Student Loans

Loans are a form of financial aid that must be repaid with interest. With federal loans, that repayment may begin once you graduate from the College of Charleston.

When you apply for financial aid, you may be offered loans as part of your College of Charleston financial aid offer.

When accepting loans as part of your financial aid package, make sure you understand your options, responsibilities and the terms of paying back the money you borrowed.

Loan Types

Loans are offered by the federal and state governments, as well as by private lenders, to help you pay for education expenses that are not covered by other types of financial aid. Government loans usually have more favorable terms. Do your homework. Many of these loans allow the deferment or postponement of payments until after graduation. 
  • Federal Student Loans

    The U.S. Department of Education offers federal student loans in the form of Subsidized and and Unsubsidized Loans.

    Subsidized Loans are loans made to eligible undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need to help cover the cost of a College of Charleston education. The federal government pays the interest on the loan while you're enrolled in school.

    Unsubsidized Loans are loans made to eligible undergraduate, graduate and professional students. With unsubsidized loans, the student does not have to demonstrate financial need to be eligible. The student is responsible for the interest of an unsubsidized loan.

    To Apply:
    1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
    2. Based on your eligibility, Federal Student Loans are generally included as part of your College of Charleston financial aid offer.
    Learn more about student loans
  • Federal Parent PLUS Loan

    The U.S. Department of Education offers Federal Parent PLUS Loans to eligible parents of undergraduate students.

    There are significant Federal Parent PLUS Loan Changes for 2026-27.  Please review:

    How To Apply:

     

    Learn More About Parent PLUS Loans
  • Federal Graduate PLUS Loans

    The U.S. Department of Education offers Graduate PLUS Loans to eligible students seeking a graduate or professional degree.

    Starting July 1, 2026, the Graduate PLUS loan program will be eliminated. Please review "What Graduate Students Need to Know".

    To Apply:

     

  • South Carolina Teacher Loan

    Offered through South Carolina Student Loan, the S.C. Teacher Loan provides loans to encourage South Carolina residents to enter the teaching profession and teach in the state's areas of critical need.

    As a recipient of a Teacher Loan, you may be eligible to have portions of your loan forgiven by teaching in certain critical geographical or subject areas in the S.C. public school system.

    To Apply

  • Private Loans

    Private loans are provided by commercial lenders. These loans should be considered only after you have explored every other form of financial assistance, including scholarships, need‑based grants, work‑study opportunities, and federal student loans available through the FAFSA process.  Private loan eligibility is based on creditworthiness rather than financial need.  College of Charleston does not endorse or recommend private loan lenders.

    Factors to consider before deciding on a private loan:

    • Who is the co-signer/co-borrower? Is there a cosigner release option?

    • What is the interest rate? Is it fixed or variable?

    • What fees are applied?

    • When does repayment begin?



    Private Loan Application Process