2024 Top Game Design Schools and Colleges in the U.S

Turn your passion for playing video games into a career by attending one of the top game design colleges in the country.

Game design is an in-demand industry, with new video games for gaming systems, tablets, and phones continually being developed and released. Here, we’re exploring 20 of the best gaming development programs you might want to consider.

What to Look for in a Game Design School

If you’re looking into colleges for video game design, you’ll quickly realize that not all programs are created equally. Some schools only offer a class or two in game design, while others go deep into the field, offering internships and hands-on experiences.

If you’re interested in attending a game design school, it’s important to research schools and programs prior to making your decision. Make sure to look into the specific type of degree you want (undergraduate degree or certificate, for example), the length and commitment of the program, what current and former students have to say about the program, the helpfulness of the faculty and staff, and more.

Luckily, we’ve done the work for you and have narrowed down the top colleges offering game design programs.

The Top 20 Best Colleges for Game Design

There are several video game design colleges and programs in the United States. Here, we’ve created a list starting with the most affordable game design colleges all the way up to those with higher tuition expenses.

1. Shawnee State University

Shawnee’s Game Design School has made it on The Princeton Review’s Top Undergraduate Schools for Game Design list for 13 consecutive years, and with such low tuition, it might be a great bargain. Located in Portsmouth, OH, you can elect to study Game Programming or Game & Simulation Arts.

•   1 year of tuition: In-state $9,621.52; Out-of-state $16,156

2. University of Silicon Valley

USV is available on-campus in the heart of Silicon Valley or 100% online. The university offers Bachelor of Arts degrees in both Game Design and Game Art, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Game Engineering. After graduating, students are qualified for roles including animator, modeler, game writer, computer programmer, and more.

•   1 year of tuition: $27,850 for both in-state and out-of-state students

3. Arizona State University

ASU’s Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies offers a concentration in Computer Gaming with three tracks to choose from: Programming, Art, or Education. Located in stunning Tempe, AZ, courses in the program include Introduction to Graphics and Game Development, Fundamentals of Game Art, Game Engine Architecture, and 3D Modeling and Texturing.

•   1 year of tuition: In-state $12,051; Out-of-state $32,193

4. University of Utah

The Utah Division of Games, located in Salt Lake City, is a college for game designing that combines art, humanities, social science, and computational research and practice to prepare students for careers in the field. Students can choose from multiple gaming bachelor’s degrees, a master’s degree, and even a minor in gaming. The Bachelor of Science in Games includes courses like Survey of Games, Ethics in Games, and Alternative Game Development.

•   1 year of tuition: In-state $9400; Out-of-state $31,104


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5. University of Southern California

USC’s Interactive Media & Games program offers three undergraduate options: a BFA in Themed Entertainment, a BFA in Game Development and Interaction, and a BFA in Game Art. Located in sunny Los Angeles, the program also offers four graduate degrees and nine minors.

•   1 year of tuition: $33,320 for both in-state and out-of-state students

6. Laguna College of Art and Design

Laguna College of Art and Design Game Art program, located in Laguna Beach, CA, prepares students for employment in any studio or software environment. Students learn the fundamentals of storytelling at every phase of the creation process, how to use a workflow methodology, and how to solve problems in concept challenges.

•   1 year of tuition: $37,500 for both in-state and out-of-state students

7. Full Sail University

Full Sail’s Interactive Technology Bachelor of Science Completion Program in Winter Park, FL offers a Game Design concentration that includes high-level game design and production courses that prepare students to work in game studios after graduation. Recognized as a Top Game Designs Schools by The Princeton Review, the program offers multiple start dates throughout the year and has an accelerated schedule for students looking to finish early.

•   1 year of tuition: $38,750 for both in-state and out-of-state students

8. Drexel University

Drexel University in Philadelphia offers a Bachelor of Science in Game Design & Production, and is recognized as one of the country’s top undergraduate game design programs. Students learn skills like scripting and storytelling, computer programming, computer graphics, animation, motion capture, and more.

•   1 year of tuition: $38,862 for both in-state and out-of-state students

9. Bradley University

Bradley University in Peoria, IL offers both a BA and a BS in Game Design. During your studies, you’ll have the opportunity to intern for a design company, participate in competitions, and show your work at an annual exhibit.

•   1 year of tuition: $39,248 for both in-state and out-of-state students

10. Savannah College of Art and Design

SCAD’s Interactive Design and Game Development degrees offer locations in Atlanta and Savannah, GA with the option to study abroad in Lacoste, France. Students can study at any of the three locations each semester, with the option to switch locations during their time in the program. Courses in the program include Digital Communication, Visual Culture in Context: Pre-Modern Global Perspectives, Aesthetics, and Core Principles: Game Art.

•   1 year of tuition: $41,130 for both in-state and out-of-state students

11. Michigan State University

MSU offers a Game Design and Development Program, a Top 10 Ranked program by The Princeton Review, that was founded in 2005. Students can choose from a Bachelor of Arts in Games and Interactive Media, a Minor in Game Design and Development, or a Serious Games Graduate Certificate. All students get the opportunity to design prototypes and conduct research on the effects of gaming.

•   1 year of tuition: In-state $16,051; Out-of-state $43,435

Recommended: How to Complete the FAFSA Application

12. University of California – Irvine

The Bachelor of Science degree in Game Design & Interactive Media at UC Irvine includes coursework in game programming, game design and development, visual design, interactive storytelling, data science, and game studies. Students graduate the program well-prepared for a career as a designer, developer, and industry leader. Students also get access to well-respected industry mentors.

•   1 year of tuition: In-state $17.205.74; Out-of-state $32,574

13. Champlain College

Champlain’s Bachelor of Science in Game Programming provides hands-on experience, with students collaborating to create and complete game projects. Located in gorgeous Burlington, VT, Champlain was named a “Most Innovative School” by U.S. News & World Report in 2022. Upon graduation, students are well-prepared to work in gaming studios.

