fees, and repayment terms. Most lenders offer in-school deferment and the choice of fixed or variable rates, which depend on credit rating. Loans can cover the cost of attendance minus awarded aid, with repayment usually starting after disbursement for the academic year.

Explore loan options and apply online with preferred lenders in the ELM Resources National Disbursement Network

Alternative lenders serving RPI students over the past three years.

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Academy Hall
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
110 8th Street
Troy, New York 12180-3590

Phone: 518-276-6813
Fax: 518-276-4797

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