Compare Loan Programs

Submitted a FAFSA.

Attend a school that participates in the Federal Family Education Loan Program.

Be enrolled or plan to enroll at least half-time in an undergraduate or graduate degree or certificate program.

Be a PA resident or an out-of-state resident who attends a PA school to qualify for the KeystoneBest loan.

Your child submitted a FAFSA.

Have a dependent, undergraduate child who is eligible for federal loans and accepted by an approved school.

Be creditworthy or have a co-signer.

Be a PA resident or an out-of-state resident whose child attends a PA school to qualify for the KeystoneBEST for Parents loan.

Submitted a FAFSA.

Be a graduate student accepted by an approved school.

Be enrolled in an eligible program of study beyond a bachelor's degree, taking graduate level courses leading to a master's or doctorate degree or professional certification (excluding teacher certification)

Be creditworthy or have a co-signer.

Be a PA resident or an out-of-state resident who attends a PA school to qualify for the KeystoneBEST for Graduates loan.

Varies by loan

As low as 5.6% fixed for Federal Stafford and KeystoneBest Stafford loans

Fixed interest rate of 8.5%

Fixed interest rate of 8.5%

Varies by loan

0.5% origination fee

3% origination fee

3% origination fee

Varies by loan

Dependent undergraduate students $3,500 - $5,500/year.

Independent undergraduate students $7,500 - $10,500/year.

Graduate/professional students $8,500 - $20,500/year.

These annual loan limits apply to loans disbursed on/after July 1, 2008.

100% of cost of education minus other financial aid

100% of cost of education minus other financial aid

Varies by loan

No

No

No

Varies by loan

10 years

10 years

10 years

Varies by loan

Participating lenders may offer a reduction in the origination fee as well as additional rebates.

Participating lenders may offer rebates.

Participating lenders may offer rebates.

Varies by loan

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

If you have already looked into scholarships and grants and are eligible for a Stafford loan, then you should definitely use this loan program.

The interest rates and benefits are better than with any other loan program. It also offers no required payments while in school at least half-time, six-month grace period and no prepayment penalty.

This is the best loan for parents who want to pay for their child’s education.

The benefits and interest rates are better than with alternative loans. It also offers no income requirement and no prepayment penalty.

Apply for this loan even if you have poor credit. If your application is rejected, your child could receive additional Stafford loan eligibility.

This is the best loan for graduate students who need additional funding.

The benefits and interest rates are better than with alternative loans. It also offers no required payments while in school at least half-time, no income requirement and no prepayment penalty.

Only use alternative loans to complete gaps in your college funding after obtaining aid through scholarships, grants and federal loan programs.

The interest rates and benefits are not as good as with the federal programs.