Alternative Student Loans

Students who are ineligible for federal aid - or students who need additional funds after federal and institutional aid have been awarded - may need to apply for an alternative student loan. An alternative or private student loan is a non-federal educational loan offered by a private lending institution. These loans are typically issued in the student's name and require a cosigner. In order to comply with federal regulations, Shippensburg University is no longer offering a preferred lender list for alternative student loans.  However, we recommend that you compare between six to ten lenders when shopping for an alternative student loan. 

NEW SELF-CERTIFICATION FORM:

Federal regulations now require alternative student loan borrowers to complete, sign and return an Applicant Self-Certification form to their lender before loan funds can be disbursed. This form is intended to promote informed borrowing and provide information about financial aid, in addition to providing lenders with information about educational expenses and other aid. Students should receive this form from their chosen lender as part of the application process; however, a copy of the form is also available for your convenience at the following link (completion instructions are also available below):

Applicant Self-Certification Form [PDF]

- To Complete Item A of Section 2 of the self-certification form, please review SU's Cost of Attendance information under the Tuition & Costs link.
    

- To Complete Item B of Section 2 of the self-certification form, please visit SU's aid portal:

Financial Aid Portal

- To Complete Item C of Section 2 of the self-certification form, subtract Item B from Item A. The result is an estimation of how much loan assistance you may be eligible to receive. NOTE: Your loan will still require school certification.