Alternative Loans

Office of Undergraduate Admissions

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Applying For an Alternative Loan

STOP!! Before applying for an alternative loan, make sure you have accepted a federal financial aid package and exhausted all federal aid options first! Contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Student Aid to determine if you have any remaining federal financial eligibility. Alternative loans do not offer the same benefits as federal financial aid, and are subject to higher interest rates. For these reasons, an alternative loan should be your last resort.

If you are considering applying for an alternative loan, make sure that you have considered the following:

Be aware of the rates and terms that apply to the loan before signing a Master Promissory Note.

Ask your lender about the benefits of using a co-borrower. In many cases, your interest rate will be lower.

Do not borrow more than you need!

Know what your monthly repayment amount will be and determine if you will realistically be able to afford it. Click here to use a loan repayment calculator.

Alternative loan application and certification process at LSU:

Once you submit your application and Master Promissory Note on-line with your selected lender, the lender electronically notifies LSU of your request to borrow an alternative loan. The Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Student Aid verifies the following information:

Your enrollment status in a degree seeking program.

You are meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress. (If you are not meeting SAP, we will certify an alternative loan for one year only.)

The loan amount you requested is within your Cost of Attendance. You may borrow up to your Cost of Attendance less other aid received.

The Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Student Aid submits an electronic certification to your lender. Your loan will be reduced if you applied for an amount that exceeds your budget. You should allow approximately 5-7 working days for certification to be completed.

To view LSU’s Lender Partner List for alternative loans, please click here To complete an application, click on the lender’s logo in the chart.

to access LSU's Lender
Partner List

Louisiana State University

Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Student Aid
1146 Pleasant Hall

Baton Rouge, LA 70803

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