Private Loans

Private Loans, also known as alternative loans, are used by students and families to bridge the gap between the cost of education and the financial aid award. These loans are for credit-worthy borrowers and are not based on financial need.

The university recommends that you exhaust all grant, scholarship and federal loan options prior to obtaining a private student loan.

We encourage you to search for and review other lenders to find the best rates available to you and your family. You are strongly advised to compare the benefits and costs of several alternative loan programs before you apply.

• You may apply for a private loan without a co-signer, but in most cases a co-signer is required.
• All applications consider an individual's credit standing.

The preferred lenders listed below have been researched by the university and are believed to provide favorable loan programs. There are no penalties if you select another lender. JWU uses the College Board’s lender score card during its evaluation process.

Required Self-Certification Form
In 2010, the US Congress mandated that private loan lenders require borrowers to complete an Applicant Self-Certification form (240K PDF) when requesting any private educational loans.The intent is to assist students with a better understanding of cost of attendance, total financial aid and the gap between the two (as well as to make them aware of over-borrowing loan money).

Before disbursement of any private education loan can occur, this form must be completed and submitted to your lender. To do so, follow the instructions included on the form.

Submit your completed and signed form (both pages) to your lender (via fax or mail); do not submit this form to Student Financial Services or Johnson & Wales University.

• Discover: preferred method is e-sign, will not accept faxes; must be mailed overnight to 2500 Lake Park Blvd, West Valle, UT 84120
• Citizens Bank: preferred method is esign and will accept faxed form at 1-877-838-8644
• Rhode Island Student Loan Authority: will accept faxed form at 1-401-468-2196
• Sallie Mae: will not accept faxes; must be mailed overnight to 220 Lasley Ave, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18706
• Wells Fargo: preferred method is e-sign, will accept faxed form at 1-800-456-0561

If you have an alternative lender, please contact that lender for submission instructions.

Code of Conduct for Education Loan Practices
Johnson & Wales University's student loan practices focus on the best interest of borrowers. The university has adopted the following Code of Conduct for Education Loan Practices requiring all university employees and agents to act lawfully, ethically, and with integrity and to avoid actual or potential conflicts of interest in connection with education loans made to prospective, current or former students and their families.