Over 90% of students at California Western borrow funds to help meet academic costs.  Student loans can be a valuable way for you to invest in your future, but always remember that loans must be repaid.  Follow the links for more detail on each of the topics below:

Federal Perkins Loan: A limited number of these low-interest, fixed rate loans are made available to students with high need each year.

Federal Direct Stafford Loan: Stafford loans have a fixed interest rate of 6.8% (for loans made after July 1, 2006) and can provide up to $20,500 per academic year.

Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan: Direct Graduate PLUS loans have a fixed interest rate of 7.9% under Direct Loans and can provide up to the student's cost of attendance minus other aid.

Private Loans and Bar Loans: Generally more expensive and less flexible than federal loans, private student loans are best used to meet costs only if ineligible for federal student loans, or in very specific circumstances.  Most private loans can provide up to the student's cost of attendance minus other aid.

Loan Process: How to apply for student loans.

Entrance and Exit Counseling: Required for Perkins, Stafford, and Graduate PLUS borrowers.

Increasing the Cost of Attendance (Student Budget): In certain circumstances, students may obtain additional eligibility for student aid by documenting allowable education-related costs in excess of our standard costs of attendance.

Institutional and Emergency Loans:  A merit-based loan for continuing students, and loans to help when the unexpected occurs.

Federal Consolidation Loan: Consolidation Loans can reduce your monthly payment, combine your federal loans together, or move your loans into the Direct Loan Program, but they're not for everyone.