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SEARCH * SITE MAP * HGSE HOME * HGSE NEWS * HARVARD UNIVERSITY | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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STUDENT LOANSPlease note that this page provides links to information about both federal and alternative student loans, credit, and debt counseling. Some of these links will take you to other sites outside of the HGSE Financial Aid Office. The HGSE Financial Aid Office is not responsible for the contents of any of these sites. To return to the HGSE Financial Aid Office site use the "Back" button on your web browser.
Alternative Education Loan Programs Please note: Processing alternative loan requests can often be a lengthy process; loan applications are reviewed by the responsible lender/agency prior to its certification by the HGSE Financial Aid Office. Those students who know that they will require an alternative loan should begin the process as early as possible, but not before the end of June prior to the academic year for which they are applying. Students are encouraged to consider all options when choosing an alternative education loan. It is important to research and compare each option in detail so you select the best possible product for your individual needs. The options listed below highlight some popular lenders used by HGSE students; please refer to the specific lender’s website for comprehensive information regarding their loan program. This is only a small sample of educational lenders available and you are welcome to explore other sources of alternative financing not listed below and in the alternative loan comparison publication.Links to Popular Alternative Loan Program Sites
Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan Program (Grad PLUS)
Citibank Graduate PLUS Loan Program (Citibank PLUS)
MEFA Graduate Loan Program
Harvard Education Loan Program (HELP)
In order to be eligible for education loans from private sources (alternative education loans), applicants must demonstrate credit worthiness. Unlike federally sponsored loan programs, private education loan lenders carefully review an applicant's credit history to determine their eligibility for a loan. Individuals establish a credit history by borrowing money or charging retail purchases. Financial institutions and major retail stores report their customer's credit information to national credit bureaus, which, in turn, compile the information in the form of a credit report. A credit report is a record of every credit card, retail account, student and personal loan, and other credit accounts made or established in your name. In reviewing your credit report, the lender is trying to determine your ability and willingness to pay based on your payment history. A good credit record indicates that you are likely to repay the loan for which you are applying. If you are unsure about the status of your credit, you should request a copy of your credit report from a credit bureau. You may contact a local credit bureau in your area or one of the two national credit bureaus listed below:
Once you have received your credit report, please check it for accuracy. If the information on your report is incorrect, you should contact the credit agency and request that the information be investigated. It is also advisable to contact the company that has reported you to that credit agency. If the information on your report is correct and you do have credit problems, it is imperative that you try to resolve these as soon as possible. Contact the company that has reported you to the credit agency and discuss the steps necessary to clear up your credit problem. If you do succeed in clearing up your credit, you should request this in writing from the reporting company and subsequently submit this information to the credit agency. It may take several weeks to receive a credit report and several months to correct a credit problem, thus please plan accordingly. In the event that you may need to borrow through one of the alternative education loan programs, we encourage you to remedy any credit issues prior to coming to campus. Any questions or concerns that you may have regarding your creditworthiness should be addressed directly with the appropriate private education loan agency. Unfortunately, the HGSE Financial Aid Office is unable to assist you with personal credit problems or offer advice on the credit review process.
 Return to the HGSE Financial Aid Office Main Page |
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