Important Message

Due to the credit crisis, College Loan Corporation is not currently funding student loans. We are working diligently to secure new financing.

Need a college student loan? A Guide for Students

Need money for school but have no idea where to begin?

College student loans aren't the only way to pay for school. To save the most money over your lifetime, here's how you should look for money for college:

1. Look for Scholarships and Grants before taking out college student loans
2. Apply for federal aid by completing the FAFSA
   • It's a FREE U.S. government website, so beware of sites that charge you to apply!
3. Apply for aid through your state government
4. Use your federal and state grants
   • You'll know if you're eligible after you complete the FAFSA and your state's paperwork
5. Use your savings
6. Use work-study money or work a little through school
   • It's easy to get distracted by work - find the right balance for studying
   • A college degree can earn you an additional million dollars over your lifetime – make sure you don't lose track of your goals!
7. Borrow Federal Loans for students. The most common federal student loan is the Stafford Loan.
   • Graduates students should also apply for a Grad PLUS Loan
8. Ask your parents to borrow a PLUS Loan for you
9. Private college student loans

What's a private loan?

Private loans, also called "alternative student loans" or "private college loans," are one great way to pay for college. A private college loan is not backed by the federal government, so it's more like a traditional consumer loan. There's less paperwork and it's faster to apply and to get your money to your school, but the rates and terms on federal loans are likely to save you more money over your lifetime. Remember to maximize your federal college student loans before considering a private college loan. Also, with a private college loan, you will probably need a co-borrower who is willing to sign for the loan with you, if you aren't working or don't have much experience with credit so you have a limited credit history.

Why a private loan?

 If you need to borrow money, federal student loans are a great deal. The problem: with loan amounts tied to your year in school, most times they don't let you borrow to cover your cost of attendance. The typical undergraduate student is eligible for:

• $5,500 Freshman
• $6,500 Sophomore
• $7,500 Junior, Senior and 5th year undergraduate students

So, if still need money for school, that's where a private student loan can help!

Why the CLC^® Premier Loan™?

It's fast and easy to apply for College Loan Corporation's CLC^® Premier Loan™:

• Prequalify instantly
• Borrow up to your full cost of attendance, minus any other financial aid that you've already received
• No payments required until six months after graduation or dropping below half-time enrollment
• Help from experts available
• Winner of the Better Business Bureau's 2006 Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics

Ready to apply?

Just apply now and find out right away if you prequalify!