Graduate Loan Comparison

The Graduate School Loan vs the Federal Direct Grad PLUS Loan

Below is a description of some of the key differences between our Graduate School Loan and the Federal Graduate PLUS Loan.

Loan Features	Private Loan	Direct Grad PLUS Loan
Available for less than half-time enrollment	Our loan will allow students to borrow even if they are less than half time.	Must be at least half time.
Offers variable interest rates	We offer variable rates that start at 1.25%. Rates are determined by credit analysis and program of study. By adding a creditworthy cosigner the interest rate may be lower than the PLUS loan.	Variable rate is not an option.
Offers fixed interest rates	Fixed rates are available and are subject to credit analysis. By adding a creditworthy cosigner the rates may be lower than federal programs.	Federal programs offer a fixed rate.
Origination fee	No origination fee	Federal programs do include an origination fee that is subtracted from the loan at disbursement. For 2021 PLUS loans have an origination of 4.228% fee
6-month grace period	YES	YES
Deferred repayment option	If you are a medical student or doing an internship you are eligible for deferment while in the residency/internship.	If you are a medical student or doing an internship you are eligible for deferment while in the residency/internship.
Multiple in-school repayment options	We have many in-school options to repay. Paying while in school reduces interest costs.	No repayment option.
Rate reduction for auto debit enrollment	.25% if set up for auto debit	.25% if set up for auto debit