Financing Options
Before looking at the actual costs of the University, you should first consider applying for financial aid. Many who have thought that they would not be eligible for financial assistance, or that such assistance would not offer significant help, have been pleasantly surprised. Upon determining the total cost of your son or daughter's Brandeis education, you should consider that any significant expense is best funded with a combination of income from the past, present, and future. Income from the past that has been earmarked for education should be the first source you draw upon for payment of the bill. Other savings and investments should also be considered, although not entirely exhausted. Present income should be the next source from which you draw upon. If you cannot pay the final balance due at the beginning of each semester, but can set aside a certain amount of money from monthly income to pay the bill, you may wish to consider the 10-month payment plan. If upon combining your savings and current earnings you are still unable to cover the charges due for each semester, you may want to consider financing your son or daughter's educational costs with an educational or commercial loan.
10-Month Payment Plan
For a small application fee ($70 for fall and spring, and $50 for one semester only), but no interest or other finance charges, families may contract to have ten equal monthly installments deducted directly from a checking account. Payments are withdrawn from August 2008 to May 2009. A family need not pay the entire balance due through the payment plan; the payment plan may be used in combination with other family resources or parent/student loans. Applications for the 2008-09 payment plan will be mailed to families in early June. For more information, contact TMS at 888-216-4258 or sign up online.
Education Loan Programs
Education loan programs are most frequently used to fund education due to federal subsidies, the incorporation of in-school deferment options, and/or possible tax advantages (depending on the specific loan). Since each loan is credit-based, parents and/or students with credit problems may need to seek a cosigner to take advantage of these options. Unlike a home equity loan, these loans are intended solely for educational purposes, thus a borrower may not receive more than the budgeted cost of attendance less any financial aid received.
The loan programs featured in our BorrowSmart loan comparison tool were chosen based on their competitive interest rates, their flexible deferment and repayment options, their exceptional customer service, and their frequency of usage by our students in the 07-08 academic year. Students and families are advised to compare the loans featured in BorrowSmart with other private loan products to determine the loan that best suits their needs. Students and parents have the right to select the private education loan provider of their choice, and are not required to use any of the lenders or loans listed in BorrowSmart. Brandeis University strongly encourages students and parents to exhaust all federal borrowing options (Stafford Loans, Perkins Loans, and PLUS Loans) before considering private loans. Please be advised that Brandeis University is a participant in the Direct Lending Program and, thus, can only process Stafford Loans and PLUS Loans with the federal government as lender.
Borrow smarter! Use our new loan comparison tool now to select the private student or parent loan that is right for you!
Tuition Stabilization Plan
The Brandeis Tuition Stabilization Plan (BTSP) is a payment plan designed to help the parents of Brandeis students plan, manage, and afford the costs of a Brandeis education. By prepaying the entire undergraduate tuition, families eliminate future tuition increases and uncertaintly about these increases. For more information about this plan, please review our fact sheet and agreement.
Home Equity Loans or Lines of Credit
Home Equity Loans or Lines of Credit are secured loans with capital supplied by private lenders. Unlike the educational loan programs further described in this brochure, Home Equity Loans or Lines of Credit are not strictly for educational purposes, thus the amount that can be borrowed is determined by available equity in the applicant’s home, income, and outstanding debt. The interest rate will vary by lender and can include appraisal costs, points, application fees, closing costs, and/or attorney fees. The chief advantage to these loans is that the interest paid is, in most cases, tax deductible, whereas the interest on strictly educational loans generally is not. Due to the highly variable nature of this loan, it is not included in the loan comparison chart. Contact your private lender to obtain more information and/or an application.