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INDIANA UNIVERSITY
Bloomington
Funding your education

Understand your Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµ loan options

Loans are a form of aid that must be repaid with interest, even if you don't finish your schooling. At IU Bloomington, we encourage you to borrow only what you need. By exploring all available scholarships and grants first, you can minimize your debt (or your parents') and stay on the path to financial wellness.

Borrow through federal programs

Federal loans are provided by the U.S. Department of Education, and options are available for undergraduate Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµs, graduate Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµs, and parents. You must file your FAFSA to apply.

Examples of federal loans available to both undergraduate and graduate Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµs include:

are available only to graduate or professional Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµs.

Explore private lending options

Private loans are issued by banks or credit unions and can help cover remaining costs for undergraduate and graduate Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµs after you have exhausted federal aid. These loans often require a credit check and may have different repayment terms than federal options.

Loan resources for international Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµs

Gathering funding for an education in the United States often requires specialized resources. While international Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµs are not eligible for U.S. federal loans, there are alternative options:

Loans from your home country

We recommend researching funding possibilities in your home country first. Contact your government or an educational advisor to learn about your options.

Private U.S. loans

You may apply for credit-based loans from private lenders. Because these depend on a credit check, you will likely need a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to serve as a co-signer.

Short-term emergency loans

If you face an unexpected expense, you may apply for a short-term loan of up to $400 through the Office of International Services (OIS). To qualify, you must be enrolled and have no past-due bursar balance.

Explore international Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµ loan options

IU Bloomington

Student Central

408 N. Union Street Bloomington, IN 47405
  • 812-855-6500