UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SANTA BARBARA

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Our Best Answer - What loans are available?

Available Loans

Students have several loan options available, including: Federal Direct Student Loans, Parent & Grad PLUS Loans, and Private Educational Loans. Please visit our website for detailed information regarding all of these loans, including: interest rates, application instructions, repayment information, and other loan requirements.

Federal Direct Loans (formerly known as Stafford Loans) are a student loan for undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in college at least half time. Direct Loans have a fixed interest rate, and are typically the most affordable type of student loan.

Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loans are loans provided by the U.S. government directly to parents of eligible undergraduate students.

Private Educataional Loans

Private Educational Loans (also known as alternative or agency loans) are provided by private lenders for those students who need to borrow funds in excess of the yearly or aggregate limits for the federal loan programs.

We recommend viewing UC Private Lender List to help begin your search, however, students have the right and the ability to select the alternative loan lender of their choice. We highly recommend that students exhaust their federal Direct Loan eligibility before pursuing funds through an alternative loan. Also, be aware that parents of dependent students are able to borrow up to the complete cost of education through the federal Direct PLUS Loan program.

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Related Questions:

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  2. Where do I find Financial Aid forms?
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  4. Are there payment plans or scholarships available to help pay for the cost of joining a fraternity or soroity?
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The answers provided are generally applicable and not student specific. For individualized assistance, please email ucsbanswers@sa.ucsb.edu or contact the appropriate campus office.