Loans

Emory University is committed to helping students graduate debt-free. Through the Emory Advantage Program, we offer non-repayable grants to undergraduate students with a demonstrated financial need that is not otherwise covered by federal, state, institutional, or private grants and scholarships.

However, educational loans may be a necessary resource for students and families who are ineligible for financial aid or who need additional assistance.

Click below to learn more about educational loan opportunities.

The Georgia Student Finance Commission (GSFC) administers this low-interest, non-need-based educational loan program available to students who are US citizens or eligible non-citizens who graduated from an eligible Georgia high school and meet Georgia HOPE Scholarship residency requirements. Borrowers must have accepted and used all federal aid offered and be enrolled at least half time before receiving this loan.

The amount offered under this program is determined by funding availability and state appropriations, with a minimum loan amount of $500. Loans are subject to an origination fee of $50, which will be deducted from the first disbursement. Borrowers must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 to re-apply following the first year of receipt. Eligibility and other regulations applicable to the Georgia Student Access Loan are updated annually and are subject to change.

Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit the Georgia Futures website to learn more about the Student Access Loan.

The Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan is a U.S. Department of Education educational loan program for creditworthy biological or adoptive parents or stepparents of undergraduate students enrolled at least half-time.

Although the FAFSA is required to apply for a Parent PLUS loan, awards are not based on need. Borrowers typically begin repaying the principal and interest within 60 days of the final disbursement.

Download our "Applying for a Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)" guide [PDF] to learn more about the application process.

The U.S. Department of Education oversees several low-interest options available to degree seeking students enrolled at least half time, including:

  • Direct Subsidized Loans – A need-based loan option to cover the costs of undergraduate education. The FAFSA is required to apply for a subsidized loan. Interest will not accrue on a subsidized loan as long as the borrower is enrolled at least half-time. Payments and interest begin accruing six months after the borrower graduates or withdraws.
  • Direct Unsubsidized Loans – A non-need-based option for undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Interest will be charged on an unsubsidized loan from the time of disbursement until it is paid in full. Borrowers can choose to pay the interest while in school or allow it to accumulate, although allowing interest to accumulate will increase the total amount that needs to be repaid. Interest on unsubsidized loans is capitalized once at repayment.

All Federal Direct Loans are subject to an origination fee, which will be deducted from each disbursement by the Department of Education.

Download our "Applying for a Federal Direct Loan" guide [PDF] to learn more about the application process.

If a student needs additional financial assistance once all federal and state loan options have been fully maximized, private educational loans may be another resource to explore. Borrowers must be enrolled in a degree-seeing program to qualify for a private educational loan. Terms, interest rates, and application requirements vary from lender to lender. Some private educational lenders may require a co-borrower; others may offer lower interest rates if you apply with a co-borrower.

Review a list of private lenders Emory students have worked with in the past.

Download the Federal Private Education Loan Applicant Self-Certification Form [PDF], which will need to be completed and submitted before private educational loan funds are disbursed.

Our Commitment to You

Emory's Office of Financial Aid complies with all federal, state and university guidelines. We are also committed to providing exceptional customer service to all students and families seeking financial assistance to cover the cost of their education. As a trusted advisor, we strive to ensure we fulfill these expectations in accordance with the highest ethical standards.

Read more about the operating principles [PDF] that guide our role in the lender-school-student relationship.