•   1 year of tuition: $47,400

14. Quinnipiac University

Level up your creativity with Quinnipiac University’s Game Design & Development Program. Ranked as one of The Princeton Review’s Top Game Design Programs, students can choose a concentration to focus on, including programming, technology, design process, art, game studies, and more. Located in Hamden, CT, the program also gives students the chance to collaborate with partners both within and outside the community.

•   1 year of tuition: $50,400

Recommended: Financial Benefits of Community College

15. Rochester Institute of Technology

The Game Design, Development, and Arts program at RIT has been rated one of the best programs in this field of study by many organizations, including U.S. News & World Report. Degree options include 3D Digital Design, Film & Animation, Illustration, New Media Interactive Development, and more.

•   1 year of tuition: $56,136


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16. Worcester Polytechnic Institute

The Interactive Media and Game Development (IMGD) program at WPI dives into different aspects of gaming design, including digital painting, 3D modeling, writing for games, game audio, artificial intelligence, and virtual reality. Located in Worcester, MA, the program is recognized as one of the oldest gaming programs in the country.

•   1 year of tuition: $57,960

17. New York University

New York University’s BFA in Game Design has three primary areas of study: Game Studies, Game Design, and Game Development. You can also choose from one the following Production Areas: Programming, Video Design, Audio Design, and Game Business. Though tuition here is a bit higher than at some of the other schools, you can pay for it with a federal or private student loan.

•   1 year of tuition: $60,438

18. Carnegie Mellon

The Game Design undergraduate program at Carnegie Mellon in Pittsburgh, PA will give you a solid foundation in game systems and mechanics design, interactive narrative and character development, visual and audio asset creation, game programming, interface design and user testing, and collaboration and the iterative design process.

•   1 year of tuition: $62,260

19. University of California – Santa Cruz

In USC Santa Cruz’s Bachelor of Science in Computer Science: Computer Game Design, you’ll learn about the construction and design of interactive computer games. In your final year of study, you’ll be immersed in an intensive year-long game project sequence.

•   1 year of tuition: In-state: $30,567; Out-of-state: $65,148

Recommended: Student Debt Guide

20. Cornell University

Cornell, another of the best game design colleges located in Ithaca, NY, offers a minor in Game Design that includes classes like Intro to Computer Game Architecture, Advanced Computer Game Architecture, Analytics-Driven Game Design, Graphics and Art, the Psychology of Gaming, and Human-Computer Interaction.

•   1 year of tuition: $65,204

The Takeaway

With so many game design colleges available, it might be hard to make a decision. Factors to keep in mind include the type of program, the location, the faculty and staff, and the cost.

However, don’t let cost deter you from going to the school of your choice. To pay for school, you can look into federal student loans, scholarships, and grants.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

Cover up to 100% of school-certified costs including tuition, books, supplies, room and board, and transportation with a private student loan from SoFi.

FAQ

What’s the most affordable game design program?

Shawnee State University offers a nationally acclaimed game design program with low tuition. Tuition for in-state residents is $16,156 per year.

What’s the most expensive game design program?

Cornell University has one of the most expensive game design programs in the U.S. at over $65,000 per year.

How much does game design school cost?

Game design schools can range from $16,000 per year all the way up to more than $65,000 per year.


Photo credit: iStock/fizkes

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Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

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Safe Harbor 401(k) Plan: What Is It? Is It for You?

Safe harbor 401(k) plans enable companies to avoid the annual IRS testing that comes with traditional 401(k) plans. With a safe harbor 401(k), an employer makes mandatory contributions to all employees’ retirement accounts, and those funds vest immediately.

Often a perk used to attract top talent, safe harbor 401(k) plans are a way for highly compensated employees, like company executives and owners, to save more than a traditional 401(k) plan would normally allow.

Keep reading to learn more about safe harbor rules, why companies use these plans, along with the benefits, drawbacks, and relevant deadlines.

Key Points

•   Like a traditional 401(k), a safe harbor 401(k) lets employees deposit tax-deferred funds from their paychecks into a retirement savings account.

•   Employers are required to contribute to employees’ safe harbor 401(k) accounts.

•   Employer contributions in a safe harbor 401(k) vest immediately. There is no waiting period.

•   Highly-paid employees can contribute more to a safe harbor 401(k) than a traditional 40(k).

•   Safe harbor 401(k) plans allow companies to skip the annual nondiscrimination regulatory testing required by the IRS for traditional 401(k)s.

What Is a Safe Harbor 401(k) Plan?

A 401(k) safe harbor plan is similar to a traditional 401(k) plan — but with a twist. In both cases, eligible employees can use the plan to contribute pre-tax funds to a retirement account and employers may contribute matching funds.

But with a traditional 401(k) retirement plan, companies must submit to annual nondiscrimination regulatory testing by the IRS to ensure that the company plan doesn’t treat highly compensated employees (HCEs) — generally defined as earning at least $150,000 in the 2023 tax year and $155,000 in the 2024 tax year and being in the company’s top 20% in pay, or owning more than 5% of the business — more favorably than others. The testing process is complex and can be a burden for some companies.

An alternative is to set up a safe harbor 401(k) plan with a safe harbor match. This allows a company to skip the annual IRS testing — and avoid imposing restrictions on employee saving — by providing the same 401(k) contributions to all employees, regardless of title, salary, or even years spent at the company. And those funds must vest immediately.

This is an important benefit, because in many cases, employer contributions to traditional 401(k) plans vest over time, requiring employees to stay with the company for some years in order to get the full value of the employer match. Often, if you leave before the employer contributions or match have vested, you may forfeit them.

For smaller companies, it may be worth making the extra safe harbor match contributions in order to avoid the time and expense of the IRS’s annual nondiscrimination testing. For larger companies, giving all employees the same percentage contribution could be expensive. But the upside is that highly paid employees can then make much larger 401(k) contributions without running afoul of IRS rules, a real perk for company leaders. In addition, 401(k) safe harbor plans are typically less expensive to set up than traditional plans.

