Private loans are used to bridge the gap between what you have been awarded in federal aid and any remaining balance. These loans usually have higher interest rates. Students (or cosigners) must have a good credit history to obtain alternative loans. Most loan programs will allow students to apply with a credit-worthy cosigner. For more information, check out the lenders and programs listed below.

This is a list of suggested lenders; however, borrowers may choose to have their
loan(s) processed through any participating lender of their choice. If you wish to have a loan processed through another lender, please contact Senior Financial Aid Counselor Dawn Graviss at dgraviss@bellarmine.edu or by calling (502) 452-8124.

To apply for a loan or for more information about the loan program, click on the links below.

• Borrowers may choose to defer payments until after graduation
• A 0.25% interest rate reduction is available if you elect automatic payment deduction from a bank account
• A co-signer release option is available to borrowers after the initial 48 consecutive on-time monthly payments and subject to credit approval

Chase

• Loan: Chase Select
• Enrollment requirement:  full-time, half-time, or less than half-time student
• No origination or repayment fees
• Interest rates based on the Prime rate
• 0.25 % interest rate reduction for auto debit
• Cosigner release option available

• Loan: CitiAssist
• Variable interest rates as low as Prime -.50%
• No fees
• 0.25% interest rate reduction for auto debit
• 0.50% interest rate reduction after 48 consecutive, on-time payments
• Cosigner release option

Discover

• Loan: Discover Bank No Fee Education loan
• Enrollment requirement: can be less than half-time. At least half-time is required for loan deferment.
• International students are eligible to apply with a cosigner that is U.S. citizen
• May be used to cover prior semester balance
• Non co-signor and co-signor options available
• 2% Graduation Reward upon entering repayment
• 0.25% repayment interest rate credit when payments are set up for automatic debit from a bank account

SunTrust

• Loan: Academic Answer
• Variable interest rates range from one-month LIBOR +3.50%
• $300 principal reduction per loan at graduation
• No upfront or origination fees (a repayment fee may apply based on credit history)
• 0.25% interest rate reduction for auto debit
• Cosigner release option after 48 on-time payments

Student Loan Funding

• Applications for this loan will only be accepted until April 30
• Loan: Signature Loan
• No income requirement
• No payments while in school

U.S. Bank

• Loan: U.S. Bank No Fee Education loan
• Enrollment requirement: can be less than half-time
• Available for degree-seeking or non-degree seeking students
• International students can apply with an eligible cosigner
• Available for students who do not meet satisfactory academic progress requirements
• Can be used to cover prior semester balance