Education Loan in the USA

Every year, more than 1 million international students join the USA to study abroad as an international student. The USA offers students real-world working experience, career opportunities, multicultural experiences, top universities of USA, and more.

Studying abroad in the USA comes with many challenges, with finance being the top challenge. A bachelor’s degree in the USA costs around $15,000 – $45,000 yearly, while a master’s degree costs $15,000 – $75,000 annually. Compared to most other top countries, the USA can be more expensive, however, the return on investment is also higher.

If you are planning to study in the USA, you will have to manage your expenses. Fortunately, Nomad Credit offers US co-signer loans starting from 3.47%. With quick loan approval, 100% funding, and minimal documentation, Nomad Credit can make your dream of the US much more affordable.

This page will discuss the eligibility requirements, types of loans, documentation, application process, &  more

Cost of Studying in the USA

Before we start with our USA overseas education loan, we need to know what the cost of studying in the USA is. Studying in the USA can be expensive; however, understanding the cost is crucial for planning your study abroad journey. Here’s a breakdown of the cost of studying in the USA for you:

Expenses Cost

Rent

1,000 – 3,000 USD (per month)

Food

250 – 600 USD (per month)

Electricity

20 – 50 USD (per month)

Health Insurance

700 – 1100 USD (yearly)

Phone

50 – 80 USD (per month)

Travel

30 – 70 USD (per month)

Books

90 – 200 USD (per month)

Clothes

500 – 600 USD (yearly)

Types of Student Loans in the USA

Various types of Foreign Education Loans are available for international students in the United States. Some of the top loan options include:

Feature

Collateral Loan

No-Collateral Loan

US Cosigner Loan

Type

A secured loan requires security

An unsecured loan doesn’t require security

US Cosigner required

Who Offers It

Public & Private Banks

Private Banks, NBFCs, International Lenders

US Banks

Eligibility Criteria

Must have assets as security, co-applicant may be required

Academic performance, co-applicant income, and credit history

US Cosigner (citizen or permanent resident)

Repayment

Risk of security takeover if unpaid

Based on the borrower’s financial and academic profile

Shared responsibility with the cosigner

US Cosigner Loans

US banks offer US cosigner loan options to international students. For a US cosigner loan, a student requires a cosigner who is a US citizen or permanent resident. The cosigner should be financially strong and should be a friend, relative, professor, or acquaintance of the student.

Get US co-signer loans from Nomad Credit, starting at an attractive rate of 3.47%. Here’s why you should consider it:

  • Zero FOREX charges
  • No processing fees
  • Covers 100% of attendance costs
  • No collateral required
  • Multiple repayment options

Collateral Loans

Numerous public banks, as well as some private banks, offer collateral, aka secured loans, to international students. A collateral loan is a type of loan that is backed by something you own, such as your property, fixed deposit, investment accounts, and more. If you are unable to repay the loan, lenders have the right to seize your possessions that were offered by you to the lender. Some of the features of Collateral loans are:

  • Lower interest rates
  • Higher loan amount
  • Longer repayment period

No-Collateral Loans

No collateral or loan without collateral, aka unsecured loan, is usually offered by private banks, NBFCs, or international lenders to the students. A no-collateral loan doesn’t require any security or any type of collateral from the student/borrower. The lender considers your academic performance, choice of program, country, university, and co-applicant income and credit history for your study abroad education loan. Here’s why you can choose No-Collateral loans:

  • Faster processing
  • No security required
  • Ideal for students without assets
  • Flexible co-applicant requirements

Indian Banks Offering Student Loans in the USA

Bank

Loan Amount

Processing Fee

Rate of Interest

SBI Bank

Minimum: INR 7.5 Lakhs

Maximum: INR 1.5 Crores

INR 10,000 per application

11.15%

Union Bank of India

Minimum: INR 7.5 Lakhs

Maximum: INR 1.5 Crores

INR 10,000 per application

8% – 15%

Axis Bank (Unsecured)

Minimum: INR 50,000

Maximum: INR 75 Lakhs

2% of the Loan Amount + GST

11% – 13.50%

ICICI Bank (Unsecured)

Minimum: INR 1 Lakhs

Maximum: INR 3 Crores

2% of the Loan Amount

9.50% – 14.25%

IDFC First Bank (Unsecured)

