Alternative Loans are available to students who have received the maximum award amounts under the Federal Direct Loan Program and require additional funding. These loans are sponsored by banks and private lending institutions. The interest rates and repayment schedules may vary. These loans must be certified by the Financial Aid Office before funds can be disbursed. Please contact the Financial Aid Office for additional information.

These loans require repayment, with interest. Students may apply if they:

• do not qualify for any type of conventional financial aid;
• are not enrolled in a degree program, but are taking classes through Continuing Education or Open University;
• are an international student (F or J series visas).

Alternative Loan Features:

• Credit check is required.
• Repayment begins while attending school.
• Higher interest rates than other loans.
• Possible co-signor needed.
• Borrowers must be enrolled and attending Cal State L.A.

How to Apply:

• Obtain and complete a loan application from the Center for Student Financial Aid, or contact the lender directly (listed below) to request an application.
  
• Determine the loan amount. The maximum loan amount is the Cost of Attendance established by the Center for Student Financial Aid at Cal State L.A. You are encouraged to borrow wisely. Remember that these monies require repayment, with interest.
  
• Submit your application to the Center for Student Financial Aid.

Disbursement:

• Check is mailed to the Disbursement Office.
• Units are verified before disbursement check is released to student.

Alternative Loan Lender /
Federal Plus for Graduates &
Parents of Undergraduates - Federal PLUS Loan

You have the choice of borrowing from any bank or credit union that participates in the FFELP program. For your information, we have developed a lender list for your review based on prior year's most commonly used by our students. You do not have to borrow from this list. In selecting the lender of your choice, we strongly recommend that you evaluate the following criteria:

• Benefits
• Customer service
• Loan servicing
• Debt counseling
• Default rate
• Reliability
• Accuracy