STUDENT LOAN
4 mins

MPower Financing vs Funding U

May 24, 2024

Comparisons

Criteria
MPower Financing
Funding U Private Loan
APR
12.69% - 15.01%
6.99% to 12.49%
Loan/Line of Credit
Student Loans
Student Loans
Loan Term
Single repayment term of 10 years
10 years
Credit Score Required
No credit score or history required for approval
No credit score or history required for approval
Pros
Offers loans to international students without a co-signer requirement Gives significant interest rate discounts Doesn’t require a credit score or history for approval Offers international student loan refinancing
No fees for anything — application, origination, cancellation, or prepayment
Cons
Only offers one repayment term Interest rates are relatively high Charges an origination fee and interest-only payments in school Not all schools are eligible
Maximum funding is only $10,000 each school year Less than many other lenders

MPower Financing

Who is it for?

MPower Financing Student Loan is designed for undergraduate or postgraduate students who are within 2 years of graduating or about to begin a 1-year or 2-year program. It caters to international students, DACA recipients, U.S. citizens, refugees, or asylum-seekers.

APR

The APR for MPower Financing Student Loan varies depending on the type of loan and the borrower’s status. The fixed rate for International Undergraduate Loan is 13.99%, and for International Graduate Loan is 11.99%.

Loan/Line of Credit

MPower Financing offers student loans. The loan amounts range from $2,001 to $100,000.

Loan Term

The loan term for MPower Financing Student Loan is a single repayment term of 10 years.

PROS
Cons
Offers loans to international students without a co-signer requirement.
Gives significant interest rate discounts.
Doesn’t require a credit score or history for approval.
Offers international student loan refinancing.
Only offers one repayment term.
Interest rates are relatively high.
Charges an origination fee and interest-only payments in school.
Not all schools are eligible.

Rewards & Fees

MPower Financing rewards responsible borrowers by offering up to a 0.25% rate discount on student loans. There is no cost to apply. If your loan is approved, a 5% origination fee will be added to your loan balance when the loan is disbursed to your school.

How to Qualify?

To qualify for an MPower Financing Student Loan, you must be admitted to or attending one of their 400+ approved schools in the U.S. or Canada. You should be an undergraduate or postgraduate student within 2 years of graduating or about to begin a 1-year or 2-year program. You should also be an international student, DACA recipient, U.S. citizen, refugee, or asylum-seeker

Funding U Private Student Loans

Who is it for?

Funding U Private Student Loans are designed for undergraduate students enrolled full-time in a bachelor’s degree program at a Title IV-eligible four-year college. They are available to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or DACA recipients.

APR

The fixed interest rates for Funding U Private Student Loans range from 7.49% to 12.99%

Loan/Line of Credit

Funding U offers student loans. The loan amounts range from $3,001 to $20,000 each year

Loan Term

The loan term for Funding U Private Student Loans is 10 years

PROS
Cons
You don’t need a co-signer or credit history to get a loan
You can see if you’ll qualify and what rate you’ll get without a hard credit check
Loans are awarded based on your GPA and resume rather than only on income and credit score
No fees for anything — application, origination, cancellation, or prepayment
Loans aren’t available in 14 states
Payment is required while in school and during the grace period
Maximum funding is only $10,000 each school year, less than many other lenders
A relatively high fixed APR between 7.99% and 13.49% (with autopay)

Rewards & Fees

Funding U does not charge loan application fees, origination, prepayment, early payment, or extra payment fees. However, there are no additional fees throughout your relationship with Funding U, from the application phase to paying off your loan.

How to Qualify?

To qualify for a Funding U Private Student Loan, you must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or DACA recipient. You must also be at least 18 years of age, be an undergraduate student enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program at a Title IV-eligible four-year college, be enrolled full-time, be a resident of a qualifying state, and meet the GPA minimum.

Common Terms to Know

  • APR (Annual Percentage Rate): This represents the yearly cost of borrowing, including interest and fees. It's crucial to compare the overall cost of different loans.
  • Loan/Line of Credit: Defines the type of financial assistance available. MPower Financing primarily offers student loans, while Navient offers a broader range of options, including student loans, refinancing, and other financial products.
  • Loan Term: This refers to the duration of the loan. MPower Financing typically offers 10-15 years loan terms, whereas Navient might offer variable terms depending on the specific product or loan.
  • Credit Score Required: MPower Financing may not have a strict minimum credit score requirement but often prefers a cosigner. Navient typically requires a good credit score for their loans.
  • Cosigner: A person who agrees to take responsibility for a loan if the borrower fails to repay. MPower Financing often recommends having a cosigner, especially for international students, while Navient might have varying policies depending on the borrower's credit history.
  • Repayment Options: This includes the flexibility offered in repaying the loan, such as grace periods, deferment, or income-driven repayment plans. Both companies might have different options, so understanding these can be crucial for managing repayments effectively.
  • Prospective Interest Rates: Knowing the range of interest rates each company offers can help understand the potential cost of borrowing. Both MPower Financing and Navient offer competitive rates based on creditworthiness and market conditions.
  • Customer Service: Understanding the quality and accessibility of each company's customer support services can be crucial during the loan application process and throughout the repayment period.

How to Compare Loans

  • Interest Rates and APR: Compare the interest rates and Annual Percentage Rate (APR) to gauge the total cost of borrowing.
  • Loan Term and Repayment Options: Assess loan duration and available repayment plans to match your financial capability.
  • Fees and Additional Charges: Scrutinize for hidden fees like origination charges or prepayment penalties to understand the true cost of the loan.
  • Flexibility in Repayment: Consider options like deferment, forbearance, or income-driven plans to ease repayment during financial difficulties.
  • Customer Service and Support: Check reviews and ratings to ensure reliable customer service throughout your loan tenure.

Before You Take a Loan

  • Assess Your Financial Situation: Analyze income, expenses, and borrowing needs while creating a budget for repayment planning.
  • Research and Compare Options: Explore multiple lenders, their terms, and repayment plans to select the most suitable one.
  • Check Your Credit Score: Understand your creditworthiness and explore ways to improve your score for better loan terms.
  • Consider a Cosigner: Secure a cosigner with a good credit history to enhance your loan application.
  • Read the Fine Print: Thoroughly understand all terms, conditions, and potential implications of the loan.

How to Get a Student Loan

  • Research Loan Options: Explore federal loans, private lenders, and financial aid possibilities.
  • Complete the FAFSA: Submit the FAFSA to determine eligibility for federal student aid programs.
  • Explore Federal Loan Options: Investigate Direct Subsidized Loans, Direct Unsubsidized Loans, and PLUS Loans, known for flexible terms and rates.
  • Consider Private Loans: Assess private lender terms and compare them against federal options for potential additional borrowing.
  • Gather Necessary Documents: Prepare personal identification, financial statements, and school information for the loan application.
  • Submit Applications: Complete applications and include all required documentation for the chosen loans
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