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Traditional 401(k) vs Safe Harbor 401(k) Plans

While safe harbor 401(k)s and traditional 401(k) plans are similar in many ways, there are some important differences that employers should be aware of.

For instance, with traditional 401(k) plans, contributions from highly compensated employees can’t comprise more than 2% of the average of all other employee contributions, in addition to other restrictions. However, with safe harbor 401(k) plans, those limits don’t apply.

Comparing Plan Features and Benefits

Here is a side-by-side comparison of a safe harbor 401(k) vs. a traditional 401(k)

Safe Harbor 401(k) Traditional 401(k)
Employer contributions are required. Employer contributions are optional.
Employer contributions are vested immediately. Employer contributions may vest over time.
Highly-paid employees can contribute up to the $22,500 maximum in tax year 2023 and up to $23,000 in 2024. Highly-paid employees can be limited in how much they can contribute.
Companies do not have to do annual nondiscrimination testing. Companies must do annual nondiscrimination testing.

Choosing the Right Plan for Your Business

A safe harbor plan may be beneficial for some smaller companies that can’t afford the expense of nondiscrimination testing. In addition, the plan is simpler with less administrative tasks.

A company might also choose a safe harbor 401(k) if it has some key high-earning employees that make up a large share of the workforce.

However, if your company is able to easily manage the nondiscrimination testing process, you may want to opt for a traditional 401(k). A traditional 401(k) could also be a good option for business owners who want to try to retain employees over the long-term. They could set up a vesting schedule for employer contributions that requires employees to be with the company for three years before becoming fully vested, for instance.

Setting Up a Safe Harbor 401(k) Plan

For employers interested in using a safe harbor 401(k), there are some general rules and guidelines they will need to follow.

Requirements, Contribution Formulas, and Deadlines

To fulfill the safe harbor 401(k) requirements, the employer must make qualifying 401(k) contributions (a.k.a. the safe harbor match) that vest immediately. The company contributes to employees’ retirement accounts in one of three ways:

•   Non-elective: The company contributes the equivalent of 3% of each employee’s annual salary to a company 401(k) plan, regardless of whether the employee contributes.

•   Basic: The company offers 100% matching for the first 3% of an employee’s 401(k) plan contributions, plus a 50% match for up to 5% of an employee’s contributions.

•   Enhanced: The company offers a 100% company match for all employee 401(k) contributions, up to 4% of a staffer’s annual salary.

Companies that opt for a safe harbor 401(k) plan have to adhere to strict compliance filing deadlines. These are the dates worth knowing.

October 1: That’s the deadline for filing for a safe harbor 401(k) for the current calendar year. This deadline meets the government criteria of a company needing to have a safe harbor 401(k) in operation for at least three months in a 12 month period, for the first year operating a safe harbor plan.

December 1: By this date, all companies — whether they’re rolling out a brand new safe harbor plan or are administering an existing one — must issue a formal notice to employees that a safe harbor 401(k) will be offered to company staffers.

January 1: The date that all safe harbor 401(k) plans are activated. For companies that currently have no 401(k) plan at all, they can roll out either a traditional 401(k) plan or a safe harbor 401(k) plan at any point in the year, for that calendar year.

Advantages of Implementing a Safe Harbor 401(k) Plan

Safe harbor 401(k)s offer some distinct upsides for business owners and employees alike.

Benefits for Employers and Employees

By creating a safe harbor 401(k) plan, a business owner can potentially attract and maintain highly skilled employees. Employees are attracted to higher retirement plan contributions and the ability to optimize retirement plan contribution amounts, ensuring more money for long-term retirement savings.

Plus, a safe harbor 401(k) plan can also help business owners save money on the compliance end of the spectrum. For example, companies save on regulatory costs by avoiding the costs of preparing for a nondiscrimination test (and the staff hours and training that goes with it).

There are some additional upsides to offering a safe harbor 401(k) retirement plan, for higher paid employees and regular staff too.

•   Playing catch up. If a company owner, or high-level managers, historically haven’t stowed enough money away in a company retirement plan, a safe harbor 401(k) plan can help them catch up. The same may be true, although to a lesser degree, for regular employees.

•   The spread of profit. Suppose a company has a steady and robust revenue stream and is managed efficiently. In that case, company owners may feel comfortable “spreading the wealth” with not only high-profile talent but rank-and-file employees, too.

•   Encourage retirement savings. If a company is seeing weak contribution activity from its rank-and-file employees, it may feel more comfortable going the safe harbor route and at least guaranteeing minimum 401(k) contributions to employees while rewarding higher-value employees with more lucrative 401(k) plan contributions.

Disadvantages of Safe Harbor Plans

Safe harbor 401(k) plans have their downsides, too. Here are some drawbacks to consider.

Financial Implications for Employers

The matching contribution requirements for safe harbor 401(k)s can add up to a hefty expense, depending on employee salaries. And because employees are vested immediately, there’s no incentive to stay with the company for a certain period.

In addition, if a company introduces a safe harbor 401(k) plan, it must commit to it for one calendar year, no matter how the plan is performing internally. Even after a year, 401(k) plan providers (which administer and manage the retirement plans) may charge a termination fee if a company decides to pull the plug on its safe harbor plan after one year.

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Safe Harbor 401(k) Contribution Limits and Match Types

There are some different rules for employer contribution limits and matching with a safe harbor 401(k) vs. a traditional 401(k).

Understanding Contribution Limits

Just like traditional 401(k) plans, the maximum employee contribution limit for a safe harbor plan is $22,500 in 2023 and $23,000 in 2024. If you are over 50, you would be eligible for an additional $7,500 catch-up contribution, if your plan allows it.

