Borrowing money through a private, legal lender is the best way to afford school without involving the mafia. Numerous companies lend to U.S. citizens, but those that lend to international students are fewer and far between.
Most lenders require international students to get a loan with a cosigner who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. This gives the lender security in case the borrower can’t afford to pay back the loan or leaves the USA. Unfortunately, it also limits who is able to get a loan, as some potential borrowers may not have family or friends in the USA who are willing or financially able to act as a cosigner.
Below is a list of some of our favorite private lenders for international student loans.