Keystone Student Loans – Unlock a New Way to Pay for College
Through the Keystone Student Loan Program, the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) offers private education loan options to enable students in New York, Ohio, and Virginia to pursue their higher education dreams and to make managing their loans easier and more convenient.
The Keystone Student Loan Program has the following benefits
For undergrad, grad, and parent loans, you can even borrow up to 100% of the certified cost of attendance (tuition, fees, room, board, books, etc.).
Eligibility for Undergraduate, Graduate, or Parent Loans
The Keystone Student Loan Program is designed specifically for students and parents or guardians of students who are enrolled or who plan to be enrolled in a degree, certificate, or diploma granting program. For parent loans, the student must be enrolled at least half-time. These loans are meant for:
- NY, OH, or VA residents attending an approved school in or out of state (with the exception of PA)
- All borrowers must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States
- Students regardless of enrollment status, including those enrolled less than half-time.
Co-signer
The Keystone Student Loan Program does not require you to have a co-signer unless you have not met the age of majority based on the law of your state of residence or you do not meet the minimum credit requirements; however, you may benefit from a creditworthy co-signer. Having a co-signer may increase your chances that the loan will be approved and, perhaps, may get you a better interest rate.
Loan Types
Currently there are three loan types in the Keystone Student Loan Program.
Looking to refinance your existing student loan?
PHEAA offers the PA Forward Refinance Loan to residents of DE, MD, NJ, NY, OH, PA, VA, and WV. There are benefits to refinancing with PA Forward, such as:
- Lower monthly payments*
- Get a lower interest rate**
- One bill, one lender
- No pre-payment penalties
- Fixed interest rate
- Different repayment terms to fit your personal situation***
Plan Ahead & Be a Smart Borrower
The world of student aid can sometimes be difficult to navigate. However, it doesn’t have to be. We have gathered information that will make it easier for you to understand.
Note: If you visit one of the above sites, please remember to come back to this site if you decide to apply for a PA Forward Student Loan.
*Your payment could increase depending on the selected repayment term.
**Interest rate depends on credit score and other factors.
***You could pay more interest over the life of the loan with a longer loan term.
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