Private Educational Loans

Federal Funding First
Private educational student loans are a resource to fill funding gaps only after a student has exhausted their maximum Federal student loan eligibility. The terms and conditions of these credit-based private educational student loan programs vary, and as such, students are encouraged to review the details of the programs before selecting a private educational loan program.

If you do decide to pursue a private educational student loan, you'll need to contact your chosen bank or credit union and see what is required from them to receive a loan. Once approved, the lender will automatically contact the Financial Aid office (for most loans) to verify that you need money to pay for tuition and other education-related expenses.

Private Educational Loans Should Be Considered When The Following Situations Apply
  • The student has exhausted their Federal loan options and needs to borrow additional funds to meet their cost of education.
  • The student is unable to borrow Federal student loans because they do not meet the Federal Eligibility Requirements.
  • The student is responsible for financing their education, and he or she needs to borrow additional funds.

List of Lenders
The list below of private educational loan lenders has been selected based on lenders that students have used in the past. The lenders are simply listed alphabetically, and in no particular order of preference or recommendation.

Students are not obligated to use a lender on this list and may apply for a private educational loan with any lender they choose. This list is provided as a good place to start your search to compare private educational loan options.

Interest rates and terms and conditions vary per lender and can be obtained from the lender.

BECU: 1.866.253.5967 Facebook
Charter One: 1.800.721.3969 Facebook
Discover: 1.877.728.3030 Facebook
Sallie Mae: 1.888.272.5543 Facebook
Wells Fargo: 1.800.658.3567 Facebook

If you are applying for a private educational loan and plan to only use private funding for your education, please complete the CityU Data Sheet Planner. If you are utilizing federal funding and private funding, the Data Sheet Planner is not required.

All lenders will require that you complete a Private Education Loan Applicant Self-Certification form.

City University of Seattle adheres to the Financial Aid Code of Conduct.