Private Financial Aid | Saybrook University
Why Saybrook
Why Saybrook
Because you will learn how to transform societies and communities, and also yourself.
Our Humanistic Approach
We believe people are greater than the sum of their parts–to properly understand someone, we must acknowledge their full history.
Leadership
Board of Trustees
Our leadership team embodies Saybrook’s humanistic mission, dedicating themselves to upholding the values that help students discover their purpose.
The Community Solution
Saybrook University is a proud member of The Community Solution Education System, a nonprofit system of colleges and universities working together to advance student success and community impact.
Belonging at Saybrook
Celebrate your differences and find commonalities at Saybrook, where we believe each unique voice adds intrinsic value to the educational experience.
Alumni Affairs
Loan Repayment Programs
Your Saybrook adventure continues long after graduation.
Programs
Areas of Study
Counseling
Humanistic Clinical Psychology
Humanistic Psychology
Integrative and Functional Nutrition
Integrative Social Work
Mind-Body Medicine
Psychophysiology
Transformative Social Change
Find the field that’s right for you: Counseling, Psychology, Transformative Social Change, Integrative and Functional Nutrition, Psychophysiology, Mind-Body Medicine, or Integrative Social Work.
Degree Levels
Doctoral Degrees
Master's Degrees
Certificate Programs
Saybrook University offers Certificate, Master’s, and Doctoral degree programs.
Program Explorer
Saybrook’s programs are designed to help you discover and develop more human-centered, just, and inclusive systems and practices.
Explore Programs
Regulatory Information
Accreditation
WSCUC Institutional Report 2025
Professional Licensure and Certification Disclosures
State Authorizations
Consumer Disclosures
Learn more about Saybrook University's accreditation status, licensure disclosures, state authorizations, and consumer disclosures.
Student Experience
Student Experience
Commencement
New Student Resources
STAR
No matter where you are today, your experience at Saybrook can help guide you toward a rewarding tomorrow.
Saybrook Learning Model
Learning Model Overview
Community Learning Experience 2025
Online learning fueled by community and connection defines the Saybrook experience. Our learning model is designed to foster this collaboration and connection on a regular basis.
Student Life
Registrar’s Office
Transcript Requests
Re-Entry
Library Resources
Accessibility Accommodations
Student Campus Safety
Research
Academic & Student Privacy Policies
Saybrook Standout
Your success as a Saybrook student is our top priority. These student services are yours to utilize, and they can help you thrive academically and personally in our learning environment.
Faculty
Saybrook’s faculty will be the guides by your side, helping you discover the academic and professional paths that align best with your goals.
Academic Calendar
Saybrook’s academic calendar includes weekly breakdowns of important dates, deadlines, and other calendar events you need to know as a member of our community.
Academic Catalog
Our academic catalog contains information regarding important policies and procedures that govern both administrative and academic matters.
Global Engagement
Discover life-changing study abroad opportunities at Saybrook, where collaboration transcends borders.
Admissions
Admissions
Dates and Deadlines
How to Apply
Apply Now
Application Portal
Learn more about the admissions process, including important dates, requirements, and timelines, before you apply.
Events
Stay up to date on all upcoming and future admissions events.
Financing Your Future
Tuition and Fees
Scholarships
External Scholarships
Federal Financial Aid
Private Financial Aid
International Student Aid
Academic Partnerships
Cost Calculators
There are many ways to finance your Saybrook experience, and we’re here to help you find the best way forward.
Military
Saybrook is a proud Yellow Ribbon institution, dedicated to supporting military members, veterans, and their families.
International Students
International students enhance our learning environment. Learn more about the additional information you must submit to be considered for acceptance as an international student at Saybrook University.
Transfer Students
Maintain your academic momentum at Saybrook University. We’re happy and eager to help welcome you into our community.
UNBOUND Digital Magazine
UNBOUND Digital Magazine
Humanistic Psychology
Counseling
Nutrition & Wellness
Social Change
Podcasts
Videos
Career Resources
Profiles
In The Media
Explore how our community creates transformative change in our award-winning digital magazine, UNBOUND.
