Financing Options for Graduate Students
Loan Opportunities
Federal Direct Stafford Loan
A Federal Stafford Loan is a low interest, federal student loan. In order to be eligible for the supplemental Unsubsidized Stafford loan, a student must be either independent by federal standards or for dependent students, parents must receive a credit denial for the PLUS loan. See the current loan interest rates here.
To receive a Stafford Loan, students must complete the Master Promissory Note and Entrance counseling interview at www.studentloans.gov
Federal Direct PLUS Loan
A graduate student may apply for the PLUS loan at www.studentloans.gov and may borrow up to the cost of attendance less financial assistance awarded. See the current loan interest rates here.
Repaying Your Loans
Sample Loan Repayment Schedule
National Student Loan Data System
National Student Loan Data System
Federal loans are submitted to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) and may be accessed by schools, lenders and guarantee agencies determined to be authorized users of the data system. Students may review their complete loan history and loan services on NSLDS. Understanding the details of repayment on your federal student loan can save you time and money.
Private Loan Programs
We strongly encourage you to pursue all state, federal, and institutional aid available to you first in financing your New England College education. If you need additional financing after exhausting these sources or if you do not qualify for federal loans there are several lenders who offer alternative/private education loans. The terms and conditions of private loans may be less favorable than federal loans. Approvals of private loans are typically based on your credit rating and debt-to-income ratio and may require a co-signer.
New England College does not maintain a preferred lender list. The below list represents the private lender programs used by our students during the previous school year. New England College will process your financing options from any participating lender program.
We encourage you to thoroughly research lenders to ensure you receive the best rates and services that meet your needs. Make sure to compare borrower benefits ranging from origination and default fees that can reduce the initial cost of the loan as well as benefits to save money during repayment such as auto-debit interest rate reductions. Interest rates are typically variable, which means they can change monthly and rates vary amongst private lenders. For current Prime and London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) information, please go to www.bankrate.com.
Private Student Loan Historical List*
Citizens Bank Student Loan
www.citizensbank.com/student-lending/student-loans.aspx
888.411.0266
College Ave Student Loans
www.collegeavestudentloans.com
844.422.7502
Common Bond Student Loans
www.commonbond.co
800.975.7812
Credit Union Student Choice Loan
www.studentchoice.org/borrow/private-student-loans
Digital Credit Union
www.dcu.studentchoice.org
800.328.8797
Discover Student Loan
www.discover.com/student-loans
1.800.STUDENT
EDvestinU
www.edvestinu.com
855.887.5430
Lendkey Private Student Loans
Lendkey.com/private-student-loans
888.549.9050
Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority Loan
www.mefa.org
800.266.0243
Rhode Island Student Loan Authority
www.risla.com
800.758.7562
Sallie Mae Smart Option Student Loan
www.salliemae.com
855.756.5626
SoFi Student Loan
www.sofi.com/private-student-loans
*Used by NEC students during the 2019-2020 academic year. This is not an endorsement by the College; you are welcome to choose any private lender.
Work Opportunities
There are two types of student employment opportunities available to New England College students – Federal Work Study and Institutional Work Study. For more information on work opportunities please click here.
Repaying Your Loans
Loan Servicers are the companies that handle the billing and other services for Federal Student Loans. To view your loan servicer(s) visit www.studentloans.gov.
The National Student Loan Database System will list all of the Federal Student Loans that you have borrowed as a student. If you borrowed private loans, you will need to contact the private lender(s) for billing/repayment options for the private loans.
There are several repayment options and options for deferment or forebearance if you experience difficulties with repayment of your Federal Loans. Remember to keep in touch with your loan servicer(s) regarding your circumstances to review all of your options and avoid default. More information regarding loan repayment and default may be found at www.studentaid.gov/repay-loans.
If you have student loan questions, please contact Student Financial Services at 603. 428.2226 or sfs@nec.edu. We can assist you with navigating your options.
Code of Conduct
The Code of Conduct applies to New England College employees, agents and officers. We strictly prohibit revenue sharing arrangements with any lender. We will not offer funds for private loans to students in exchange for providing concessions or promises to a lender of volume or preferred lender arrangements. We will process certifications from any lender timely. Financial Aid staff will not accept any compensation for any type of consulting arrangement or contract to provide services to or on behalf of a lender relating to educational loans. Financial Aid staff will not accept compensation for service on an advisory board, commission or group established by lenders or guarantors, except for reimbursement for reasonable expenses as allowed.
Contact us
Student Financial Services
E-Mail: SFS@nec.edu
Phone: 603.428.2226