Other Loans

SNAP Loan

(SFCU/Nelnet Academic Private Loan)

General Information

The SNAP Loan (SFCU/Nelnet Academic Private Loan) is a private educational loan intended to supplement federal loan funds in meeting your educational costs. Therefore, we encourage you to first borrow any federal loans you are eligible for.

Our office will certify other private loans at your request; however, we recommend you review the terms of the SNAP loan offered by the Stanford Federal Credit Union (SFCU) and Nelnet.

How to Apply for Your SNAP Loan

1) Accept Your Loan in Axess

• If the loan is included in your award you can accept it in AXESS. Under the Student Center tab, in the Finances section, select "Accept/Decline Awards." You can accept the maximum amount, specify a lower amount, or decline the loan.
• If you do not have the loan included in your award, submit a request to financialaid@stanford.edu.
• If you have not applied for financial aid, complete the graduate student Applying for Aid requirements.

2) Complete Your Promissory Note

You will receive an email from Nelnet within three business days of accepting your loan in AXESS. You will be directed to complete your promissory note online. We recommend using an electronic signature for fastest processing. If you do not receive an email, or you have questions about your promissory note, contact Nelnet at (866)866-7372.

3) Receiving Your Loan Funds

Loans are generally divided evenly over the three quarters of the academic year. If your promissory note is complete, your loan funds will be applied to your University bill a few days prior to the beginning of each quarter. If the quarter has already begun, you can monitor your loan disbursements in AXESS.