Alternative Educational Loans

You may borrow through any lender of your choosing as RIT does not maintain a preferred lender list. RIT is committed to providing students with the best possible information to assist in the selection of a lender as we understand finding a lender may seem overwhelming.

 Loan Comparison Tool

In addition to your own individual search, FastChoice is a loan comparison tool that will help you compare lenders who have provided the most loans to RIT students in the last three aid years. Use the filter feature in this loan comparison tool to find lenders you may qualify for.

Compare Loans

RIT is prohibited from accepting any financial or other benefits in exchange for displaying lenders and loan options in FastChoice and the lenders presented in FastChoice are not recommended by RIT. The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships will work with any lender a student chooses.

Tip: it is recommended to request a loan for the entire academic year while attending classes rather than per semester to avoid potential delays with a new loan application and multiple checks of your credit report.

In addition to using the FastChoice loan comparison tool, international students seeking an alternative education loan should investigate loan options in their home country. Start by researching lenders based in your region or home country who offer alternative educational loans. External websites that you may find useful include the EduPass and International Education Financial Aid (IEFA).

It is highly recommended to take the time to research all alternative loan options and determine which one will best meet your needs. Please consider the following components when reviewing alternative loan options:

1. Interest Rates

   Determined by the terms of the individual loan, taking into consideration the credit worthiness of the applicant and co-signor. Individual lenders may offer incentives during repayment reflecting such things as on-time payments.

2. Online Application / Processing Time

   Consider the average length of time required for processing in relation to when loan funds are needed. Many lenders suggest using Google Chrome for an optimal on-line application experience.

3. Borrower Benefits and Discounts

   Lenders may offer interest reductions based on signing up for EFT and/or on-time payments. Benefits and discounts vary based on lender.

4. Required Documentation

   The application process may be electronic, paper, or a combination of both.

5. Recession Period or Right to Cancel

   The period of time after loan approval and certification by RIT when the borrower or co-borrower may cancel the loan without penalty, typically ranging from 3-10 business days. Funds will be disbursed at the conclusion of the rescission period or on the scheduled disbursement date as determined solely by the lender (usually 10 calendar days prior to the start of the loan period) whichever is later.

6. Grace Periods, Consolidations Options and Repayment Terms

   The grace period is a set period of time after students graduate, leave school, or drop below half-time enrollment before they must begin repayment on their loan. To determine the length of your grace period, check the promissory note or contact the loan servicer. Consolidating loans allows students to consolidate multiple loans into one single debt. This may result in reduced monthly repayments and a longer term for the loan. Students should research these option to see if they might better meet their needs. Not all lenders offer consolidation, but often times students do not need to have a current loan with a lender offering consolidation to qualify. Alternative educational loans may offer a variety of repayment options as well as consolidation. Students should contact their individual lenders for more details.

7. Customer Service

   Important considerations include: availability of toll free or 24/7 customer service, on-line application process, efficiency of problem resolution.