Private Alternative Loans
Private alternative loans are credit-worthy loans borrowed by a student for tuition and fees. They are not backed by the federal government. The interest rates are higher than for the Direct Stafford Loan and the Direct Graduate PLUS loan, and they usually have higher fees and less flexible repayment options than federally backed loans.
Private loans should be considered if you are not eligible for a federally backed loan. For more information about private alternative loans, click here.
You will need to fill out an Alternative Loan Deferment Form to have your loan apply to your tuition and fees.
Employer-Assisted Tuition Deferred Payment Plan
Tuition deferment is available for students currently employed by an organization that maintains a qualified tuition reimbursement program.
Direct Stafford Loan Program
This is the most common form of aid available to graduate students. The Direct Stafford Loan Program provides lower interest loans to graduate students enrolled at least half-time (5-6+ credits). Students must be formally accepted to a graduate degree program or Special Education Instructional I. U.S. Citizens and permanent residents are eligible.
Note: Special Education Supervisory and Principalship Certification programs and other Penn State Great Valley graduate certificate programs are not eligible for Stafford Loans. Some graduate level PSU World Campus classes may be included in the academic load for loan purposes. (See Great Valley Financial Aid Office if this applies to you.)
Great Valley processes Federal Stafford Loans differently than the other PSU campuses.
1. READ AND FOLLOW DIRECTIONS CAREFULLY.
2. Complete the STAFFORD WAIVER & LOAN AUTHORIZATION FORM and return it to the PSGV Financial Aid Office.
3. For Stafford Loan Interest Deductions, see publication 970 Tax Benefits for Education.
4. Information: Deferring your federal student loan
For more information, contact the Financial Aid Office.
Ruth Smiley
610-648-3216
rws11@psu.edu
610-725-5296 (fax)
Nancy Gardner
610-648-3311
ndg2@psu.edu
610-725-5296 (fax)
