Prodigy Finance

Prodigy Finance offers loans to international graduate students from 150 different nationalities (US citizens and permanent residents ineligible). Prodigy Finance is accepting applications from Harris students–with or without a cosigner. Students may be eligible to borrow up to 80 percent of cost of attendance, depending on each individual application. The interest rate is highly competitive: 5.5–8.5% over the three-month US LIBOR base rate. The loan term is 10 years.

Alternative Loan Program

Alternative (Private) Loans are available for both domestic and international students from most countries. The Alternative Loan is a non-Federal loan and should be used as a last resort. Approval for an Alternative Loan is contingent upon your credit rating. A loan request may be denied if there’s an adverse credit rating. If this happens, it’s recommended that you to contact the lender to appeal the decision or reapply with a cosigner.  

Learn more about the Alternative Loan Program online or call 773.702.6061.

How to Apply for Alternative Loans

Step 1: Review the lenders and terms. Here is a list of alternative lenders for international students.

Step 2: Complete an Alternative Loan Application with the lender of your choice.

Step 3: Complete a Private Education Loan Application Self-Certification and return it to your respective lender along with your alternative loan application.

Step 4: Complete the Alternative Loan Request Form.

Please visit the UChicago Graduate Financial Aid Office for more detailed information about the Alternative Loan process.