Private Loan Program

Private Student Loans

When federal loans and other aid do not cover your cost of education, private or alternative student loans are available. It is important to understand that private loans do not qualify for most loan repayment assistance programs (including VLFP), nor do they qualify for federal loan forgiveness programs (including PSLF). 

Private loan marketplaces like Juno allow students to compare rates and terms across various lenders. Juno pools law students together and uses group volume to negotiate directly with lenders, who bid for the group's business. Through this process, most students find they are able to secure lower interest rates and better terms than they would receive on their own.

An additional resource for researching private loan options is ELMSelect. The lenders on this list were selected using neutral, student-centered criteria, including total borrower cost, repayment flexibility, approval times, customer service metrics, and co-signer release options. You are not required to use a lender from either Juno or ELMSelect, and may select any eligible lender of your choice. 

Students may borrow a private loan amount equal to the annual Cost of Attendance minus any other financial aid (including scholarships and federal student loans). 

  • Check Your Credit - We recommend that you visit annualcreditreport.com to find and fix errors prior to applying.
  • Consider a Cosigner - Even if you are approved on your own, having a creditworthy cosigner may allow you to qualify for a lower rate.
  • Funding Calculator - Download the 2026-2027 funding calculator and follow the prompts to help you determine how much to apply for.
  • Prequalify - Applying through Juno allows you to get prequalified before completing a formal application. A prequalification uses a soft credit pull and won't affect your credit score.
  • Compare Details - Evaluate competing offers based on rates, terms, and cosigner rules. Law students typically choose loans with fixed rates, deferred payments, and 10-year terms. 
  • Approval Timeline - To ensure your loan can be finalized before the fall payment deadline, we recommend applying by July 15th.

Bar Study Loans

Some private lenders offer bar study loans for the 6- to 12-month period immediately following graduation. These loans are designed to assist graduating law students in their efforts to finance bar-exam related expenses and summer living expenses. Be sure to read loan terms carefully, as these can carry high interest rates and other fees. When researching or applying online, be sure the loan is specifically designated as a Bar Study Loan and not a traditional private student loan. 

Make sure that you have considered all of your federal loan options before considering a Bar Study Loan. As with all private loans, Bar Study Loans do not qualify for repayment assistance or loan forgiveness programs (including PSLF or VLFP). Students can apply for a bar study loan during their final semester of law school or up to one year after graduation.