Private education loans: What international students should know

Securing a private education loan is an essential step for many students planning to study overseas. This article gives an overview of private education loans, their benefits, and how they can be a strategic part of your education financing plan.

What is a private education loan?

A private education loan is a non-federal loan provided by private lenders such as banks, credit unions and other financial institutions. These loans are designed to cover education-related expenses that federal loans might not fully cover, including tuition, room and board, books and other costs.

Benefits of private education loans

Private education loans offer several advantages:

  • Flexible loan amounts: Depending on the lender you can borrow up to the total cost of your education, which may include additional expenses like travel and technology.
  • Competitive interest rates: Depending on your credit score and financial history, private loans can offer competitive student loan interest rates, sometimes lower than federal student loan rates.
  • Customizable repayment plans: Private lenders often provide various repayment options, including deferred payments until after graduation, which can help manage your finances better.
24_SEO Image_830x550

Experience Financial Empowerment

Get the financial information you need to take charge of your future

Choosing the right private education loan

When getting a student loan, it’s important to find the one that best suits your needs. Consider the following factors:

  • Loan terms and conditions: Review the loan terms, including the length of the repayment period, interest rates and any options for deferment or forbearance.
  • Credit requirements: Private loans typically require a good credit score or a creditworthy cosigner. This can affect your eligibility and the interest rate you receive.
  • Lender reputation: Choose a lender with a good reputation for customer service and support. Research reviews and ratings to ensure you’re working with a trustworthy institution.

Private education loans for international students

For international students, private education loans can be a crucial resource, especially when U.S. government loans aren’t an option. Some lenders offer no-cosigner student loans specifically designed for international students. These loans look at your future potential instead of your current financial status, making it easier to secure funding without an established credit history or a cosigner.

Additionally, some education loans for international students come with helpful support services. Assistance with visa processes can guide you through the complex requirements, from visa interviews to documentation, ensuring you stay compliant throughout your studies. This support makes navigating visa challenges much smoother.

Career services are another great perk. They help with internship and job searches, resume building and prepping for the professional world. As an international student, finding job opportunities can be tough, but these services provide the tools and support needed to boost your chances of success, helping you gain valuable experience and build a career.

Tips for managing private education loans

Successfully managing your education loan abroad involves planning and discipline. Here are some tips to help you stay on top of your finances:

  • Create a budget: Develop a budget that includes your loan payments and stick to it. This will help you avoid unnecessary debt.
  • Set up automatic payments: Many lenders offer discounts for setting up automatic payments, which can also help ensure you never miss a payment.
  • Make extra payments when possible: Paying more than the minimum amount can reduce your loan principal faster, saving you money on interest over time.
  • Stay informed about refinancing options: Keep an eye on refinancing student loan opportunities that might offer lower interest rates or more favorable terms.
19_SEO Image_830x550

Private education loans with MPOWER

The financial aspects of international education can be complex, but MPOWER Financing streamlines this process with a unique approach to no-cosigner and no-collateral private education loans for international students. Here’s what sets MPOWER apart in the landscape of educational financing:

  • Tailored loan packages: MPOWER offers loan amounts ranging from US$2,001 to US$100,000 total, accommodating a wide spectrum of educational expenses, from tuition fees when studying in the U.S. or Canada, to living expenses when studying in the U.S. Student loans are designed with your future in mind, providing just what’s needed without overburdening you with debt.
  • Fixed interest rates: Interest rates on loans are fixed, protecting borrowers from market fluctuations. You benefit from clear, predictable repayment plans. With auto pay options, there’s an opportunity to obtain a rate discount, reducing the money you pay in interest over the loan’s lifetime.
  • No need for cosigners or collateral: One of the most significant barriers for international students is removed with MPOWER’s loan structure, which is a no-cosigner and no-collateral loan model. This opens doors for students who might otherwise be unable to secure funding.
  • Path2Success: MPOWER Financing believes funding a student’s education is only the first step on the path to success – not the last. That’s why every MPOWER student gains access to exclusive career, immigration and financial resources through its Path2Success program.

MPOWER Financing Student Loan

A loan based on your future earnings

FAQs


What is a private education loan, and how does it differ from federal loans?

A private education loan is provided by private lenders, such as banks or financial institutions, to cover education-related expenses. Unlike federal loans, which are not available to international students, private loans usually require a good credit score or a creditworthy cosigner and can offer competitive interest rates and customizable repayment plans.

Are there private education loans specifically for international students?

Yes, there are private education loans designed for international students. Some lenders, like MPOWER Financing, offer no-cosigner loans that assess your future potential rather than your current financial status. These international education loans can cover tuition, living expenses and other education-related costs.

What are the benefits of choosing a private education loan?

Private education loans offer flexible loan amounts, competitive interest rates, and customizable repayment plans. These features make them an attractive option for international students.

What support services are available with private education loans for international students?

Many private education loans for international students include additional support services, such as assistance with visa processes, career services, and financial planning tools. These services can help you navigate the complexities of studying abroad and managing your finances effectively.

DISCLAIMER – Subject to credit approval, loans are made by Bank of Lake Mills or MPOWER Financing, PBC. Bank of Lake Mills does not have an ownership interest in MPOWER Financing. Neither MPOWER Financing nor Bank of Lake Mills is affiliated with the school you attended or are attending. Bank of Lake Mills is Member FDIC. None of the information contained in this website constitutes a recommendation, solicitation or offer by MPOWER Financing or its affiliates to buy or sell any securities or other financial instruments or other assets or provide any investment advice or service.

2024 © MPOWER Financing, Public Benefit Corporation NMLS ID #1233542

U.S. office India office
1101 Connecticut Ave. NW Suite 900, Washington, DC 20036 The Cube at Karle Town Center, 9th Floor, 100 Ft, Nada Prabhu Kempe GowdaMain Road, Next to Nagavara, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560045, India
Apply Now