Students may wish to consider alternate funding options beyond those outlined in their financial aid offer. The list below is not a recommendation or requirement, but is designed to help students and families consider all of the options available to them.
Outside Scholarships:
Outside scholarships are a great way to fill in any gaps in your cost of attendance to Agnes Scott after receiving merit-based and need-based aid. External scholarship programs are all different in terms of application and qualification processes, so be sure to check out how each program works.
Learn more about outside scholarships
Tuition Exchange:
The college participates in Tuition Exchange, Inc. to provide Tuition Exchange (TE). TE is a reciprocal scholarship opportunity for eligible faculty and staff dependents at TE member schools.
Payment Plan:
To help you afford educational expenses, Agnes Scott works with our payment provider Nelnet. Nelnet's Interest-Free Monthly Payment Plan allows you to spread your education expenses over smaller monthly installments for a small enrollment fee. There is no interest and no pre-qualification or credit check required.
This is a popular option with many of our families because it reduces the need to borrow and it gives families more control over their savings. Nelnet’s services have helped over two million students at more than a thousand schools nationwide afford education.
Learn about Nelnet's Payment Plan
Private Loans:
A private, credit-based alternative loan may be available to students who need funding for remaining college costs. There are various lenders for student borrowers which require no payments while the student remains in school. Private loans have various options for repayment and may offer forbearance and deferral options. In addition, interest rates for private loans are based on credit and set by the lender. These loans are more expensive than federally guaranteed loans and should only be used when all other options are exhausted. Alternative loans are typically in the student's name and usually require a cosigner.
Finding the best lender for you and your family is important. One option you can use to review and compare private lenders is available through Sparrow. On Sparrow, you can search and compare real, personalized private student loan offers from over 15+ lenders through a simple, three-minute application. Sparrow allows you to easily compare loans and is free. Using Sparrow does not impact your credit score when searching for loan options; your credit score will not be impacted until you choose a loan and begin the application process. Get started with Sparrow.
- Code of Conduct
- Sample Alternative Loan Disclosure Statement
- Sample Loan Approval Disclosure
- Application and Solicitation Sample Disclosure
- Sample Private Education Applicant Self-Certification
Federal Parent PLUS Loan for Undergraduate Students
Parents (and stepparents) of dependent undergraduate students attending school at least half-time are eligible to apply for a Federal PLUS loan. Borrowers must be U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens. Loan approval is subject to the credit criteria established by the U.S. Department of Education. Submitting the FAFSA is required before a PLUS application may be processed.
The interest rate for the PLUS loan is 8.05% for loans disbursed between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024, and parents can borrow up to the student's cost of attendance less other financial assistance.
It is important to note that these loans are in the parent's name, not the student’s, and the parent will be responsible for their payment. A credit check is required.