Loans
Students in our program are able to apply for loans for both tuition and living expenses. Federal and private alternative loans are available to eligible students.
Federal Direct Loans
Federal Direct Loans are borrowed directly from the Department of Education (DOE). Loans made through this program include the Subsidized Direct Loan and Unsubsidized Direct Loan. A student must demonstrate need to qualify for the Subsidized Direct Loan.
Students enrolled at least half-time in preparatory courses that are prerequisites for admission are eligible for Federal Direct Loans for one consecutive 12-month period provided they have not exceeded the program’s aggregate limits. When enrollment spans more than one academic year or two terms, the student may borrow multiple loans. A student who is only taking courses to raise a GPA is not eligible.
The Direct Loan limits for one academic year (two terms) are as follows:
Summer/Fall Term or Fall/Spring Term
- $5,500 for dependent postbac students – “dependency” is determined by federal regulations: http://studentaid.ed.gov/fafsa/filling-out/dependency
- $12,500 for independent postbac students
Spring Term
When a postbac student’s enrollment spans more than one academic year or two terms, the student may borrow an additional loan. As long as the student borrowed for the summer/fall term, a dependent student may borrow a second loan for the full amount of $5,500 and an independent student may borrow a second loan for the full amount of $12,500 in the spring.
Aggregate Limits
Dependent: $31,000 (No more than $23,000 of this amount may be subsidized loans.)
Independent: $57,500 (No more than $23,000 of this amount may be subsidized loans.)
Maximum Subsidized Federal Direct Loan Eligibility: As of July 1, 2013, first-time Subsidized Federal Direct Loan borrowers are limited in the maximum period of time for which they can take out subsidized loans. Such borrowers may not take out subsidized loans for more than 150% of the published length of time required to complete their program. This time limit does not apply to unsubsidized loans. Learn more about this at StudentAid.ed.gov.
Click here for detailed information regarding Federal Direct Loans.
Federal Parent PLUS Loan for Dependent Students
Parents of dependent students are eligible to borrow under the Federal Parent PLUS Loan Program. A PLUS loan has a fixed interest rate and payment can be deferred. You can borrow up to the cost of attendance less your Federal Direct Loans and other aid received. If your parents apply for a PLUS loan and are denied, you may be eligible for an increased amount of Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loan. See Loan Limits and Terms.
Click here for detailed information regarding Federal PLUS Loans.
Application Instructions for Federal Loans
- To apply for a Federal Direct Student Loan, you must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) www.fafsa.ed.gov using the Bryn Mawr College code 003237. The Postbac Program is considered a fifth year/other undergraduate program. If you are completing the FAFSA for the first time you and your custodial parent (if dependent) should request a Personal Identification Number (PIN) to electronically sign your application. If you prefer not to request a PIN, you can print, sign and mail in a signature page, but application processing will take longer.
To borrow for summer: Submit FAFSA by March 15
To borrow for fall: Submit FAFSA by April 15 - You must also complete and submit the Postbac Preparatory Release Form to the Office of Financial Aid to certify whether or not you have previously borrowed Federal Direct Loans for preparatory coursework.
Am I a dependent student?
“Dependency” is determined by federal regulations: http://studentaid.ed.gov/fafsa/filling-out/dependency.
To apply for a Federal Parent PLUS Loan, the parent of a dependent student must sign onto www.studentloans.gov after the student has completed the FAFSA.
Deferment of Federal Loans You Borrowed during Your Undergraduate Program
You will be able to defer payments on federal student loans obtained in the past as an undergraduate once you are matriculated into the Postbaccalaureate Premedical Program. Questions regarding deferment should be directed to the Bryn Mawr Registrar. registrar@brynmawr.edu
Private Alternative Loans
Private loans are non-federal education loans offered by a lender such as a bank or credit union. Postbac students should consider applying for a private loan only after exhausting all other possible sources of funds. Private loans often have variable interest rates, require a credit check, and may have less attractive repayment plans than federal loans. Many lenders require a credit-worthy co-signer. In general, students may borrow up to the cost of education minus all other financial aid received.
Below are questions you should consider before applying for an alternative loan:
- Have you maximized your Federal Direct Student Loans? Alternative loans may carry higher and more variable interest rates than federal loans. Some interest rates can change as frequently as once a month on alternative loans, whereas a federal loan has a fixed interest rate.
- If you are considered a dependent student for FAFSA purposes, have your parents considered taking out a Federal Parent PLUS Loan?
Below are a few questions to consider when choosing an alternative lender:
- What is the interest rate? Keep in mind that this can change.
- Is a co-signer/co-borrower required? Even if one is not, having someone such as a parent co-sign/co-borrow your loan with you can lower interest rates and application fees.
- Are there application fees?
Choose a Lender
Below you will find a list of lenders used by Bryn Mawr students over the past three years. Please note that some of these lenders may not lend to Bryn Mawr postbac students:
- Citizens Bank
- Discover Student Loan
- MEFA
- NJCLASS
- PNC Solution Loan
- Sallie Mae Private Loan
- Wells Fargo Collegiate Loan
- SunTrust Bank Custom Choice Loan
- Union Federal Private Student Loan Program
- VSAC
- Great Lakes Higher Education Loan Corporation
- Key Bank
Electronic Transfer of Funds (EFT)
Please consider the option of allowing the College to receive your private alternative loan funds via Electronic Transfer of Funds (EFT), as it will ease disbursement, and allow you to access your funds quickly.
Questions?
We realize that every student’s situation is unique and you may have questions about your specific situation. Contact finaid@brynmawr.edu or call 610-526-5245.