Federal Loans
For information related to federal loans such as the Perkins Loan, Unsubsidized Direct Loans and Graduate PLUS Loans visit https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans.
Private Educational Loans
Although privately funded and managed, private educational loans are considered financial aid because cost of attendance and enrollment are certified by the school to the lender, and the loans must be considered as a resource in determining the eligibility for other aid. The Private Education Loan Applicant Self Certification form must be completed and submitted to the lender you select.
Although students may choose any lender they would like, a list of preferred lenders can be found below or you can perform a web search to help you find a private education loan lender. Carefully, consider all your options and review terms and conditions before applying. Borrow only what is necessary to pay for your educational expenses (tuition, fees, supplies, room, board), and be sure to first apply for all federal (including federal loans), state, and institutional aid that you may qualify for through the FAFSA.
Preferred Lenders (Private Education Loans)
Following the recent changes to federal student loan programs introduced through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), including the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program, the University of Miami has entered into Preferred Lender agreements with the following private loan companies:
Private Education Loans are credit-based loans provided by private educational lenders. These loans are not issued, insured, or guaranteed by the federal government. The Preferred Lenders options allow students to compare private loan options, as rates and terms may vary by borrower and lender. Rates and loan repayment terms are always subject to approval.
Methodology
Our Preferred Lender list is compiled using neutral, student‑centered criteria, including total borrower cost, repayment flexibility, approval times, customer service, and co‑signer release options. All three lenders responded to the University’s Request for Information (RFI) for Alternative Lending Partners and were selected upon review of loan terms and conditions; loan program offerings providing the greatest flexibility to borrowers including parents and graduate students; and highest levels of borrower support, including repayment flexibility post-graduation.
Students and families are not required to select a lender from the Preferred Lenders list and may choose any lender of their choice. There is no requirement to utilize a Preferred Lender, nor are there any penalties imposed by the University if a different lending institution is selected.
The University shall review the Preferred Lender List on an annual basis in accordance with the Student Loan Code of Conduct.
Rowe Fund for International Students
The Rowe Fund grants highly subsidized loans to qualified undergraduate and graduate students who are citizens from Latin America and Caribbean countries to help them finance their higher education or research at accredited institutions in the United States.
These loans are granted on the understanding that recipients agree to repay the loan in full and return to their home countries to apply their knowledge and training as well as continue to promote cultural exchange and development in the region. For more information visit www.oas.org.
Lending Principles Student Loan Code of Conduct
The University of Miami recognizes that ensuring the integrity of the student financial aid process is critical to providing fair and affordable access to higher education. The Student Loan Code of Conduct is designed to avoid any potential for a conflict of interest between the University and its students or their parents, with respect to its interaction with student loan providers, servicers and guarantee agencies.
