The truth is, some criteria are different from lender to lender, but there are also some common factors many private lenders think about before they approve you a loan. Students think how federal student loans are always a better option, and that may be the case, yet, most people don’t find those amounts of money enough to cover their needs.

The needed requirements for a private student loan

1. Does every student has a chance to get a private loan? Well, no, because you must be enrolled for at least half time at the school you attend. Besides that, eligible school is another factor. That means how you are most of the times not able to get a private student loan if you are, for example, attending a two-year program. So, students of most four-year colleges are able to get a private student loan.

2. Citizenship, education and age. Of course, you must be 18 years old or above to get a private student loan. Besides that, you need to have a high school diploma or GED. Being a legal resident or citizen of the US is another requirement because you need to have a Social Security number.

3. Using private student loans. This is not some ordinary credit you can use in a way you want. It is made for education expenses only. So, the money will be sent directly to your college.

4. Some financial requirements. Private lenders always think about your debt-to-income ratio and your income and credit history before approving your application for a private student loan.

5. A creditworthy cosigner. What happens if you don’t even have an income or credit history? A creditworthy cosigner can help. That is most of the times one of the parents or your relative. Their responsibility will be that debt, but their responsibility won’t be repayment.

What Is a Private Student Loan?

When researching student loans, you’ll discover that there are two different types: private and federal. But what is a private student loan exactly, and how does it differ from federal debt?

Private and federal student loans have several similar features, but there are also some important differences between the two. Here’s what you should know before you take out a private loan.

Private student loans are offered by private lenders, such as your local bank, a national bank, an online lender, or a credit union. Federal student loans, on the other hand, are offered through the U.S. Department of Education.

Many lenders offer private loans to both students and parents. However, students might have difficulty qualifying for a loan on their own. To get a private student loan, you’ll need a good credit score and proof of income.

What’s the difference between a federal and private student loan?

Each private lender sets its own qualifications for a loan. But the government sets the rules for federal student loans. Here are some key ways private and federal student loans differ:

Private student loans can have fixed or variable interest rates. Rates vary from lender to lender. Federal loans, however, all come with fixed interest rates.

Pros and cons of private student loans

Federal loans offer more protections to borrowers than private loans. But this doesn’t mean private loans don’t play an important role in funding educational costs. Private student loans have one big advantage: You can typically borrow as much as the school-certified cost of attendance.

Eligibility for federal student aid, on the other hand, is limited based on annual and lifetime limits set by the government. Your school also determines how much financial aid you receive, and the amount you’re awarded could be lower than the maximum federal limits. If you aren’t offered enough federal aid to cover the cost of the school you want to attend, private loans might be the next best option.

The big disadvantage of private student loans, however, is that they lack many of the protections that are offered to federal student loan borrowers. These protections include repayment plans based on your income and loan forgiveness for qualifying public service work.

How can you apply for a private loan?

Now that you can answer the key question of “What is a private student loan?” you might decide you’re ready to apply for one.

Applying is easy; most lenders allow you to submit applications online. You must provide information on your credit, income, and assets when applying. If you have a cosigner, you’ll need to submit their information, too. Source: StudentLoan