Private Loans
Houston Christian University’s Financial Aid Office awards federal loans in the student’s initial award package. Sometimes students may have a gap remaining between their cost of attendance and estimated aid and may choose to pursue other lending options. All students are strongly encouraged to request the federal and state loan options that may be available to them before applying for any private loans.
Fast Choice Loan Comparison Tool
Selecting a lender is the most important choice you will make before you can begin applying for a private loan. Fast Choice has listing of private lenders that HCU students have used in the past, however you are not limited in your selection to the lenders listed here. The choice of lender is entirely yours so your selection should be made after careful research of which lender suits your needs and offers the lowest rates possible.
- Read all of the eligibility requirements for a loan before you apply in order to ensure you meet the criteria. Some require specific requirements to be met before the loan is approved. Call the lender if you have questions about which program might be the best for you before you begin the application process.
- Most undergraduate students do not have a credit history which qualifies them for a private loan without a credit-worthy co-signer so it is always beneficial to have a co-signer ready in the event that you may be required to have one. Co-signers are also liable for the loan when repayment begins. If your parent was denied a Federal PLUS loan for credit reasons, then that particular parent will not qualify as a co-signer on a private loan.
Applying for a Private Loan
After you select your lender then you need to complete the following two steps to apply for a private loan:
- Select a lender. Fast Choice has a listing of several lenders that our students have used in the past. You do not have to chose one of the lenders listed. HCU will process student loan applications from any legitimate lender.
- Apply online with your preferred lender. A credit check will be processed once the application is submitted.
- Complete your lender’s required Master Promissory Note (MPN) and Self-Certification Form. Both forms must be completed in order to receive any funding. Your lender will disclose to you the expected disbursement date(s) that the funds will be received at HCU.
After these two steps are completed, the lender will submit your approved loan to the Financial Aid Office for processing. Please allow at least two weeks for processing time.
State Loans for Texas Residents
Texas residents may apply for two loan programs offered through the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. The College Access Loan and FORWARD Loan are open to those who meet certain requirements. These requirements include, but are not limited to, registering or being exempt from Selective Service, meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress standards, confirming Texas residency, and passing a credit check.
Both loan programs subject students to manageable debt limits as calculated by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. It may take up to two weeks for processing before the approved loans are available to be viewed in your Husky Net Portal. For a full list of the requirements and to apply, please visit http://www.hhloans.com/.