Financial Aid Budget
US students who are looking to meet the remaining amount in their financial aid budget can choose to borrow through a private loan instead of the Graduate PLUS loan. International students may apply to be considered for private loans with a US cosigner. In addition, a no-cosigner loan may also be available to those who qualify.
A number of private lenders and outside agencies offer students sources of funding for their MBA financing needs. Our office does not endorse or promote any particular lender, however, the University has created a suggested lender chart for your convenience.
Private loans typically have variable interest rates based upon the student and/or cosigner's credit score, but fixed-rate private loan options are also offered by some lenders. Please note that the University cannot act as a cosigner or sponsor for either domestic or international students.
Below are important guidelines to follow when applying for a private student loan:
- You may apply for a semester-only loan or a combined loan for the entire academic year. We recommend one loan application for each academic year to minimize the number of credit inquiries as these can impact credit approval.
- You must complete a new application with the lender of your choice for each academic year.
- Be sure to select the correct school code for Columbia Business School, which is 002707-03.
- Once you accept the loan with your lender, you must submit the Private Loan Request Form found in our Forms Library.