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.

Brandeis University strongly encourages students to exhaust all federal sources of financial aid before considering private loans. To apply for federal aid, the student and, if applicable, the parents must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online. Title IV federal assistance includes the Federal Pell Grant (awards range from $767 to $7,395 for undergraduates), the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (awards are typically $1,000 undergraduates), Federal Direct Stafford Loans (maximum of $5,500/year for first-year students, $6,500 per year for sophomores, $7,500 per year for juniors and seniors and $20,500 for graduate students).

PLUS Loan

Parents or graduate students may want to apply for a Federal Direct PLUS Loan. To learn more about this option, please visit our PLUS Loan page.

Non-Federal Loan Programs

Note: Brandeis University does not endorse any of the lenders included at the links above and cannot recommend specific lenders. Students may also choose to use a loan provider that does not appear in the list of lenders included at either of the links above.