The Culinary Institute of America

  • Alternative (Private) Loans

    Some lenders offer alternative (private) loans as a means to fund your education. These loans are generally based on your credit history and can be used in addition to any federal, state, school, or private funding you receive. It's important to use all other resources and to file the FAFSA before turning to an alternative loan. Please be aware that final approval must be received from your bank before an alternative loan will be deducted from your bill. You may be eligible for Federal loans or grants which usually have much more favorable terms and conditions than Alternative loans.

    • Students are not required to select a lender from this list.
    • This list is intended as a guide. Students may choose any lender offering an Alternative loan, regardless of whether or not the lender appears on this list.
    • The interest rates on these loans are variable, and depend on your credit rating. Students with excellent credit ratings will receive the most favorable interest rates.
    • Neither The Culinary Institute of America nor any of its employees benefits from the inclusion of lenders on this list.
    • Click here for information about federal grants and loans.

    Here is a list of Alternative Loan lenders used by CIA students last academic year:

    • Citizens Bank
    • Discover
    • Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (mefa)
    • PNC Bank
    • SallieMae
    • Wells Fargo
    • Vermont Student Assistance Corp (VSAC)

    Learn more about these vendors. Remember, you are not required to select a lender from this list.