School of Dental Medicine

International Student Loan Options

International students may be eligible for private education loans through lenders that offer international student private education loan programs.

Most international private loans require:

  • A creditworthy U.S. citizen or permanent resident co-signer
  • Enrollment in an eligible degree program

Some lenders may offer no-co-signer international loan programs based on school eligibility and borrower criteria.

International students can use ELM SELECT to:

  • Identify lenders that work with international borrowers
  • Compare loan options
  • Access application links

We encourage international students to review lender eligibility requirements carefully before applying. These lenders are evaluated through the same RFI and review process described above, with additional consideration given to their experience serving international borrowers and the accessibility of their loan products. 

Borrower Choice

Students and families are not required to use a lender from the Preferred Lender List. You have the right to select any eligible lender, and Tufts will process and certify private education loans from any lender you choose. 

We encourage borrowers to carefully compare loan terms, interest rates, fees, repayment options, and borrower protections before making a decision. Whenever possible, students should first consider federal student loans, which typically offer more favorable repayment protections and benefits.

  • Under the Higher Education Act, private education loan borrowers must:

    • Receive a disclosure from the lender outlining loan terms and costs
    • Complete a Private Education Loan Self-Certification Form
    • Observe a three-day right-to-cancel period after final approval and before disbursement

  • In accordance with the Higher Education Act, the university follows a strict Student Loan Code of Conduct: 

    • No revenue-sharing arrangements with lenders
    • No gifts or incentives accepted from lenders
    • No preferred lender placement based on financial benefit
    • No staffing assistance from lendersBorrower choice of lender is always honored
       

  • Tufts conducts its RFI and lender review periodically. During this process:

    • Lenders are invited to submit detailed information about their loan products and services.
    • Responses are reviewed using standardized evaluation criteria.
    • The Preferred Lender List is updated as appropriate based on the results of the review.

    For questions about private education loans or the Preferred Lender List, please contact DENFAO@tufts.edu.