Private Student Loans for Students Who Need a
Second Chance.
Our program is built to help students like you stay on track to graduation with a simple application.
GradBridge will be taking applications as of August 2025.
Check back soon for updates.
Our Products.
Undergraduate Student Loans
For juniors and seniors working toward their bachelor’s degree
Graduate Student Loans
For students seeking loans for MBA, law, medical, dental, health professions, and master’s/ doctorate degrees
Simple Application
Our simple, digital application process will give you a decision in less than 15 minutes
Over 2000 Schools
We support undergraduate and graduate programs from over 2000 schools across the country
Second Chances
Our unique underwriting has expanded eligibility so even students that have been declined by other lenders may get a second chance at approval
Flexible Repayment Options
While in school you can choose from a variety of repayment options: Interest only, $25 fixed or no payments 3
Cosigner Support
We make it easy for you to apply with a cosigner to maximize your chances of being approved for a loan
Cover More Than Tuition
GradBridge funds 100% of your cost of attendance expenses
Each year, over a million students are declined for private student loans due to narrowly missing traditional lender’s credit requirements. 2
GradBridge offers a second chance with a second look loan.
How to fund
Your Education.
When it comes to paying for college, most students consider a mix of federal and private student loans. Here’s a quick overview to help you understand how they differ — and how GradBridge fits in.
Maximize free money and federal student loans
Private loans are a good source for gap funding
Where
GradBridge
comes in
Maximize free money and federal student loans
Federal loans are offered by the U.S. Department of Education and are typically a first stop for students and families. They come with:
- No credit check for most undergraduate borrowers
- Fixed interest rates set by the government
- Income-driven repayment plans and deferment options
- Some loans available to ALL students regardless of need
These loans are a great option, but they often don’t cover the full cost of attendance, leaving a gap.
Private loans are a good source for gap funding
Private loans are offered by banks, credit unions, and lenders like GradBridge. They help fill the gap when federal aid isn’t enough. Private loans:
- Are credit-based, so approval depends on credit history (often requiring a cosigner for undergrads)
- Offer variable or fixed interest rates, based on credit and lender policies
- Do not offer income-based repayment or loan forgiveness
- Offer flexible repayment options
Tip: Apply with a cosigner to increase your chance of approval and perhaps get a better rate.
Where
GradBridge
comes in
Where GradBridge Comes In:
GradBridge offers second-look private student loans to students who just miss traditional approval criteria. We provide a path to funding when federal aid isn’t enough and when other lenders say no — helping students stay enrolled and on track to graduate.
- Expanded credit criteria beyond what most private lenders offer
- Flexible repayment options
- Cosigner loan support
GradBridge will be taking applications as of August 2025.
Check back soon for updates.
What expenses are covered by
Your Loan?
Your GradBridge loan can be used to cover your full school-certified cost of attendance.
Typically Includes:
- Tuition and academic fees
- On-campus or off-campus housing
- Rent, utilities, and groceries
- Meal plans or dining expenses
- Books, supplies, and lab materials
- A computer, software, or academic equipment
- Transportation and commuting costs
- Required study-abroad program expenses
Doesn't Include:
- Non-educational travel or vacations
- Clothing, electronics, or other purchases unrelated to school
- Gym memberships or entertainment
- Security deposits or furniture for off-campus housing
- Non-education-related subscriptions (like streaming services or meal kits)
Ready to Apply?
Most undergraduate students will need a cosigner because they typically lack the credit history or income necessary to qualify for a private student loan on their own.
GradBridge will be taking applications as of August 2025.
Check back soon for updates.
1- GradBridge loans are second-look private student loans and are not affiliated with the federal student loan program. As such, they do not offer the same repayment benefits that may be available with federal loans. GradBridge loans are for students currently enrolled at a participating school. All loans will be certified by the school.
2- Source: Based on anonymized loan data from multiple student lenders as of date.
3- Repayment Options: While in school, applicants may choose one of the following repayment options (i) Interest-Only: Pay only the interest each month to reduce total loan cost; (ii) $25 Fixed Payments: Pay $25 per month to help lower accrued interest; or (iii) No Payment: Make no payments while in school, interest accrues and is added to the loan balance. Each choice impacts the total loan cost. (iv) For the $25 repayment example, assume a $10,000 loan with an APR of 18.97%, a 5% originations fee, and a .25% ACH discount applied and 10-year term. The loan will have 30 months of in school payments of $25, followed by 120 months of principal and interest payments of $247.46.