But in a safe harbor plan, a company owner can reserve the maximum $22,500 (in 2023) and $23,000 in 2024 for their plan contribution and also boost contribution payments to valued team members up to an individual profit-sharing maximum amount of 100% of their compensation, or $66,000 in 2023 ($73,500 for those over age 50) — whichever is less. In 2024, that number is $69,000 (76,500 for those over age 50).

Regular employees are allowed the standard maximum contribution limit of $22,500 in 2023 and $23,000 in 2024, plus anyone over age 50 can contribute an extra “catch-up” amount of $7,500. Those are the same maximum contribution ceilings as regular 401(k) plans.

Different Types of Employer Matching Contributions

As mentioned earlier, with a safe harbor 401(k), an employer must make qualifying 401(k) contributions that vest immediately in one of these ways:

•   Non-elective: The company contributes the equivalent of 3% of each employee’s annual salary to a company 401(k) plan.

•   Basic: The company matches 100% for the first 3% of an employee’s 401(k) plan contributions, plus a 50% match for the following 2% of their contributions.

•   Enhanced: The company provides a 100% company match for all employee 401(k) contributions, up to 4% of a staffer’s annual salary.

IRS Compliance Testing and Safe Harbor Provisions

To help understand the benefit of safe harbor plans, it helps to see what employers with traditional 401(k) plans face in terms of following IRS rules and submitting to the annual nondiscrimination tests.

Navigating Non-Discrimination Testing

Each year, a company must conduct Actual Deferral Percentage (ADP), Actual Contribution Percentage (ACP), and Top Heavy tests to confirm there is no compensation discrimination.

If the company fails one of the tests, it could mean considerable administrative hassle, plus the expense of making corrections, and potentially even refunding 401(k) contributions.

Before explaining the details of each test, here’s a refresher on how the IRS defines highly compensated employees (HCEs) and non-highly compensated employees (NHCEs).

To be a HCE:

•   The employee must own more than 5% of the company at any time during the current or preceding year (directly or through family attribution).

•   The employee is paid over $150,000 in compensation from the employer for 2023 and $155,000 in 2024. The plan can limit these employees to the top 20% of employees who make the most money.

Employees who don’t fit these criteria are considered non-highly compensated. The nondiscrimination tests are designed to assess whether top employees are saving substantially more than the rank-and-file staffers.

•   The Actual Deferral Percentage (ADP) test measures how much income highly paid employees contribute to their 401(k), versus staff employees.

•   The Actual Contribution Percentage (ACP) test compares employer retirement contributions to HCEs versus the contributions to everyone else.

According to the IRS, the terms of the ADP test — which compares the amounts different employees are saving in their 401(k)s — are met if the ADP for highly compensated employees (HCE) doesn’t exceed the greater of:

•   125% of the deferral percentage for ordinary, i.e., non-highly compensated employees (NHCEs)

Or the lesser of:

•   200% of the deferral percentage for the NHCEs

•   or the deferral percentage for the NHCEs plus 2%.

The ACP test is met if the deferral percentage for highly compensated employees doesn’t exceed the greater of:

•   125% of the deferral percentage for the NHCEs,

Or the lesser of:

•   200% of the deferral percentage for the group of NHCEs

•   or the deferral percentage for the NHCEs plus 2%.

Last, the top-heavy test measures the value of the assets in all company 401(k) accounts, total. If the 401(k) balances of “key employees” account for more than 60% of total plan assets, the 401(k) would fail the top heavy test. The IRS defines key employees somewhat differently than highly compensated employees, although both groups are similar in that they earn more than ordinary staff.

As you can see, maintaining a traditional 401(k) plan, and meeting these requirements each year, can be a burden for some companies. Fortunately, by setting up a safe harbor 401(k) plan, a company can avoid the annual nondiscrimination tests and still provide a 401(k) savings plan for employees.

The Takeaway

Companies that don’t want the regulatory obligations of a traditional 401(k) plan, and would like to prioritize talent acquisition and employee retention may want to consider safe harbor 401(k) plans.

However, a business owner needs to weigh the pros and cons of a safe harbor 401(k) plan because, in some cases, it can be expensive for a company to maintain.

But no matter what type of 401(k) an employer decides to go with, having a retirement plan in place, with different savings and investment options, can help employees — and business owners themselves — save for the future.

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FAQ

Is a safe harbor 401(k) worth it?

Whether a safe harbor 401(k) is worth it depends on the goals of the business owner. A safe harbor 401(k) allows a company to skip the expense of nondiscrimination testing. And by creating a safe harbor 401(k) plan, a business owner may be able to attract and maintain highly skilled employees because of the higher contributions. However, the matching employer contribution requirements can add up to a high expense. A business owner needs to weigh the pros and cons of these plans.

Can I cash out my safe harbor 401(k)?

You can withdraw safe harbor 401(k) funds without penalty at age 59 ½ or if you leave your job. However, hardship withdrawals for immediate and heavy financial need may be allowed in certain circumstances. You can learn more at irs.gov.

Why would a company use a safe harbor 401(k)?

A company might use a safe harbor 401(k) to avoid the expense of nondiscrimination testing and to simplify the administration of a 401(k) plan. They might also use a safe harbor 401(k) to help attract and keep highly skilled employees.

What is an example of a safe harbor 401(k) match?

If an employer with a safe harbor 401(k) chooses to offer non-elective matching contributions, that means they contribute at least 3% of each employee’s annual salary. So if an employee makes $70,000 a year, for example, the employer would contribute $2,100 to their safe harbor 401(k) account.


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Paying Off Student Loans as a Single Parent

Almost one quarter of American children are being raised in a single-parent household, according to the US Census Bureau, Almost 80% are headed by single mothers.

As you might guess, single-parent households may have less financial resources than those with two parents. And if you’re trying to make ends meet for yourself and your child (or kids), it can be hard to stick to your student loan payment plan.

