Loans

A student loan is an investment in your education. However, because loans must be repaid with interest, taking on educational debt is a decision that must be considered carefully. The Juilliard School encourages responsible borrowing and is committed to providing students and parents with the tools and information needed to make the best possible choices. The Federal Direct Stafford Loan is available to undergraduate and graduate students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. In this federal program, students may borrow $5,500 to $20,500 per year directly through the School, depending on their class level.  Undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need may be eligible for subsidized Stafford loans; the federal government pays any accrued interest while the student is enrolled at least half-time.  Unsubsidized loans are available for students who do not have financial need. Normal repayment begins after the student ceases at least half-time enrollment, with up to 30 years to repay. For more information, visit Student Aid on the Web.

The Federal Direct PLUS Loan is available to parents of dependent undergraduate students. The student and parent must both be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. These federal loans range up to full remaining cost of attendance, pending credit approval from the Department of Education. To apply, contact the Office of Financial Aid after receiving the financial aid award letter. For more information, visit Student Aid on the Web.

The Graduate PLUS Loan is a federal loan available to graduate students who are U.S. Citizens or permanent residents. Borrowers must pass a credit check. To apply, file a FAFSA, then contact the Financial Aid Office for more information.

The Federal Perkins Loan (NDSL) is available to undergraduates and graduate students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents with financial need. Undergraduates may borrow up to $5,500 per year, and graduates may borrow up to $6,000 per year. Students have up to 10 years to repay. Repayment at 5 percent interest begins six months after student ceases at least half-time enrollment. To be considered for a Perkins loan, you must request it in a separate letter to the Office of Financial Aid after a receiving a Financial Aid award letter. Because funds are limited, students must use their Stafford loan eligibility before requesting a Perkins loan.

The Anna Schoen-Rene Fund for Voice Students is a loan program through the Juilliard School. Funding is limited, and priority is given to international students.  Loan amounts range from $3,000 - $7,500 per year.  Interest is fixed at 5% and does not accrue while students are enrolled at least half-time. For more information, contact the Office of Financial Aid.  

Alternative Loans, also called private loans, should be the student’s last course of action after any federal loan eligibility is exhausted. These loans usually have variable interest rates and do not offer the same repayment options as federal loans.  The Juilliard School does not maintain a preferred lender list and cannot recommend a specific lender. However, we do recommend resources to help students make an educated decision, such as the Student Lending Analytics and Simple Tuition Web sites. Students should contact the Office of Financial Aid before seeking alternative loans to ensure all options have been considered.