Alternative Student Loans
Alternative student loans – also called alternative education loans – are one of the fastest growing ways to pay for college. What makes an alternative student loan 'alternative' is simply the fact that it is not guaranteed by the federal government (or any state government). Since federal loans have such restrictive loan limits, many families need alternative education loans to help pay for all the expenses associated with college.
Get a check in about a week
Apply Now!
Think student loans are alternative student loans and are available to any student attending an eligible school. Alternative student loans usually require less paperwork than federal loans, and do not require families to fill out a FAFSA. Think student loans offer distinct advantages:
- Get a check sent directly to you
- No payments while in school¹
- Apply online or at 800.350.8060 in minutes
- Borrow up to $40,000²
- Preliminary approval in as little as 15 minutes
An alternative student loan – or an alternative education loan – can generally be used for all types of education expenses. A Think student loan can be used for tuition, room and board, and a computer. It’s this kind of flexibility that makes alternative education loans – like a Think student loan – attractive. Apply now!
Page Glossary
Alternative student loans – An alternative student loan is not guaranteed by any government and is used to pay education expenses. An alternative student loan is also called a alternative education loan.
Alternative education loans – An alternative education loan is not guaranteed by any government and is used to pay education expenses. An alternative student loan is also called a alternative education loan.
¹ Undergraduate students may choose to defer repayment until six months after graduation or ceasing to be enrolled at least half time in school. Interest only and immediate repayment options are also available. Graduate repayment is automatically deferred. Continuing education borrowers begin repayment the earlier of a) 180 days after the student graduates or earns a certificate; b) 180 days after the student ceases to be enrolled; or c) two years after the date of the loan disbursement. K-12 loans are immediate repayment loans.
² Undergraduate and graduate borrowers may borrow annually up to the lesser of the cost of attendance or $30,000 ($40,000 for certain schools where it has determined that the annual cost of attendance exceeds $30,000). Borrowers in Continuing Education and K-12 loan programs may borrow annually up to $30,000.