So how can you pay off your student loans as a single parent? This guide can help. You’ll learn about many of the options available. The information you’re about to read can help you make the best choice for handling student loans.

What Are Student Loans?

A student loan is money you borrow for educational expenses, which you must pay back with interest. Loans are unlike scholarships, which are “free money” that you don’t have to pay back.

There are two main types of student loans: federal and private loans.

•   Federal loans: Federal student loans are loans that you borrow from the federal government, or the Department of Education, to pay for college.

◦   Subsidized student loans are awarded on the basis of student need. The government absorbs some of the interest payments on the loan, making it a better deal for students. Typically, the borrower begins to pay these loans back after a six-month grace period post-graduation.

◦   Unsubsidized loans, on the other hand, don’t involve the government shouldering some of the interest payments, and interest can begin to accrue while the student is in school.

•   Private loans: Private loans come from private organizations, such as banks or credit unions. Interest rates are often determined by creditworthiness, which can make them more or less affordable than federal loans depending on your situation.


💡 Quick Tip: Often, the main goal of student loan refinancing is to lower the interest rate on your student loans — federal and/or private — by taking out one loan with a new rate to replace your existing loans. Refinancing makes sense if you qualify for a lower rate and you don’t plan to use federal repayment programs or protections.

Student Loan Solutions for Single Parents

The most important thing to remember is that you have several options as a single parent when deciding how to handle student loans. Below, you’ll get details on parent loan forgiveness, deferral and forbearance, increasing your income, public assistance, scholarships, and refinancing your student loans.

This advice can also be helpful if you’re thinking about paying student loans and starting a family at the same time.

1. Single Parent Loan Forgiveness

While there’s no program that exists explicitly called “single parent student loan forgiveness,” there are some income-driven repayment (IDR) plan options. You won’t have to pay your remaining balance under all four plans if your loans aren’t fully repaid at the end of the indicated repayment period.

There are four different IDR plans (only for federal loans) you can apply for give you a monthly payment based on your income and family size:

•   Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) Plan: The new SAVE Plan considers your income and family size to determine your monthly payment. Your payments may be based on a smaller portion of your adjusted gross income (AGI) and are typically designed so that no one with an undergraduate loan has to pay more than 5% of their discretionary income towards their student debt. The government may cover the interest accrued monthly and can keep your balance from growing. The plan typically lasts 20 years for loans received for undergraduate study and 25 years for loans received for graduate or professional study.

•   Pay As You Earn (PAYE) Repayment Plan: The PAYE Plan is a repayment plan with monthly payments about equal to 10% of your discretionary income, divided by 12. Typically, those who can use this plan will never pay more than the 10-year Standard Repayment amount. The term is usually 20 years with PAYE.

•   Income-Based Repayment (IBR) Plan: The IBR Plan is a repayment plan with monthly payments equal to about 15% or 10% (after July 1, 2014) of your discretionary income, divided by 12. With this plan, a student pays loans 20 years if they’re a new borrower on or after July 1, 2014, or 25 years if they’re not a new borrower on or after July 1, 2014.

•   Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR) Plan: You’ll pay for 25 years with the ICR Plan. The ICR Plan assigns monthly payments based on the lesser of:

◦   Your repayment plan payment with a fixed monthly payment over 12 years, adjusted based on your income, or

◦   Twenty percent of 20% of your discretionary income, divided by 12.

•   You may also take advantage of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program, which means that if you work for an eligible nonprofit or government organization, you may qualify the remaining balance on Direct Loans after 10 years — 120 monthly payments — under a repayment plan like the ones above for single mom student loan forgiveness.

On the topic of forgiveness, note that President Biden’s targeted student loan forgiveness plan was struck down by the US Supreme Court in June of 2023 and therefore does not offer an avenue to reduce student loan debt.

2. Student Loan Deferral and Forbearance

Single parents may consider applying for student loan forbearance or deferral, meaning that you temporarily qualify for a suspension of your loans. But what’s the difference between the two?

•   In deferment, interest doesn’t accrue on certain loans.

•   Interest does accrue on all loans during a forbearance.

It’s worth mentioning that forbearance changes went into effect in fall of 2023, after there had been a pause since March 2020, as the pandemic unfolded. Student loan interest accrual restarted on September 1, 2023, and payments were once again due starting on October 1, 2023.

In addition to economic hardship, single parents may be able to get a deferment for reasons related to:

•   Cancer treatment

•   Graduate fellowship programs or half-time school enrollment

•   Military service or post-active duty service

•   Parent PLUS borrower with a student enrolled in school

•   Rehabilitation training program

•   Unemployment.

Note that you can only apply deferral and forbearance toward federal student loans, not private student loans. Log in to the Federal Student Aid website to learn more about and apply for various plans under the Department of Education.

3. Increase Your Income

Single parents may consider adding to their income to help make student loan payments or to have extra income on hand. Beyond picking up extra hours at your current job or asking for a raise, you may want to consider picking up a side hustle, renting out an extra room in your house, going back to school to get a better job, or looking for a new job. There are myriad ways to increase your income, especially since you only have one income stream.

Also consider various ways to budget as a single parent.

4. Public Assistance

Public assistance may be one way to help you reserve a pool of money specifically to pay for necessities, including student loan payments.

Public assistance can come in many forms, including food benefits (SNAP, D-SNAP, and WIC for women, infants, and children), home benefits (rental, home buying, and home repair assistance programs), help with utility bills, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), health insurance, and disability benefits.

Every state has specific rules about who can qualify for various benefits. Learn more about benefits from your
state social service agencies.

5. Scholarships

If you’re thinking about returning to school as a single parent to increase your income, consider applying for scholarships. This free source of money for college keeps you from having to borrow money for college.

Where do scholarships come from? They can come from the college or institution where you plan to attend, clubs and organizations, your employer, and other sources. Also consider asking your current employer whether they can help you pay for college through educational benefits, such as an employee tuition reimbursement program.

