Smarter Financing for Dental School
Competitive interest rate loans designed for dental students, with personalized support and rates that reward your academic success.
Performance-Based Rates
We reward your academic record—not just your credit score—when determining your interest rate.
Deferred Payments
Payments can be deferred while in school and during residency, so that you can stay focused on your education.
No Added Fees
No origination fee means more of your loan funds are available to pay your school expenses. Also, there are no prepayment penalties.
Autopay Discount
We offer a 0.25% interest rate reduction for borrowers who sign up for recurring automated payments.
Do more than scrape by with Grad Loans
Our competitive interest rate loans can help cover tuition, books, housing, and other educational expenses, including the higher up-front costs common in dental programs such as clinical kits, supplies, professional attire, PPE, or even technology like a laptop. Whatever costs dental school brings, we’re here to help.
Why Choose South Carolina Student Loan?
We offer student-first benefits designed to support you through dental school.
Competitive Rates
As a nonprofit, we offer competitive rates for every year of dental school.
Flexible Payments
Take advantage of multiple repayment plan options as you begin building your practice.
Special Offers
We offer a 0.25% interest rate reduction for borrowers who sign up for recurring automated payments.
Multiple Uses
Loans can be used for both direct and indirect educational expenses, such as transportation, professional exam fees, and a laptop.
Personalized Guidance
Our team tailors options to fit you and your goals, whether that's working toward your own practice or pursuing a dental specialty.
Local Expertise
We're a South Carolina lender with decades of experience helping dental students achieve their goals.
Grad Loans for Dental School Degrees at a Glance
- What are the interest rates for dental school loans?
Fixed and variable rate options are available—and rates start as low as 3.25%.
*APR rates range from 3.010% - 12.300%. Low rate shown includes a .25% reduction for bank draft. Rates based on credit and terms.
Pricing will be based on:
- FICO
- GPA / DAT Score
- Year in school
- Future earnings
- What can the loan be used for?
For dental students, expenses frequently extend beyond the classroom to include indirect educational expenses like transportation, professional exam fees, specialized tools and equipment required to complete coursework and clinical training, or even technology like a laptop. Loans can be used for these expenses, as well.
When in doubt, reach out to the financial aid office for clarity.
- Can the loans be used for any type of dental school?
For eligible borrowers, graduate loans can be used for any accredited dental school. Loans cannot be used for private proprietary colleges.
- How much can I borrow for dental school?
MINIMUM LOAN
The minimum loan amount is $2,500. Borrowers can borrow up to the cost of attendance, minus any other financial aid (as certified by the school).
MAXIMUM DEBT
The maximum total debt is $350,000 for borrowers and cosigners, including previous SCSL loans.
- Do I have to pay up-front fees?
There are no application or origination fees associated with this loan. Zero origination fees deducted from the loan means more loan funds are available to pay school expenses.
For comparison, the origination fee exceeds 1% on federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized loans and 4% on federal Direct PLUS loans.
- Do I have to make payments while I'm still in school?
You do not have to make payments while enrolled; however, you may elect to make immediate, regularly scheduled payments of principal and interest each month. Or you could postpone regular payments of principal and interest while enrolled in school, which is known as the 'Deferment Period.' The Deferment Period begins on the date the loan is first disbursed, then ends six (6) months after you cease to be enrolled at the school at least half-time or exit your residency period (if applicable), whichever is later. During the Deferment Period, you have three repayment options: monthly interest-only payments, fixed $25 monthly payments, or fully deferred payments.
- When do I start making full repayment (principal + interest)?
Students may choose from four repayment options: immediate, flat, interest-only, or deferred. If a student selects immediate, flat, or interest-only repayment, payments are required while enrolled in school. If deferred repayment is selected, full monthly payments of principal and interest must begin within 60 days after the deferment period ends.
The servicer will provide the borrower with repayment information and billing statements so it is important that any change of address is provided to the servicer as soon as it is known.
- What is the interest rate based on?
Borrowers may select a fixed or variable interest rate.
The actual interest rate will be based on creditworthiness, selected repayment term, program requirements, and the repayment option you choose.
Rates will be disclosed in the Approval Disclosure.
Variable interest rates are based on the 1-Month Term Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR). Your rate will be effective quarterly on each January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1. The rate will not increase more than once a quarter, and your interest rate is capped at 18%. A change in the interest rate may cause the amount of the monthly payment to increase or decrease, or may cause the number of payments to change.
A fixed interest rate means that the interest rate is fixed for the life of the loan. Fixed interest rates may be as low as 3.25%.
Signing up for recurring automated payments with the servicer will reduce your interest rate by 0.25%.
See Disclaimer at bottom of page for more details.
Talk to an Expert.
Access to our trained advisers is just one perk of using South Carolina Student Loan. They’ll help you maximize your scholarships and grants (ie: free money!) and then help you make up the difference with a smaller loan amount that you’ll be able to repay faster.
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