A private alternative loan is a non-Federal education loan, provided by a private lender, typically in the student’s name and requiring a cosigner.

Approval and interest rates are based on a credit assessment of the borrower and cosigner. Each alternative lender has different eligibility requirements, loan rates, terms, and conditions.

Students who are eligible for Federal student aid should complete the FAFSA and exhaust all Federal loans and scholarship opportunities, before applying for a private alternative loan. Federal student loans generally have more favorable terms and conditions than private loans. Aarhus University recommends that you utilize all Federal loan eligibility before turning to private loans.

The University is willing to work with any lender who offers alternative educational loans to students enrolled at Foreign Institutions.

Currently, Aarhus University is aware of only one such lender, Sallie Mae, but students are advised to explore all options available to them and can opt to use any lender.

More information about Sallie Mae’s programs 

The federal Truth in Lending Act requires a lender to obtain a self-certification signed by the applicant before disbursing a private education loan. The university is required upon request to provide the form or the required information only for students admitted or enrolled at the university.

Instructions: Submit the signed Self-Certification form to your private lender.

To apply for a private loan, you must be an American student enrolled in a degree-granting program at Aarhus University.