Compare Certified and Direct Student Loans

Alternative Loan Benefits:

  • Borrow up to the true cost of education
  • Fast eSignature process
Apply for an Alternative Student Loan

Alternative Student Loans help cover the difference between your total cost of education and other financial aid you have received.

Alternative loans can be used to cover educational expenses such as tuition, books, room and board, school fees, student computers, supplies and loan fees.

School-Certified Alternative Loans and Direct to Student Loan Comparison

The school-certified loan is disbursed to the college's financial aid office. In some cases, this type of loan can have a higher approval rating because it is certified by the school.

School-Certified Loan Direct to Student Loan
Potential higher approval certified student loan  
Requires school certification certified student loan
Competitive rates and fees certified student loan certified student loan
Preliminary approval in
as little as 15 minutes
certified student loan certified student loan
0.25% interest rate discount for auto-debit certified student loan certified student loan
Take up to 15 years to repay certified student loan certified student loan
Funds disbursed to the school certified student loan  
Funds sent straight to the applicant(s) certified student loan
Apply for a certified alternative student loan

For more information: compare the best student loans, view our list of alternative student loan lenders, check out our alternative student loan frequently asked questions page, or simply get started and apply for a alternative student loan.

Student Loan Network always recommends that students explore all of their financial aid options, from scholarships and grants to federal student loans, in addition to learning more about alternative student loans.