A fee-less private student loan provider that welcomes international students with a US citizen or permanent resident cosigner, offering competitive rates and rate discounts for on-time payments.
The Smart Option Student Loan can cover up to 100% of your school-certified cost of attendance, with no strict enrollment or program requirements.
Fixed or Variable Rates
Fixed APR from 2.89% to 17.49%, or variable APR from 3.75% to 16.37%, with a 0.25 percentage point discount for enrolling in auto debit.
3 In-School Repayment Options
Choose deferred repayment, a $25 fixed monthly payment, or interest-only payments while enrolled, followed by a 6-month grace period.
Cosigner Optional
Union Federal is known for approving borrowers without a cosigner more often than many private lenders, though a cosigner can improve your rate.
Quick Cosigner Release
Cosigned borrowers can apply for release after graduating and making 12 consecutive on-time principal and interest payments.
Expenses Covered
Tuition Fees
Accommodation & Living Expenses
Travel Expenses
Laptop & Equipment
Insurance
Visa Charges
Books & Supplies
Exam & Other Study Related Expenses
Union Federal Loan Highlights
One of the largest and most established US student loan lenders
No origination fees for borrowers at degree-granting institutions
No prepayment penalty on early repayment
Repayment terms of 10 to 15 years of principal and interest payments
No collateral required — loans are unsecured
Loan products for undergrad, grad, law, and career training programs
Cosigner release after 12 consecutive on-time payments and a credit review
0.25 percentage point discount for enrolling in auto debit
Eligibility Criteria
US Citizen or Permanent Resident
Union Federal primarily serves US citizens and permanent residents; international students would generally need an eligible US-based cosigner.
Enrolled at an Eligible School
Applicant must be enrolled at a degree-granting US institution, with no strict minimum enrollment or GPA requirements for the Smart Option Loan.
Cosigner Optional
A cosigner isn't mandatory, but applying with a creditworthy cosigner generally improves your approval odds and interest rate.
No Collateral Required
Loans are unsecured — no property or asset needs to be pledged, regardless of whether you apply alone or with a cosigner.
Documents Required
Standard checklist for education loan applications — confirm the exact current list with Union Federal directly before applying.
Borrower Documents
Government-Issued ID
Social Security Number
Proof of Enrollment
Income / Employment Verification
School-Certified Cost of Attendance
Bank Account Details (for disbursal)
Cosigner Documents (if applicable)
Government-Issued ID
Social Security Number
Proof of Income
Credit History Consent
Address Proof
Not Required by Union Federal
No Collateral Documents
No Property or Asset Papers
No Application Fee
How Union Federal Education Loan Works
1
Check Eligibility
2
Apply & Upload Documents
3
Application Login
4
Credit Evaluation
5
Sanction Letter
6
Visa Approval
7
Disbursement of Loan
University Coverage
Union Federal funds loans for students enrolled at least half-time at Title IV-eligible degree-granting institutions across the United States — it is a US-focused lender and does not offer loans for study in India or other countries. Coverage and terms are primarily aimed at US citizens and permanent residents; confirm your specific eligibility and school with Union Federal directly or our counsellors before applying.
EMI Calculator
Estimate your monthly EMI for a Union Federal education loan based on amount, tenure, and interest rate.
Union Federal primarily serves US citizens and permanent residents enrolled at a degree-granting US school. A cosigner is optional but can improve your approval odds and interest rate.
No collateral is ever required — loans are unsecured. A cosigner is optional; Union Federal is known for approving qualified borrowers without one more often than many private lenders, though a cosigner can still help your rate.
Yes, loan amounts are based on your school's certified cost of attendance, which typically includes tuition as well as room, board, books, and other education-related expenses.
Repayment terms typically range from 10 to 15 years of principal and interest payments, following a 6-month grace period after graduation.
Section 80E deductions in India generally apply to loans taken from specified Indian banks or approved financial institutions. Since Union Federal is a US-based lender, borrowers should confirm with a tax advisor whether interest paid qualifies for this deduction.
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