Commercial Loans
Commercial loans are alternatives to federal loans. They are credit-based, may have variable interest rates and are not eligible for the benefits associated with federal student loans. Students may apply for assistance through one or more commercial loan provider. The amount borrowed from any of these programs when combined with other forms of approved financial aid cannot exceed the student expense budget.
Students who may potentially seek a career in public interest or government work are strongly advised NOT to choose commercial loans over Grad PLUS loans if a supplement to Stafford loans is necessary, as commercial loans are not eligible for various related federal programs and will NOT be covered by Georgetown Law's Loan Repayment Assistance Program for students who entered Georgetown Law in the 2009-2010 academic year or later.
Like federal loans, most commercial loans still require students to be enrolled at least half-time in a degree programs (6 credits for J.D. students and 4 credits for LL.M. students). In addition, the borrower must typically be a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident or have a U.S. citizen or permanent resident co-signer.
A student may borrow a commercial loan amount equal to the total student budget minus any other financial aid. Additionally, most commercial loan programs also have aggregate education debt limits (typically up to $180,000). If your total education debt exceeds these limits you will not be able to borrow from certain programs.
Most lenders use a borrower's credit score to evaluate eligibility and interest rates. An applicant with a score of 680 or higher is likely to be approved.
Depending on your lender selection, commercial loan funds may arrive via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) or via paper check format. Funds that arrive via EFT are posted to the student's account. Paper checks can be claimed at the Student Accounts Office. If account balance is paid in full, paper loan checks made payable to the student may be released directly to the student. If the student owes money to Georgetown Law, funds will be applied first to the outstanding account balance and the excess will be refunded though the Student Accounts Office.