6. Refinance Your Student Loans

When you refinance your student loans, you “repackage” your private and/or federal student loans with a private lender with the goal of lowering the interest rate or accessing a lower monthly payment via an extended repayment term. (Note that if you do extend the term of the loan, you may pay more interest over the life of the loan.)

Also note that you cannot refinance your student loans under the federal student loan program. If you do refinance with a private loan, you will forfeit benefits and protections of federal loans, like IDR payments. To qualify for the best refinance rates, you’ll typically need to have a solid credit history and stable income.

If you currently have private student loans or are thinking of refinancing, shop around to see what offers best suit your situation and your needs.

Helping Pay Student Loans for Single Parents

Certain websites highlight ways single parents can pay for education, including grants and scholarships. For instance, the website SingleMothersGrants.org mentions such resources as:

•   Soroptimist International

•   The Amber Foundation

•   Kickass Single Mom Grant from Wealthy Single Mommy

•   Idea Cafe

•   Halstead Grant

•   Wal-Mart Foundation’s Community Grant Program

•   The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts.

Be cautious that you don’t fall prey to fake scholarships; sadly, they do exist. You should never have to pay money to enter a scholarship competition, for example. Nobody intentionally wades into the financial mistakes parents make, so do be wary when looking into ways to finance educational expenses and avoid scammers.

Refinancing Student Loans With SoFi

Looking to lower your monthly student loan payment? Refinancing may be one way to do it — by extending your loan term, getting a lower interest rate than what you currently have, or both. (Please note that refinancing federal loans makes them ineligible for federal forgiveness and protections. Also, lengthening your loan term may mean paying more in interest over the life of the loan.) SoFi student loan refinancing offers flexible terms that fit your budget.

With SoFi, refinancing is fast, easy, and all online. We offer competitive fixed and variable rates.

FAQ

Do single moms qualify for student loan forgiveness?

Yes, single moms can qualify for student loan forgiveness through two main programs: Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and income-driven repayment programs. To find out if you qualify for either one of these programs, apply or contact your loan servicer directly for more information.

How do single moms pay off student loans?

If single moms can’t make their student loan payments, they can access various programs through the Federal Student Aid program for federal loans. They can also ask their private lender for more options available to them. Refinancing of both federal and existing student loans is also possible; just know that if you refinance a federal loan with a private loan, you forfeit federal benefits and protections. Also, if you extend the period of loan repayment when refinancing, you may pay more interest over the life of the loan.

Is paying off a student loan considered a gift?

If someone else pays off your student loans, yes, it is considered a gift. This type of gift would churn out a gift tax for any gift above $17,000, the gift exclusion cutoff for 2023. In other words, both parents can contribute $34,000 per calendar year toward a child’s student loans without getting charged a gift tax.


Photo credit: iStock/Drazen Zigic

SoFi Student Loan Refinance
If you are a federal student loan borrower, you should consider all of your repayment opportunities including the opportunity to refinance your student loan debt at a lower APR or to extend your term to achieve a lower monthly payment. Please note that once you refinance federal student loans you will no longer be eligible for current or future flexible payment options available to federal loan borrowers, including but not limited to income-based repayment plans or extended repayment plans.


SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.


Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

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Credit Hours: What Are They & What You Need to Know

Credit Hours: What Are They & Why They Matter

Credit hours are the building blocks of a college career. They measure progress, and define full- and part-time status and degree types such as bachelor’s and master’s. And these factors determine federal aid eligibility.

A credit hour is defined as one classroom hour and two hours of student work per week. Students who take 12 or more credit hours a semester are considered full-time. University semesters are a minimum of 15 weeks.

What Is a Credit Hour?

A credit hour is a system to measure college course loads. They were invented in 1906.

According to Encyclopedia Britannica, the Carnegie Foundation created the credit hour system to determine how to give scholarship funds to colleges. However, it quickly became a useful tool for universities to measure higher ed programs and student progress. Nearly every U.S. university adopted the system within six years.

Credits are also key in accreditation, an evaluation process that ensures a college’s academic merit. It’s granted to universities that have met minimum credit requirements and other academic standards.


💡 Quick Tip: Pay down your student loans faster with SoFi reward points you earn along the way.

1 Credit Hour Is Equal to How Many Hours?

One credit hour is equal to one hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and at least two hours of out of class student work per week. That means you can expect to spend three hours of work and classroom instruction per week in a one-credit course.

How Many Hours of Study Time per Credit Hour Online?

Credit hours are no different in-person than online, depending on the type of online course. There are two types: synchronous and asynchronous programs.

Synchronous programs are virtual classes that students can attend in real time. These courses may involve digital lectures, class discussions, presentations, and other styles of scheduled interactive learning. Students also work together outside of class, whether virtually or in-person. This type of program offers ease of access.

In asynchronous programs, students access pre-recorded classes and forums on their own time. Students in these programs set their own pace and manage coursework completion deadlines. Virtual attendance is not required and students may communicate with staff and their peers in board-style forums and email.

Synchronous programs have a similar structure to in-person college classes — and therefore have similar credit hour requirements. Some universities suggest more study hours for online credits. For instance, the University of North Carolina suggests four to five hours of study time each week per credit for a bachelor’s degree program.

Asynchronous programs, on the other hand, have more loosely defined requirements for credit courses. Students meet program requirements by fulfilling coursework needs on deadline.


💡 Quick Tip: Even if you don’t think you qualify for financial aid, you should fill out the FAFSA form. Many schools require it for merit-based scholarships, too.

Credit Hour Calculator

To determine total time spent on classes in a semester, add the credits of all your courses. Multiply that number by two hours, or more depending on your university’s requirements. Then multiply that total with the weeks in a semester.

Courses can be one to six credit hours. Below is an example credit hour calculator chart to determine total hours spent on one or more credits. Rice University has a great example of a chart that converts credits to study time.

