Compare Federal and Private Graduate Loans

are a variety of low-interest loans available to graduate students. They are similar to the undergraduate loan programs, typically with higher annual loan limit amounts. Some loans are unique to a graduate student's program of study.
Federal Stafford
Graduate Private
Graduate PLUS
Annual Limits
Up to $20,500/year
Up to $45,000/year
Cost less Aid
Checks Sent
To school
Sent to borrower
To school
Cosigner required
No
Usually
No
Approval Basis
Need (based on FAFSA)
Credit (no FAFSA required)
Credit (FAFSA usually required)
Rates
Fixed at 6.8%
Variable - credit based
Fixed at 8.5%
Repayment Term
Up to 10 years
Up to 20 years
Up to 10 years
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GradLoans.com is a service of the Student Loan Network - a leader in education funding and your online guide to graduate school student loans, Grants and Scholarships and Financial Aid. We will walk you through the entire loan process, from completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to application through receiving your check. Hopefully, all your questions will be answered here.
In addition to a wealth of information on your financial aid options, we provide detailed information on our student loan programs:
The Federal Stafford Loan for Graduate Study
Private Student Loans for Graduate Students
Consolidation Loans for Graduates
PLUS Loans for Graduate Students
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For those of you in specific fields of study, we have developed specific programs to meet your specific need. Please visit:
Dental School Loan Application
Medical School Loan Application
Business School Loan Application
Law School Loan Application
MBA Loans
Nursing School Loans
Other graduate fields of study