While Columbia does not require loans as part of the financial aid package for any student, families may choose to borrow loans to finance all or a portion of the expected Family Contribution.
Education Loans
Domestic Students
Federal Direct Loans
- Federal Direct Loans are available to all domestic undergraduate students.
- Interest Rate = 6.53% for loans disbursed on or after July 1, 2024 and before July 1, 2025.
More information and the Federal Direct Loan application.
Private Loans
- Students who are eligible for Federal Direct Loans are encouraged to utilize Federal Direct Loans before pursuing private loans.
- Some students choose private education loans when they need more flexible repayment options and more funding than what a federal loan can provide. Borrowing requirements; repayment options; and interest rates will vary from lender to lender.
- Columbia University provides a few lender options with its Suggested Lender List. This is not an exhaustive list of available lenders. Borrowers should review and verify the exact terms, conditions, qualifications, and disclosures associated with any loan product with the lender.
- Please use the following school codes for your private loan application:
- Columbia College = 002707-10
- Engineering = 002707-04
PLEASE NOTE: Your private loan will not be processed without the submission of the Private Loan
Certification Request.
After applying and being approved for a private loan, please submit the Private Loan Certification
Request using the link below:
International Students
Private Loans
- Private education loans are loans borrowed from a private source, including banks, credit unions, and private lenders. Some families choose private education loans when they need more flexible repayment options.
- Borrowing requirements; repayment options; and interest rates will vary from loan to loan and lender to lender. Make sure to do your research when considering a private loan.
- Some lenders may require students to apply with a U.S citizen or permanent resident credit-worthy co-signer.
- Columbia University provides a few lender options with its Suggested Lender List. This is not an exhaustive list of available lenders. Borrowers should review and verify the exact terms, conditions, qualifications, and disclosures associated with any loan product with the lender.
- Please use the following school codes for your private loan application:
- Columbia College = 002707-10
- Engineering = 002707-04
After applying and being approved for a private loan, make sure to submit an application:
We will not certify your loan until you have done so, which might delay payment of your student account.
Parent Borrowers
Direct Parent PLUS Loans
- Columbia University uses the Direct PLUS Loan Request process through studentaid.gov. This means that you will request the Parent PLUS loan through the Department of Education’s website and will initiate the credit check yourself.
- Parents who are US Citizens or eligible non-citizens, with a US-based address, are able to borrow up to the Cost of Attendance total in a Parent PLUS Loan through the Department of Education.
- If a parent is denied a Parent Plus loan, the student is eligible to borrow additional unsubsidized loan funding. Please see the Federal Direct Loan page on our website for annual limits.
- Interest Rate = 9.08% for loans disbursed on or after July 1, 2024 and before July 1, 2025.
- Origination fee = 4.228%.
- Repayment can be deferred until graduation, by arrangement with the loan servicer.
More information on applying for the Parent PLUS Loan.
Private Loans
- Some students choose private education loans when they need more flexible repayment options and more funding than what a federal loan can provide. Private education loans are loans borrowed from a private source, including banks, credit unions, and private lenders.
- Borrowing requirements; repayment options; and interest rates will vary from lender to lender.
- Columbia University provides a few lender options with its Suggested Lender List. This is not an exhaustive list of available lenders. Borrowers should review and verify the exact terms, conditions, qualifications, and disclosures associated with any loan product with the lender.
- Please use the following school codes for your private loan application:
- Columbia College = 002707-10
- Engineering = 002707-04
After applying and being approved for a private loan, make sure to submit an application:
We will not certify your loan until you have done so, which might delay payment of your student account.