Alternative loans are private loans designed to supplement other types of aid and financial resources needed to assist students in meeting the cost of attending college.

• Alternative loans should be considered only after all other low-cost financial aid resources have been exhausted (i.e., grants, scholarships, Stafford loans).
• Financial Aid Services strongly encourages all students to complete the FAFSA. Completing the financial aid application pprocess allows our office to evaluate eligibility for additional resources.
• Students may select any lender they wish to borrow from the Alternative loan program.  Please be sure to consider customer service, borrower benefits, repayment incentives, and undisclosed fees when deciding on a lender. 
• HCC provides a list of suggested lenders to be used as a guide for borrowers. HCC will process loan request  from any lender selected by a student, whether or not the name of the bank or credit union is on this list. Some lenders may have more manual processes and this can cause a delay in loan processing, approval, and disbursement.  In addition, HCC must be approved to certify loans with the guarantee agency that works with the lender.
• Students and parents are encouraged to contact Financial Aid Services to speak with a counselor regarding various lender services and options.  

Consider these options first...

• Complete the "How to Apply" process
• Consider HCC Non-Need Based Scholarships
• Seek Private Scholarships
• Search for Other Scholarships