Federal and Private Loan Options | Undergrad and Graduate

Learn about federal and private loans

Federal TEACH Grant/Loan

Grant for undergraduate and graduate students willing to teach low income students in a high-need field.
Available to undergraduate and graduate students for up to $4000 per year.
Obligates student to a four year service requirement after graduation, otherwise converts to a loan.
To apply, must complete online Teach Grant Counseling and an Agreement to Serve (ATS).

Federal Parent PLUS and Grad PLUS Loan Application Process

For PARENTS of undergraduate students OR for GRADUATE STUDENTS seeking additional funding.
Apply as early as April 1 each year.
Applicants may borrow up to the entire cost of education through this program.
If a parent is unable to borrow a Direct PLUS Loan due to exceptional circumstances, they may complete the PLUS Loan Eligibility Waiver form to request that the student receive increased Direct Loan funding equal to that of an independent student ($4000 for Freshmen or Sophomores, $5000 for Juniors or Seniors). Approval is determined based on documentation of exceptional circumstances.
Learn about the Federal PLUS Loan program at studentaid.gov. To apply, Sign In and then follow the link to "Start PLUS Application Process."
For more information on how we select our lenders see our Private Loan Disclosure pdf.

Private Student Loans

Financial Aid Services cannot recommend specific private loan lenders. However, we do offer a historical lender list, which includes the top 3 lenders by volume that at least five students have used in the past three years.
For a historical lender list, Harding University utilizes ELMSelect, a private loan lender and loan comparison tool offered by ELM Resources Corporation. ELMSelect showcases selected lenders in relatively consistent terms, reducing confusion, and assisting borrowers and their families in making the best-informed decisions. It also provides an opportunity to help educate students and parents with regard to the student loan industry.
You are not required to choose a lender from this list. We will certify a private loan from any lender you select.
Federal Vs Private loans