Maximum: INR 75 Lakhs

1.5% of the Loan Amount

9.5% – 15%

HDFC Credila (Unsecured)

Maximum: INR 45 Lakhs

1.5% of the Loan Amount + GST

10.5% – 14%

Avanse

Maximum: 100% COA

1-2% of the Loan Amount

10.75% onwards

MPOWER Financing

Maximum: US $100,000

5% added to Loan Amount

12.99% onwards

Prodigy Finance

Minimum: US $10,000 – Maximum: 100% COA

5% of the Loan Amount

14.96%

Earnest

Maximum: US $200,000

4.39% – 16.15%

Sallie Mae

Maximum: US $200,000

4.50% – 15.49%

Union Federal

Maximum: US $99,999

4.43% – 14.04%


Note: Earnest, Sallie Mae, and Union Federal banks only offer loan when you have a US Co-signer.

Eligibility Requirements for Student Loans in the USA

To be eligible for an education loan abroad, the student must fulfill the required eligibility requirements. They are as follows:

  • Must be an Indian citizen or NRI
  • Must have confirmation of admission from a US university
  • Must not have any overdue
  • Must have legally valid documents

Eligibility for US Co-signer:

  • Must be a permanent US resident (for a minimum period of 10 years)
  • Must have a sufficient CIBIL score as required by the lender
  • Must have a minimum credit score of 650
  • Must have no record of bankruptcy

Documents Required for Student Loans in the USA

Submit documents to prove that you are eligible to apply for a study abroad loan. Some of the documents required for student loans USA are:

  • Passport size photographs
  • Loan application form
  • KYC documents such as Aadhar card, Driving license, passport, etc
  • Address proof
  • Acceptance letter from the university
  • Academic transcripts
  • IELTS, GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, test scores
  • The last 6 months’ bank statements

Factors to Consider when Choosing the Right Bank for Student Loans in the USA

  • Interest Rate: Ensure that you have checked the interest rates of different banks to find the best option for you.
  • Processing Fee: Each bank or lender charges different processing fees. Evaluate the fee as it adds to the overall cost of your loan.
  • Loan Margin: This is considered one of the most important parts as this determines the amount you are required to pay from your pocket.
  • Loan Processing Time: Each bank and lender’s loan processing time is different; ensure that it aligns with your timetable.
  • Cost Coverage: Calculate how much of the cost is covered in your loan amounts, such as living expenses, travel costs, tuition fees, cost of books, and more.

Application Process for Student Loans in the USA

  • If you are planning to study abroad in the USA, you will need to research university options, manage your finances, complete the application process, prepare for a visa, and much more. All this sounds too overwhelming, right?

    Don’t worry, you are at the right place. Nomad Credit is here to turn your dreams into reality. With the guidance of our top experts, you do not have to worry about anything. Our experts have extensive experience and can assist you throughout the process. From finding top universities according to your profile and goals to assisting you with visa and SOP, we are here to help you out.

Frequently Asked Questions Section

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Income Tax benefit for a study abroad loan?

Section 80E offers a deduction on the interest paid for the study loan. There is no maximum limit that can be claimed.

Can I get a 15 lakh education loan for studying abroad?

Yes, you can get a 15 lakh education loan for studying abroad. However, you must meet the eligibility criteria and fulfill the requirements as specified by the bank/lender.

Can I get a 100% education loan for studying abroad in the USA?

Yes, several banks/lenders offer you with 100% education loan for studying abroad in the USA.

What are the repayment options available for education loans in the USA?

Repayment options vary depending on the bank. Since students usually don’t work full-time while studying, the repayment period usually ranges from 10 – 25 years.

How much education loan can I get for a Master’s in the USA?

The amount of the loan depends on several factors, such as eligibility criteria, bank/lenders, financial profile, co-signer, and much more. You can get education loans ranging from INR 6 Lakhs – 1.25 Crores for a master’s in the USA.

Get Access to the BEST Student Loan Options for USA!

Fill out the form to create an account and see potential student loan options you may qualify for.

By clicking "Find my options", I confirm I've read and agree to Nomad Credit's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Copyright © Nomad Study Abroad Consultant Private Limited. All Rights Reserved 2025.