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Alternate Loan

Alternative loans, also referred as private student loans, are loans that students can apply directly with a student loan lender that is not affiliated with the Financial Aid Application. Eligibility for the alternative loan is contingent upon the student meeting the lenders qualifying criteria including creditworthiness. Certification of the alternative loan is contingent upon credit approval and notification of the approved loan from the lender to Sacramento State.

Loan Disbursement

  • Loans certified prior to the start of the semester will be electronically requested to arrive no earlier than a week before the semester begins.
  • After the start of the semester, loan funds require a minimum 10 day right to cancel period before funds can be electronically transferred to the school
  • Sacramento State will disburse funds once received from the lender.

Dream Loan

The California Dream Loan is a subsidized loan program available to undergraduate and graduate students with a valid California Dream Act application and a verified AB 540 affidavit on file or T-Visa holds who filed a FAFSA with the University.

Eligibility Criteria

  • For undergraduate and graduate students
  • Have a verified AB 540 affidavit on file with the University
  • Enrolled at least half-time
  • Demonstrate financial need
  • Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress
  • Not in default on a student loan
  • T-Visa holders should file a FAFSA and may also be considered for CA Dream Loan eligibility

Students who accept the California Dream Loan must complete a promissory note and entrance counseling.

CA Dream Loan borrowers have a standard repayment and income-based repayment plan available.

For more information visit heartland.ecsi.net. Under Download Forms search for California State University (Dream Loans).

Nursing Loan

Federal Nursing Loan is serviced by Sacramento State and are awarded to eligible students on a first come first serve basis to eligible students. The Nursing loan is offered at a 5% interest rate. Repayment begins nine months after graduation or dropping below half-time status. The government pays the interest while the student is in school and during grace periods.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Enrolled at least half-time
  • Demonstrate financial need
  • Must be admitted to the clinical portion of Nursing Program
Students who accept the Nursing Loan must complete additional loan requirements including a promissory note before a loan can disburse.

Alternative Loan Programs

Students should always exhaust all of their federal financial aid eligibility options, including loans prior to applying for alternative loan programs. Fees and interest rates can be based on your credit score, therefore, you are encouraged to shop different lenders for the best option available. Sacramento State does not endorse or recommend private lending programs.

Eligibility Requirements:
  • Alternative Loans requiring a School Certification, are specific to students admitted into a degree program. We are unable to certify alternative loans for Open University, certain Certificate Programs, Career Enhancing seminars/workshops, etc.
  • Loans cannot be disbursed until courses have begun
  • Eligible students must apply for the alternative loan according to their degree program (example: Teaching Credential students are considered 5th undergraduate students)