Wharton Alternative Student Loans
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Wharton Alternative Student Loans
Private alternative loans are not subsidized, and generally have higher interest rates and fees, both based on your credit score. In addition, cosigners may be required. Penn encourages U.S. citizens and permanent residents to first consider the Federal Direct and Federal Direct PLUS loan programs when they need to borrow.
ELM Select provides an unbiased comparison of loan products. Students can compare interest rates, repayment terms and more here. Select “Wharton MBA, University of Pennsylvania” then compare loan providers. Note that this is not an exhaustive list of loan products available to students.
Summer Alternative Loan Requests
Students enrolled in summer courses who wish to borrow alternative loan funding are required to submit a separate application for summer loan funding. Fall and Spring loan funds may be applied for together. Failure to comply with this loan schedule may result in the loan certification being denied by The University of Pennsylvania.
| Term Requesting Alternative Loan | Earliest you may apply |
| Summer 2025 | March 15, 2025 |
| Fall 2025 – Spring 2026 | April 15, 2025 |
*Certification of Summer 2025 loans will begin in Mid-April 2025. Certification of Fall 2025 – Spring 2026 loans will begin in Mid-June 2025.
