Dean College is more than a great educational experience. It is an investment in your personal and academic development towards your future success. Dean will work with you every step of the way to try and create a financing option that works. Options include:
Step 1: Payment Plans
Dean College has contracted with the company Nelnet Campus Commerce to provide students and parents with an interest-free payment plan option. Nelnet Campus Commerce allows students to pay for the cost of a school year (excluding health insurance) over two five-month periods as opposed to making payment in full at the start of each semester.
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Please know that there is a per-term fee of $40 to sign up with Nelnet Campus Commerce.
For the fall semester, students must sign up for the payment plan no later than June. For the spring semester, students must sign up by November. If you do not sign up prior to these deadlines, you may owe one or more up-front payments at the time of signing up.
The payment plan is not available for the summer semester. Enroll in the monthly payment plan by visiting https://mycollegepaymentplan.com/dean or call directly at 800-609-8056 during their hours of operation (Monday – Friday from 8 am-10 pm EST ) and (Saturday from 9 am-3 pm EST).
Step 2: Parent Loans
There are many options for parents to borrow for their student's education. The Federal government offers the Parent Plus loan as a next step in borrowing for college. Additionally, some banks make loans available to parents to secure the funding they need to cover college costs. All these loans are credit-based. Parents of dependent students (as determined by the FAFSA) may apply to the PLUS program—the Parent Loan for Undergraduate students.
Direct PLUS Loans for Parents
Beginning July 1, 2026 most new Direct PLUS Loan borrowers will be limited to $20,000 per year, with a $65,000 lifetime cap per student. Interest rates and origination fees are set by the Federal Government every year. There is a maximum repayment period of 10 years, with a minimum monthly payment of $50.
Additional information including eligibility and interest rate information can be found at https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/plus/parent.
In the case that a parent is not approved for a Direct PLUS Loan, the student may be eligible for an additional Unsubsidized Stafford Loan. Apply for a Direct PLUS Loan for parents at https://studentaid.gov/.
Private Parent Loans
Some banks and state agencies offer loan options for parents. Many of these loans have competitive interest rates and borrower benefits. You can compare your options by visiting ELM Select and as always, you may contact the Center for Student Financial Planning at 508-541-1518 or sfp@dean.edu if you have any questions.
Step 3: Student Loans
Banks and lenders offer financing for students who need funding beyond what is available through the federal loan programs. Most students will need a creditworthy, U.S. citizen to co-sign on a student loan to gain approval. You can compare loan options and get other important information at www.elmselect.com. You may also contact the Center for Student Financial Planning at 508-541-1518 or sfp@dean.edu if you have any questions.
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While we are pleased to offer you a list of reputable lenders through ELM Select, you are not limited to this list. Dean College will process a student loan from any lender and it is your right to apply for loans through the lender of your choice. Dean College doesn't recommend any one specific lender. Most private student loans are credit based and as such, it is your responsibility as the loan borrower to compare loan options available to you and determine which loan will best fit both your short-term and long-term financial needs. For detailed information regarding Private Student Loans, we recommend you view our Guide to Private Loans.
You may contact the Center for Student Financial Planning and Services, located on the first floor of Dean Hall, for more information. You may also reach the Center by calling 508-541-1518 or emailing sfp@dean.edu.