Credits

Study Hours Per Credit

Total Study and In-Person Hours Per Semester (15 Weeks)

1 2 Hours 45
3 6 Hours 135
12 24 Hours 540

How Many Credit Hours Do You Need to Graduate?

The credit hours you need depend on the degree type — but the federal minimum is the same for all. The range of credit hours required also varies by major, so be sure to check with your registrar that you have all the information you need.

Higher education programs include associate, bachelor’s, master’s, professional, and doctorate degrees. Depending on the degree, students can expect to complete around 30 to 120 credit hours.

Bachelor’s Degree Credit Hours

Bachelor’s degrees are generally 120 credits minimum and usually take four years to complete. Schools that operate on a quarterly basis (four terms a year), usually require 180 credits to graduate.

Students enrolled in a bachelor’s program complete core curriculum and various credit hour types: general education, major/minor, and elective credits.

General education courses are required courses for a degree. They often cover foundational subjects such math, English, and sciences. However, the core curriculum might vary by major. For instance, a student majoring in marketing might take intro economics courses, whereas an architect student may take intro art history courses.

Major and minor credit hours are classes related to a student’s field of study. They are categorized into lower- and upper-division credits. Students must complete lower-division courses in order to enroll in upper level courses. Internships may also be mandatory and are converted into credits (up to six).

Finally, bachelor’s programs require elective credits — courses unrelated to a student’s major and general requirements. Students sign up for courses out of interest or to complement their major.

Recommended: What Is the Difference Between BA and BS Degrees?

Master’s Degree Credit Hours

A master’s degree can range from 30 to 60 credits, and usually lasts two years. Students complete a thesis or project at the end of the program.

Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MS), and Master of Business Administration (MBA) are common types of masters, but vary widely in credit requirements. MAs and MSs tend to be 30 credits, while MBAs can take up to 60 credits to complete.

How Many Credit Hours Does a Course Have?

As mentioned, a college class must be at least one hour of classroom instruction and two hours of student coursework per week — the federal minimum. Courses can range from one to six credits — but typically are three to four credits.

How Do Semester Credit Hours Influence GPA?

With credit hours and GPAs, the general rule is this: More credits are better.

Your weighted GPA point values determine your GPA — where the weights are the number of credits for each class. To determine your college GPA with credits, multiply your GPA Point Value with the course’s total credits. Then divide the GPA point value total by the credit total.

For example, if you score an A in your three-credit chemistry class, it has more impact on your overall GPA than the A in your one-credit photography class. Below is an example of the impact of an 18-credit semester and a 12-credit semester on GPAs.

Course

Grade

Credits

GPA Point Value

Quality Points

Chemistry A 3 4 12
Microeconomics A 3 4 12
Psychology B 1 3 3
Computer Science B 1 3 3
Photography B 1 3 3
English A 3 4 12
Total 12 45
Quality Points/Credits 3.75 GPA

If you score all As in your three-credit courses, but all Bs in your one-credit courses, you still walk away with a 3.75 GPA.

Course

Grade

Credits

GPA Point Value

Quality Points

Chemistry B 3 3 9
Microeconomics B 3 3 9
Psychology A 1 4 4
Computer Science A 1 4 4
Photography A 1 4 4
English B 3 3 9
Total 12 39
Quality Points/Credits 3.25 GPA

In contrast, if all your one-credit courses are As, and three-credit courses are Bs, you end up with a lower GPA. The weight of the courses’ credits impacts your GPA.

What Is the Cost per Credit Hour?

The average college credit costs $477 — or about $1,431 per 3-credit class, according to the Education Data Initiative. Private four-year universities charge $1,200 per credit, or $3,600 for a three-credit class. These averages exclude Cost of Attendance (COA) such as room and board, books, and daily living expenses.

University tuition inflation has an impact on figures too. In 1963, the cost per credit was $21 per credit hour, or $187 adjusted for inflation. That’s a 255% increase to today’s credit hour rate of $477!

Recommended: What Is the Average Cost of College Tuition?

Paying for College

Higher education is a substantial spend, so it’s worth researching ways to earn aid and cut costs.

Determine what your family is expected to cover, as measured by the Student Aid Index (SAI). Apply for scholarships and grants from your school, fill out the FAFSA®, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, which is used to determine federal aid, and look into cutting expenses like room and board.

Finally, look into undergraduate student loan options and understand the difference between private student loans vs federal student loan options. Federal loans often have lower interest rates, more flexible repayment plans, and offer subsidized loan options for students who demonstrate financial need. However, there is an annual borrowing maximum for students.

Private lenders offer competitive rates for qualifying borrowers. Repayment plans are generally determined by the individual lender. Unlike most federal student loans, private lenders will generally evaluate a borrower’s credit score and history, among other factors. Potential borrowers may be able to apply with a cosigner if they aren’t able to qualify for a private student loan on their own.

While private student loans can be a powerful tool to help fill financing gaps for college, they don’t always offer the same benefits as federal student loans, so are generally borrowed as a last-choice option.

Recommended: How to Pay for College

The Takeaway

Understanding how universities build programs with college credits will help you understand its cost. College credits define degree types, such as master’s and bachelor’s programs. The amount can also determine a student’s status and progress. Finally, these dictate the eligibility rules for federal and private lenders.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.


Cover up to 100% of school-certified costs including tuition, books, supplies, room and board, and transportation with a private student loan from SoFi.


Photo credit: iStock/asbe

SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student Loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. You should exhaust all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs. SoFi Private Student Loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, and applicants must meet SoFi’s eligibility and underwriting requirements. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information. To view payment examples, click here. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change.


SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.


External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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What Are Student Loans for Military Dependents?

What Are Student Loans for Military Dependents?

Military members, veterans, and their families have special opportunities when it comes to funding higher education. Given the high cost of attending college, they’re well worth checking into.

