Federal Graduate PLUS Loan: Choosing a Lender

Choosing a lender is an important decision. You are beginning a relationship with a loan provider who works with you for many years over the life of your loan. Below are several lenders that our research has shown provide competitive loan products and services. Take a look at what they offer to give yourself some basic knowledge of what you can expect in today's student lending market. Borrowers have the right and ability to select the education loan provider of their choice, are not required to use any of the listed lenders, and will suffer no penalty imposed by the College for choosing a lender that is not on this list.

If you would like more information on how this lender list was created, please feel free to view Lewis & Clark's lender list policy.

• You must file a FAFSA before SFS can certify your Grad PLUS Loan.
• Make sure to process all of your Federal Stafford Loan eligibility first.
• First-Time Grad PLUS Loan Borrowers must complete an online Entrance Interview before their loan will be processed.
• Federal Graduate PLUS Loan funds will be evenly divided over your academic year, unless the loan period given on your application indicates differently.
• You must apply for your loan directly with the lender.
• If you would like to borrow through a lender not listed below, contact them directly for information on how to apply.
• Law students attending summer, fall, and spring: review the information given in your financial aid packet regarding the Borrower-Based Academic Year before proceeding.

There is a non-waivable Federal PLUS Loan origination fee of 3% as required by law, as well as a 1% default fee that may be paid on your behalf, depending on your lender selection. Most lenders offer attractive borrower benefits and incentives for repayment. However, there may be less than 15% of borrowers who actually receive the benefits for reasons such as consolidation of loans in the future or making late payments. You should always review the current benefits at the lender's website when you select a lender.

Feel free to print out the Questions to Ask guide and the Grad PLUS Loan Comparison Chart,* then use the information to direct your research.

*It is important to note that the Loan Comparison Chart provided here contains information that is only accurate as of February 2008. Several lenders have changed their benefits in recent months and the most accurate information should be procured directly from their websites.

Get more information on the Federal Graduate PLUS Loan program.