Explore UNBOUND
Mindfulness Moments
Request Info
Apply Now
Giving
Alumni
The Community Solution
Humanistic Psychology
Counseling
Nutrition & Wellness
Social Change
Podcasts
Videos
Career Resources
Profiles
In the Media
Admissions
Financing Your Future
Private Financial Aid
Private Financial Aid
Admissions
Financing Your Future
Private Financial Aid
Private Financial Aid
Understanding more about private financing options can help you determine the best course of action for funding your education.
Private Education Loan Information
Private education loans are non-federal loans issued by private banks, credit unions, and state-based agencies to help students and families cover educational costs not fully met by federal aid. These loans require a credit check, may require a co-signer, and feature fixed or variable interest rates. Private loans do not offer federal protections or forgiveness and are typically considered only after all federal aid options have been explored.
Important Considerations
Before pursuing private loans:
Complete the
FAFSA
to determine your eligibility for federal grants and loans.
Explore all federal aid options
, which often offer more favorable terms and borrower protections.
Consult reliable, independent resources
to make informed decisions about loan types and lenders.
Recommended resources include:
Federal Student Aid: Federal vs. Private Loans
A side-by-side comparison from the U.S. Department of Education, covering repayment, interest rates, borrower protections, and eligibility.
Visit
Federal Student Aid
FinAid.org: Private Student Loan Guide
A student-focused guide including lender comparison tools, credit tips, application timelines, and key borrowing considerations.
Visit
FinAid.org
Financial Quick Links
Financing Your Future Overview
Scholarships
Scholarship Offerings
External Scholarships
Federal Financial Aid
Private Financial Aid
International Student Aid
Federal Loan Forgiveness Programs
Cost Calculators
Tuition and Fees
Academic Partnerships
Comparing Loan Options
Loan Features
Federal Loans
Private Loans
Based on Financial Need
Yes
No
Requires Credit Check
No (except PLUS Loans)
Yes
Interest Rates
Fixed
Fixed or Variable
Subsidized Interest
Available (Subsidized Loans)
Not Available
Repayment Flexibility
Income-driven plans available
Varies by lender
Forgiveness Options
Yes (e.g., PSLF)
Rare
Deferment / Forbearance
Standardized by law
Varies by lender
Applying for a Private Loan
If approved, follow these steps when applying for private loans:
STEP 1
Research Lenders:
Use independent loan comparison tools to evaluate all your private options.
STEP 2
Apply Directly:
Complete your application through the private lender’s website following their required steps.
STEP 3
School Certification:
Once approved, the private lender will contact our Registrar’s Office to certify your enrollment and cost of attendance.
STEP 4
Plan Ahead:
Processing private loans can take 3-4 weeks by your chosen lender. Apply early and stay in contact with your lender to avoid delays.
Eligibility Requirements
Private lenders will require the following information before issuing financial aid:
Enrollment:
You must be enrolled at least half-time in a degree-seeking program.
Credit Check:
Private lenders will assess your credit history; a co-signer may be required.
Loan Amount:
You can borrow up to the cost of attendance minus any other financial aid received.
Regulatory Transparency and Consumer Protection
Saybrook University complies with all federal regulations regarding private education loans by:
Certifying any eligible private loan lender of the student’s choice.
Ensuring no conflict of interest exists in providing lender information.
Prohibiting co-branding with lenders (no logos, mascots, or endorsements).
Annually reviewing student-used lenders and updating available information.
Protect Yourself From Student Loan Scams
You and your family should remain alert to scams related to financial aid and student loans. Scammers may attempt to impersonate legitimate lenders, servicers, or government agencies. You will never be asked to pay for help with federal aid.
Tip:
Be cautious of unsolicited phone calls, emails, or messages promising loan forgiveness or fast approval.
Verify:
Only use trusted sources when applying for or managing your student loans.
For more information, visit
Federal Student Aid – Avoiding Scams
Find Out More
Data Privacy
To provide you the best possible experience, we use cookies and other technologies on this site to enhance your experience and improve our marketing efforts. By continuing to use the Saybrook University website, you agree to how we use your data to improve service and user-experience. Learn more:
Website User Privacy Notice
Functional
Functional
Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
Manage options
Manage services
Manage {vendor_count} vendors
Read more about these purposes
View preferences
{title}
{title}
{title}