Answer a few simple questions and click "Find My Loan"
Review your list of student loan lenders and compare the terms
Select the student loan that meets your needs and start the online application
Here’s how our Useful Pointers comparison tool works. This first ever Useful Pointers comparison tool will match you with available lenders that work with international students at your college or university. The whole process can take approximately 14-60 days depending on when you apply so be sure to get started early. The good news is that you can apply for an Useful Pointers throughout the year.
To use our student loan comparison tool, you will need to select your citizenship and school from the drop-down menu above.
After answering these questions, you will be matched with a list of lenders depending on the school you attend. You may have a number of lenders that you can evaluate and see which of your options best meets your needs.
All of our lenders allow you to apply online for your Useful Pointers. To begin, click the “Apply Online” button that will take you directly to the loan application process.
The loan application process will vary depending on the lender’s application process. You can borrow up to the full cost or your education, minus other aid that you’ve received. If you will have a cosigner on your loan, you will need to have them complete their part of the application process as well.
Be sure to have the necessary paperwork at your fingertips including your social security number (if applicable), driver’s license (if applicable), employment information (if applicable), list of references, as well as your cosigner’s information and their email address.
In most cases, once you have applied for a student loan you will be notified within minutes about whether you are automatically eligible. Depending on the lender, this can take up to 48 hours
Once your loan has been reviewed, you will be asked to sign additional documents to finalize the loan. You will receive a document called the Truth in Lending Disclosure which is provided to you by law and will need to reviewed and signed before any funds can be disbursed. Your lender can also ask for your choice of repayment before finalizing the loan.
When your application has been approved, you will need to sign both the Self Certification Form and Master Promissory Note to finalize the loan. This is typically done right online to certify that you agree to the terms and conditions.
Once the lender has approved your application and you’ve agreed to the terms, your school will be contacted to certify the loan. This includes verifying eligibility, that you are enrolled at the institution, and that you are not taking out additional funds beyond the total cost of your education. At this step, you will not need to do much as this is handled between the lender and your school.
Once your school certifies your loan, the funds will be sent directly to your school within a few days. Your school will need to process payment and get the money out to you. Contact your Financial Aid office to learn more about how and when your school will disburse payment.