Compare Loan Options

There are a variety of ways to pay for college. Explore some of the most popular options below to help decide what's right for your family.

UWCU Family Student Loan Learn More	UWCU Home Equity Loan or Line of Credit Learn More	Federal Direct PLUS Loan Learn More
At a Glance
Fixed- or variable-rate loan that a family member borrows on behalf of the student.	Fixed- or variable-rate loan or line of credit where a homeowner borrows from their home equity.	Fixed-rate loan offered by the government to parents and graduate students.
Maximum Term
15 years*	15 years	10 years
Minimum Loan Amount
$1,000	$5,000	None
Maximum Loan Amount
$15,000 per school year	Available home equity	Cost of attendance
Type of Borrower
Credit-worthy person	Homeowner	Parent
Fees
No hidden fees, annual fees or prepayment penalties.	No annual fees, no prepayment penalties, or no or low closing costs¹	A 4.228% fee is incurred for each disbursement after October 1, 2020.
Cosigner Needed
Sometimes (36-mo. release)	None	Rarely
Payment Deferrals
None	None	6 months (by request)
Reduced Payments
Up to 6 months of forbearance and up to 6 months of interest-only payments upon request	Up to 15 years interest only for lines of credit	Many options
Get Started
Apply Now View Rates	Apply Now View Rates	Learn More

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Understanding your loan shouldn't feel like studying for a thermodynamics final. That's why our local experts help simplify your options, so you can focus your studies on the future.