We encourage students and parents to take advantage of the federal loan programs before opting for private loans, which generally have higher interest rates and higher fees than federal loans. Private loans are offered by private lending institutions and are not guaranteed by the federal government.
These funds are available to students who may not be eligible for federal financial aid or who may need to bridge the gap between the actual cost of education and their federal financial aid.
- The lender will interpret credit history and other determining factors to see if the student is eligible. A cosigner is recommended in order to obtain the best rate and terms available.
- Interest rates are normally variable and can change on a quarterly basis. Students are responsible for researching the terms and conditions of these loans.
- Private loans are not federally guaranteed. Therefore, they do not have the same deferment, cancellation, and consolidation benefits as federal loans.
- Private loan lenders are required to provide borrowers with three separate disclosure statements. Please read these disclosures carefully and be aware you have to actively accept the terms of your loan and complete a self-certification form in order for the loan to be disbursed.
Bridgewater College does not have a preferred lender list or any preferred lender arrangements.
A student can choose to borrow from any lender that offers private loans. Please use the self-certification form your lender sends you or provides online. If you need assistance completing the form or need a blank form, please contact the office of financial aid. Bridgewater College will certify (based on eligibility) a private loan from any lender the student chooses.
Private Loan Lenders
Below is a comprehensive list of private loan lenders from which students at Bridgewater College have borrowed during 2022-2025. Lenders that are no longer offering private alternative loans have been removed from the list. The list is in alphabetical order only. Bridgewater College does not endorse any lender and expresses no opinion with respect to any lender.
- Ascent
- Citizens
- Custom Choice
- College Avenue Student Loans
- CFI NC Student Assist – NC Residents Only
- Earnest
- Funding U
- Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA) – NJ Residents Only
- ISL Education Lending
- *Langley Federal Credit Union
- Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA) – MA Residents Only
- *Navy Federal Credit Union
- New Hampshire Higher Education Loan Corporation
- PA Forward Student Loans – PA Residents Only
- Sallie Mae Student Loans
- SoFi Student Loans
- *State Employee’s Credit Union of Maryland
*Requires membership
Questions? Reach out
Financial Aid Office
Phone: 540-828-5377
finaid@bridgewater.edu
