An Alternative loan is an educational loan through a lender with no ties to the federal government or Valdosta State University that allows students to borrow additional funds after federal student loans have been exhausted.

There are many private lenders that offer alternative loans.

• The choice of which lender to borrow from is a decision that the student must make. 
• The Office of Student Financial Aid will certify an alternative loan from any lender the student chooses. 
• Students should always consider the Federal Loan Programs first. 

VSU Private/Alternative Loan Lender List

The Private/Alternative Loan Lender List includes all lenders VSU has certified alternative loans through over the last two years.  Any new lender which approves an alternative loan for a VSU student will be added to this list when it is published for 2012-2013.

When applying for alternative loans please keep in mind that:

• The choice of lender is a decision that the student must make.
• The Office of Student Financial Aid will certify an alternative loan from any lender the student chooses.
• Students should always consider the Federal Loan Programs first.
• For the most up to date information regarding alternative loans through these lenders, check the lender’s website.
• Borrower benefits and interest rates vary between lenders and types loans under the same lenders.
• We recommend that you compare multiple types of loans and various lenders to find the best loan fees, interest rates and terms for your situation.

Alternative loan programs differ from Federal Direct Loans in several important ways.

• Interest rates are normally variable rates that change on a quarterly basis.
• Students are responsible for researching the terms and conditions of all loan programs.
• Alternative Loan approval and interest rates are based on applicant credit scores.
• Valdosta State University is not involved in the approval or denial decision for these loans. Questions regarding these loans should be addressed to the individual lender.
• Alternative loans are not federally guaranteed; therefore, they do not have the same deferment, cancellation and consolidation benefits as Federal Direct Student Loans.

 When completing applications for the 2012-2013 Aid Year please use the following dates for your requested loan periods:

One Term Only:

Summer 2013: 05/10/2013 – 07/27/2013

Fall 2012: 08/19/2013 – 12/07/2013

Spring 2014: 01/13/2014 – 05/09/2014

Summer 2014: 05/19/2013 – 07/24/2014

Multiple Terms:

Fall 2013 & Spring 2014: 08/19/2013 – 05/09/2014

Spring 2014 & Summer 2014: 01/13/2014 – 07/24/2014

VSU Private/Alternative Loan Lender List

 Lender – Lender Number(s) – Telephone Number 

 (By Lender Number)

Wells Fargo – 161/807176 –866-380-1727

Eli Lilly Credit Union ­– 500415 – 800-369-4250

UMassFive College Federal Credit Union – 500446 – 800-852-5886

Fifth Third Bank – 508780 – 800-222-7192

Associated Credit Union – 532265 – 877-334-4870

Georgia's Own Credit Union – 532298 – 800-533-2062

Citizens Bank – 700700/808140 – 800-708-6684

PNC Health Profession – 809921 – 800-762-1001

Citibank – 826878 – 800-788-3368

Discover Student Loans – 831312 – 877-728-3030

Sallie Mae – 900901/900905 – 877-279-7172

Regions Bank – 900902 – 800-858-7822

Union Federal Savings Bank – 907798 – 866-513-8445

cuStudentLoans – 911007 – 888/549-9050

Suntrust Bank – 911304 – 800-552-3006

Private/Alternative Loan Self Certification Form