Student Loans

Ready to Take Control of Your College Financing?

Begin by tapping into your resources. Your college’s financial aid office is a powerful ally in helping you navigate federal and state aid opportunities like grants, loans, and other financial support for which you may qualify.

Federal aid programs

Most federal aid requires completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which can be done quickly and easily online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Once you've maximized your federal aid, you remain in charge of your financial future. Independent Bank is here to offer additional financing options if you need them. Take the next step with confidence.

Explore Federal Aid First

Begin your journey by consulting your college’s financial aid office to explore federal and state aid options. Maximize your funding opportunities through grants, loans, and scholarships available to you.

Complete Your FAFSA

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is essential for accessing federal aid. Submit your FAFSA online and unlock potential financial support from government programs designed for students.

Flexible Loans for Graduate Students

Independent Bank, in partnership with Sallie Mae^®, offers tailored loans for graduate students, including specific options for MBA, medical, law, and dental programs, with competitive rates and flexible repayment plans.

Undergraduate Financing Options

Pursuing an undergraduate degree? Independent Bank offers Smart Option Student Loans® to help cover the costs of your bachelor’s, associates, or certificate programs with competitive rates and flexible repayment options.

Get the Money You Need to Help Make Higher Education Happen

Student loans from Independent Bank in partnership with Sallie Mae^® could help!

Smart Option Student Loan® for Undergraduate Students

Pay for your bachelor’s, associate’s, or certificate expenses at a degree-granting school

Graduate School Loan

Pay for expenses as you pursue your master’s and doctoral degrees

MBA Loan

Pay for your business school expenses as you pursue your Masters of Business Administration degree

Medical School Loan

Pay for your medical degree expenses in allopathic, general, osteopathic, podiatric, radiology, sports, and veterinary medicine

Dental School Loan

Pay for your dental degree expenses in general dentistry, endodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics, and prosthodontics

Graduate School Loan for Health Professions

Pay for your health professions degree expenses in allied health, nursing, pharmacy, and other graduate-level health programs

Law School Loan

Pay for your school and associated expenses as you study for your law degree

Borrow Responsibly

We encourage students and families to start with savings, grants, scholarships, and federal student loans to pay for college. Students and families should evaluate all anticipated monthly loan payments, and how much the student expects to earn in the future, before considering a private student loan.

These loans are made by Sallie Mae Bank or a lender partner. Independent Bank is not the creditor for these loans and is compensated by Sallie Mae for the referral of loan customers.

Smart Option Student Loan and graduate loan products:

These loans are for students at participating degree-granting schools.
Smart Option Student Loan information is for undergraduates only.
Graduate Certificate/Continuing Education coursework is not eligible for MBA, Medical, Dental, and Law School Loans. Students who are not U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents must reside in the U.S., attend a participating school in the U.S., apply with a creditworthy cosigner (who must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident) and provide an unexpired government-issued photo ID to verify their identity.
Applications are subject to a requested minimum loan amount of $1,000. Current credit and other eligibility criteria apply.

Although we do not charge a penalty or fee if you prepay your loan, any prepayment will be applied as outlined in your promissory note—first to Unpaid Fees and costs, then to Unpaid Interest, and then to Current Principal.

SALLIE MAE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS, SERVICES, AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE.

© 2021 Sallie Mae Bank. All rights reserved. Sallie Mae, the Sallie Mae logo, and other Sallie Mae names and logos are service marks or registered service marks of Sallie Mae Bank. All other names and logos used are the trademarks or service marks of their respective owners. SLM Corporation

Additional Financing Options

Home Equity Loan or Personal Loan

A home equity loan allows you to borrow money secured by the equity in your home to cover college tuition, and the interest may even be tax deductible.
A personal loan can also help with college expenses, just ask us how.

To see the benefits and for more information about these options, click here or call us at 800.285.3111.

Normal Credit standards and restrictions apply. Consult your tax advisor regarding deductibility of interest. Independent Bank is compensated for the referral of Sallie Mae Smart Option Student Loan® customers.

*Independent Bank does not take applications for Sallie Mae Smart Option Student Loans,® which are made by Sallie Mae Bank.

^^ A minimum credit score of 700 is required to be eligible for this program. Normal credit restrictions apply. Other terms and restrictions may apply.