Payment Plans & Loan Options

Payment Plans & Loan Options

After scholarships, grants and other financial aid are applied, payment plans and education loans can help students and families cover the remaining cost. Explore the available options, compare their terms and choose the approach that best fits your financial circumstances.

Monthly Payment Plans

Dean partners with Nelnet Campus Commerce to offer interest-free monthly payment plans for eligible semester charges.

Payment plans:

• Divide eligible costs into monthly installments
• Require a nonrefundable enrollment fee
• Must be established by the applicable semester deadline
• Are not available for the summer term

Depending on the enrollment date, an initial payment may be required.

Enroll in a Payment Plan

Loan Options

Federal Direct Student Loans

Federal Direct Loans allow eligible students to borrow money for college. Eligibility is based on FAFSA information, enrollment, satisfactory academic progress and other federal requirements.

These loans must be repaid with interest. Interest rates, fees and borrowing limits are established by the federal government and may change annually. First-time borrowers must complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN) and an Entrance Counseling session online at https://studentaid.gov

Repayment of Student Loans begins six months after you graduate, withdraw, or drop below half-time enrollment status (six credits).

The two types of Student Loans include:

1. Subsidized: No interest accrues until you graduate, withdraw, or drop below half-time enrollment status.
2. Unsubsidized: Interest begins to accrue immediately.

Learn more about Federal Direct Loan Eligibility

Federal Direct PLUS Loans for Parents

Eligible parents of dependent undergraduate students may apply for a federal Direct PLUS Loan. The parent is the borrower and is responsible for applying for and repaying the loan.

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. If planning for 4 years of study, families should consider limiting annual borrowing to $16,250. 

Interest rates, fees and borrowing requirements are established by the federal government and may change annually. Families should review current terms through Federal Student Aid before borrowing.

Review or Apply for a Parent PLUS Loan

Private Parent and Student Loans

Private education loans may help cover eligible costs that remain after scholarships, grants, federal loans and family resources have been applied.

These loans are offered by banks, credit unions, state agencies and other private lenders. Approval is generally based on credit, and most students will need a creditworthy co-signer. Some banks and state agencies also offer loan options for parents. Many of these loans have competitive interest rates and borrower benefits.

Dean will process an eligible loan from the lender selected by the borrower. Students are not required to choose a lender included on a comparison tool or lender list.

Compare Private Loan Options

Borrow Carefully

Loans must be repaid with interest. Before selecting a loan, compare:

• Fixed and variable interest rates
• Origination or application fees
• Repayment start dates
• Monthly payment estimates
• Available repayment terms
• Co-signer responsibilities
• Borrower protections and hardship options