Understand your student loan options
Borrow through federal programs
Federal loans are provided by the U.S. Department of Education, and options are available for undergraduate students, graduate students, and parents. You must file your FAFSA to apply.
Examples of federal loans available to both undergraduate and graduate students include:
are available only to graduate or professional students.
Explore private lending options
Private loans are issued by banks or credit unions and can help cover remaining costs for undergraduate and graduate students after you have exhausted federal aid. These loans often require a credit check and may have different repayment terms than federal options.
Loan resources for international students
Gathering funding for an education in the United States often requires specialized resources. While international students are not eligible for U.S. federal loans, there are alternative options:
Loans from your home country
We recommend researching funding possibilities in your home country first. Contact your government or an educational advisor to learn about your options.
Private U.S. loans
You may apply for credit-based loans from private lenders. Because these depend on a credit check, you will likely need a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to serve as a co-signer.
Short-term emergency loans
If you face an unexpected expense, you may apply for a short-term loan of up to $400 through the Office of International Services (OIS). To qualify, you must be enrolled and have no past-due bursar balance.
Student Central
408 N. Union Street Bloomington, IN 47405-
812-855-6500 -
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- Tuesday:
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Student Central will be closed on the following days: June 19, 2026; July 3, 2026; September 7, 2026; November 26–27, 2026; December 25, 2026; December 28–31, 2026