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US Private Loan Guide

Sallie Mae and Earnest Loan Application Process

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Private loans may be suitable if you are not eligible for US Federal Direct Loans or PLUS Loans, or you need an additional funding route to support your study costs

If you are eligible for US Federal Loans, we recommend exploring these first, as federal loans may offer more favourable terms. We also recommend comparing interest rates, repayment terms, and any fees before applying for a private loan.

Hartpury University can currently certify private loans through the following providers:

  • Sallie Mae (Sallie Mae Smart Option Student Loan, Sallie Mae Parent Loan, Sallie Mae Graduate School Loan)
  • Earnest

Private loans can be used towards eligible education-related costs such as tuition fees, accommodation and living costs.

When should I apply?

You should only apply for a private loan once you have received an offer to study at Hartpury University.

Private loan processing can take time, particularly during peak periods, so we recommend applying as early as possible once you have:

  • Accepted your offer (or are ready to proceed), and
  • Confirmed your study plans for the academic year

Please note: Sallie Mae applications must not exceed 365 days between application date and disbursement date.

How are private loan funds paid?

Private loan funds are received and processed through Hartpury University as part of the certification process.

When funds are received:

  1. Your tuition fees will be applied to your student account
  2. If you are staying in Hartpury accommodation, accommodation fees may also be deducted
  3. Any remaining funds will be released to you to support living costs and other study-related expenses

Once you have received your offer from Hartpury University and have decided you want to make an application for a private loan, you simply need to follow the next steps. 

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You will complete your private loan application directly with:

We are not automatically notified when you have submitted a private loan application. Please email us to notify us and we may arrange a call with you to discuss your requirements in further detail.

Email us

Once you have applied (or are ready to apply), please email us and we will issue a Cost of Attendance (CoA).

Your CoA outlines how much you may want to borrow for the academic year, based on estimated education-related costs.

Email us

Once you have registered and we have the information required, Hartpury University will certify your private loan application with your chosen lender.

Once your loan is approved, the funds will be paid in line with the private loan disbursement process. Usually this is after you have enrolled and arrived at Hartpury University.

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Your Next Steps

You're all set!

You’ve completed your application. Our Coming to Hartpury Hub has all the information you need on the next steps, including choosing and applying for accommodation, applying for your visa, and preparing to join Hartpury.

If you have any questions about your loan application, you can email our Student Finance team - us.loans@hartpury.ac.uk.