If you have expenses that are not paid for by the Federal loans or grants you have received, you may want to investigate private loans as an alternative. Most alternative loans require a good credit rating and/or a creditworthy co-signer. Terms, fees, and borrowing limits of alternative loans may differ from lender to lender.
Federal and State Aid First!
The University of Houston-Clear Lake recommends that all students complete the process for federal and state aid before considering alternative (private) loans. You may qualify for federal or state grants or loans. The terms and conditions of federal and state aid may be more favorable than the terms and conditions of alternative loans. If you decide to forgo the federal and state application process, you will be required to meet with a financial aid counselor for special loan counseling.
Alternative loans
Are not federally guaranteed
Often require certification by the Office of Student Financial Aid
We will not lend more than the annual cost of attendance minus the total you were awarded in other financial aid.
Apply to your lender online
Several lenders have expressed an interest in lending to UHCL students. We have partnered with ELM Resources to provide a lender comparison and application tool. Please visit our ELM Select website to compare and apply to these lenders. The ELM Select Web site also contains required information about how the lenders they list are selected.
Please note: You are free to select any lender you wish. The lender does not have to be on the ELM Select website. UHCL will certify an alternative loan to any eligible student regardless of lender.
Student loan Code of Conduct
In accordance with the Higher Education Opportunity Act, the University of Houston-Clear Lake's Office of Student Financial Aid maintains and enforces a Student Loan Code of Conduct.
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