Welcome!

You may use these pages to compare Federal Stafford, Parent PLUS, and Grad PLUS loans from our preferred lenders, and to review an array of private alternative loan programs.

Once you choose a lender, click through to apply from that lender's website.

Review our rationale – how Bennington chose our preferred lenders – as well as the Loan Know-How page on Bennington's website.

Questions? finaid@bennington.edu

Lender List Rationale

In creating a preferred lender list for Stafford and PLUS, we collected information from many lenders about loan cost and customer service. We looked first and foremost at price – some lenders or guarantors pay some or all of the loan fees charged on these loans. In addition, we considered service and support for borrowers and families.

You are not required to choose a lender from Bennington's list; we offer it because families often request help. You may use any lender in borrowing a federal Stafford or PLUS or a private alternative loan. There are many fine lenders not represented on our list. If you choose another lender, simply complete an application directly from its website. Bennington will be notified of the loan when you have completed all application paperwork – which is usually electronic – and we are asked to certify your eligibility.