Alternative Loans

UTA encourages all students to apply for federal financial aid initially because federal loan programs normally offer low interest rates and more favorable repayment provisions.

However, if you have reached the aggregate limit on federal student loans or need additional funds, there are alternative loan options available to students.


COLLEGE ACCESS LOAN (CAL)

The College Access Loan (CAL) is a low-interest, credit-based loan from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB). In order to qualify for the loan, you must:

  • Be a Texas resident
  • Meet UTA’s Satisfactory Academic Progress guidelines
  • Be enrolled at least half-time in a degree-seeking program
  • Receive a favorable credit evaluation or provide a cosigner
    • Cosigners must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and reside in the U.S., be at least 21 years of age, have a regular source of income, receive a favorable credit evaluation, and cannot be the spouse of the borrower.

Interest Rate Annual Limits Repayment Terms
3.75% fixed for CAL loans certified on or after July 1, 2021. Students may borrow no less than $100 and may borrow up to the cost of attendance minus any other financial aid. Repayment begins six months after the borrower is no longer enrolled at least half-time in school.
5.35% fixed for CAL loans certified on or after August 1, 2022. Students may borrow no less than $100 and may borrow up to the cost of attendance minus any other financial aid. Repayment begins six months after the borrower is no longer enrolled at least half-time in school.

College Access Loan Application Process:


  • Visit www.hhloans.com to apply for a College Access Loan.
  • If you are approved, THECB will send the UTA Office of Financial Aid your application information so that we may certify the loan.
  • Certification requests are normally completed within 5-7 days after we receive the application.
  • THECB sends the loan funding to us to disburse to your MyMav account approximately 14-20 days after certification is completed and you have completed the required Loan Term Acceptance.
    • PLEASE NOTE: The earliest date a loan can disburse for the term is 10 days prior to the first day of the semester.
  • If your College Access Loan (and any other financial aid) exceeds your charges, the Office of Student Accounts will issue a refund to you. View our Financial Aid Disbursement page for more information.

PRIVATE STUDENT LOANS

Private student loans are available through a variety of lenders. These loans have variable interest rates and repayment terms, and typically require a credit check.

If you are in need of a private loan, you can contact your personal bank or other lending institutions. You can also utilize UTA’s FAST Choice service to assist you in finding a private loan lender that fits your needs.

Interest Rate Annual Limits Repayment Terms
Varies by Lender Students may borrow up to the cost of attendance minus any other financial aid. Varies by Lender

Private Loan Application Process:


  • If you are approved for a private student loan, your lender will send the UTA Office of Financial Aid your application information so that we may certify the loan.
  • Certification requests are normally completed within 5-7 days after we receive the application.
  • Your lender will send the loan funding to us to disburse to your MyMav account approximately 14-20 days after certification is completed and you have signed all disclosures on their end.
    • PLEASE NOTE: The earliest a loan can disburse for the term is 10 days prior to the first day of the semester.
  • If your private loan (and any other financial aid) exceeds your charges, the Office of Student Accounts will issue a refund to you. View our Financial Aid Disbursement page for more information.

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Federal Loans vs. Private Loans

What is the Difference?

What type of student loan is right for you?

Learn More About Student Loan Types