Find out about student loans for military dependents: children, spouses, and sometimes other relatives of active duty service members.

What Are Student Loans?

First things first: What are student loans, and how do student loans work?

Student loans are a type of financial product wherein a bank or other lender gives a student up-front money with which to pay for college and other educational expenses. Student loans can be used to cover tuition, textbooks, and even living expenses such as housing. Student loans are available through the government as well as through private lenders, and can be taken out by parents or students themselves.

Student loans, like all forms of debt, come at a cost: Interest accrues from the time the first loan check is disbursed. In the case of Direct Subsidized loans, the U.S. government covers the interest so long as the student is enrolled at least half-time and for the first six months after the student stops attending.

Although student loan interest rates tend to be lower than, say, credit card interest rates, the charges can still rack up over time. This is part of the reason Americans are saddled with a whopping $1.76 trillion in student loan debt.

Recommended: Using Student Loans for Living Expenses and Housing

Who Is a Military Dependent?

Military dependents are relatives of an active-duty service member, or sometimes a veteran, who can qualify for benefits based on their family member’s service.

Some family members, such as military spouses and children under the age of 21, automatically qualify as dependents. Other family members, such as parents and adult children, may also qualify if they meet certain criteria. Military dependents may receive death benefits, low-cost housing, and other discounts due to their status.


💡 Quick Tip: Make no payments on SoFi private student loans for six months after graduation.

Financial Aid Service Organizations for Military Dependents

Here are some of the financial aid options open to military members and their dependents.

Government-Sponsored Financial Aid

For most students, including military dependents, the government is the first place to turn for financial aid: Along with the opportunity to take out Subsidized Direct Loans, you may be eligible for grants and scholarships thanks to your service or your family member’s. To apply for federal aid, you’ll need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) annually.

For instance, if you’re under 24 and your parent or guardian died in service in Iraq or Afghanistan after 9/11, you may qualify for a federal Pell Grant or Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant, both of which do not need to be repaid.

If you already have federal student loans, you may also be eligible for military student loan forgiveness, depending on the type of loans you have and what you or your family member’s service history looks like.

Additionally, the Army and Navy Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, or ROTC, offers no-cost scholarships at over 1,000 colleges across the United States. See the official Federal Student Aid website (StudentAid.gov) for full details.

Recommended: I Didn’t Get Enough Financial Aid: Now What?

American Legion

The American Legion offers college funding to the children of veterans who died or became disabled as part of post-9/11 service through their Legacy Scholarship program (Legion.org/Scholarships/Legacy). The scholarship awards up to $20,000 and can be renewed up to six times.

AMVETS

AMVETS teams up with corporate sponsors to offer scholarships of up to $5,000 to veterans and military spouses who are interested in pursuing skilled trades, such as carpentry, electrical engineering, and plumbing. The program, called the Generation T Scholarship (AMVETS.org/Generation-T), is offered to the spouses of deceased veterans but not their children.


💡 Quick Tip: It’s a good idea to understand the pros and cons of private student loans and federal student loans before committing to them.

Paralyzed Veterans of America

Paralyzed Veterans of America offers scholarships of up to $2,500 for full-time students and $1,000 for part-time students to its members, their spouses, and their dependent children under 24 years of age. Awardees may apply a second time, but are only eligible to receive the scholarship twice in a lifetime. (PVA.org/Find-Support/ Scholarship-Program/)

Veterans of Foreign Wars

The organization Veterans of Foreign Wars also offers student veteran support in a variety of ways, including its Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship, which awards qualified applicants up to $5,000 per semester (per family), as well as the Student Veteran Support Grant, which is designed to be used for events and outreach efforts that assist veterans who are currently enrolled in college. The grant can be used for up to $500 per event up to twice per fiscal year for a total of $1,000. (VFW.org/ Assistance/Student-Veterans-Support)

Recommended: Types of Federal Student Loans

Private Student Loans for Military Dependents

Finally, military dependents may also choose to look into private student loans to fund their education.

Private student loans are, as their name suggests, not backed by the government and are instead offered by private banks, credit unions, and lenders. They do come with certain advantages — for example, they generally don’t carry the same lifetime maximums as publicly funded student loans, and you may have more flexibility when it comes to your loan term and repayment schedule.

However, private student loans sometimes carry higher interest rates than federal loans do, and your credit report will be pulled in order to qualify you — which isn’t the case for loans from the government. Because private loans lack the borrower protections afforded to federal student loans, they are most often considered as a last resort option.

The Takeaway: Explore Private Student Loan Options With SoFi

As a military dependent, you have a lot of options to consider when it comes to financial aid. Be sure to look into scholarships offered by the American Legion, AMVETS, Paralyzed Veterans of America, and the VFW. Military dependents should also apply for a Pell Grant, which doesn’t need to be repaid. And federal subsidized student loans give borrowers a break on some accrued interest.

For some, private student loans offer an attractive combination of accessibility and flexibility. (Keep in mind, though, that private student loans tend not to be eligible for student loan forgiveness and other programs.)

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.


Cover up to 100% of school-certified costs including tuition, books, supplies, room and board, and transportation with a private student loan from SoFi.

FAQ

Do military dependents get free college?

Not automatically, but there are programs specifically designed to help military members and their dependents pay for college.

Does the military pay spouses’ student loans?

Not directly, but military spouses may be eligible for federal student loan forgiveness if their loans are from the federal government.

Can military dependents get FAFSA?

Yes, military dependents can qualify for federal financial student aid using the FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The FAFSA is a good first place to turn when looking for financial aid because it can match you with low-cost, need-based options like Direct Subsidized Loans.


Photo credit: iStock/Liudmila Chernetska

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.


SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student Loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. You should exhaust all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs. SoFi Private Student Loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, and applicants must meet SoFi’s eligibility and underwriting requirements. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information. To view payment examples, click here. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change.


Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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