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Capital One Financial is a financial services company that offers a variety of products and services to consumers, businesses, and institutions. Capital One’s student loans are offered through the bank’s online platform, which allows students to apply for loans online and provides them with a variety of repayment options.

Capital One’s student loans are available to both graduate and undergraduate students. The bank offers fixed rate loans that range from 4.99% APR* up to 12.99% APR*. Loans can be used to pay for tuition, fees, books, supplies and other educational expenses. The bank also offers a variety of repayment options including fixed monthly payments, interest only payments or graduated payments where the borrower pays off their loan over time with larger payments at first but smaller ones later on when they have more income available due to their career advancing further in their field of study.

capital one student loan application

Capital One is one of the largest banks in the U.S. in terms of deposits. It offers various financial products to borrowers, and many people assume they offer student loans. However, this bank does not provide that type of loan.

Capital One does offer home equity loans, credit cards, and personal loans that some people might consider to help cover the cost of school. However, that’s not what these products are specifically intended for.

Since Capital One doesn’t offer loans specifically for college students, consider alternative student loans.

Student Loans: Preparing for the College Conversation

Getting to know the student loan process

During the last few years of high school, the topic of student loans is sure to come up at the dinner table. Get ready for holiday meals where questions like “How do student loans work?” and “What is a student loan?” float around as you pass the potatoes to Grandma.

There’s a good reason for this. Student loans are an important consideration when you’re thinking about how to pay for college. The amount of student loan debt in America hit $1.5 trillion in early 2018.¹ That’s almost 10% of the Gross Domestic Product in the U.S.² Among those who take out student loans, the average student loan borrower has $37,172 in loans at graduation.³ College can cost between $10,000 and $40,000 (or more) each year.⁴ Multiply $40,000 by four years and you’re looking at a bill of $160,000 at graduation.

Don’t panic. It does seem like a lot of money, but before your fingers start shaking and you spill the gravy, take heart. Student loans can be manageable and affordable. Better yet, they can lead the way to a bright career and future.

Student loans explained

Breaking down the student loan process into pieces can make it as easy as pie. Some of the most common questions about student loans can be answered with just a little time. With a bit of preparation, you’ll be ready to have that student loan conversation and then move on to dessert.

What is a student loan and how does it work?

A student loan is money that you borrow from a lender. This lender might be the federal government, which offers student loans, or a private lender. The funds can be used to help pay for college or graduate school. You then pay that amount back to the lender. Say you take out a loan for $50,000. You can use that toward college costs and then pay it back over time.⁵

In addition to paying back what you borrow, you’ll need to pay interest, too. Think of this as the cost of being able to use the money. You’ll usually need to pay interest on the loan balance every month. The interest rate could be fixed or variable. If it’s a fixed rate, it won’t change over time. A variable rate, however, may fluctuate. It could change every month, quarter or year.

When taking out a student loan, check for a limit. This indicates how much you can borrow. Student loans from the federal government, for instance, set a limit based on factors such as what type of school you’re attending. If you’re in college, there might be a different limit than if you’re in graduate school because different programs vary in cost.⁶

What is the goal of a student loan?

Not everyone can afford to pay for school on their own or with their savings, and that’s okay. Even though student loans come with a cost, their purpose can be priceless. A student loan can be used to go to school, which can open all kinds of doors. Through school, you could get a great education and build the foundation for a dream career.

Paying a student loan back can also teach valuable life lessons. Making payments can help you become aware of budgeting and setting aside funds each month. These steps can lead you to think about other goals, like planning and saving for the future.

How do I take out a student loan?

Good question. You know they’re out there, but how do student loans work and how do you get one? You may have heard of federal student loans and private loans.

A federal student loan is a loan from the government. With a federal student loan, you can expect a fixed interest rate. There are some great benefits with this type of loan, including options to pay back the loan over a longer time. You may also be able to make payments based on your income and even delay paying it back if money is tight.

To start the process for a federal student loan, fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

A private student loan comes from a private organization. This could be a bank, credit union or another financial organization. The interest rate with this kind of loan might be fixed or variable. Some private loans ask that you start making payments while still in school, but others do not.⁷ It’s important to ask about rates and how to pay the loan back before you apply.

Since private student loans are available through different lenders with varying rates and terms, it can be worthwhile to compare before making a final decision.

What can student loans be used for?

To understand what a student loan can be used for, think of school-related expenses. College tuition, school fees, and textbooks are typical costs that student loans can be used for. Other school-related expenses include electronics, like a laptop you might need to buy for college. Transportation, meals and housing can also be covered with student loan money.

What are student loans not used for?

Since they are created for school purposes, items that are not related to education are often not considered something student loans can cover. Items such as dorm room decorations, a new car or a spring break trip probably wouldn’t be paid for with student-loan funds. Student loans are also not usually designed to be used for starting a new business, buying a new wardrobe or eating out at restaurants.

Before you get a student loan, you can spend some time looking at what expenses you’ll have for school. Keep in mind that once you take out a loan, you’ll have to eventually pay it back. For this reason, if you take out a smaller amount now, you might be able to pay it off faster in the future.⁸

How much could you pay on student loans per month?

The amount you’ll spend on student loans each month can vary depending on different factors, such as if the loan is a federal loan or a private loan. The interest rate will also impact how much you pay every month. Timing can play a role, too. Some student loans don’t require you to make payments while you are still in school, for instance.

Perhaps you take out a loan with no fees for $20,000. Depending on if you have a 4% interest rate or an 8% interest rate, your payments will differ.

LOAN AMOUNT	INTEREST RATE	MONTHLY PAYMENT	TOTAL INTEREST	TOTAL AMOUNT
$20,000	4% fixed	$202.49	$4,298.84	$24,298.84
$20,000	8% fixed	$242.66	$9,118.32	$29,118.32 9

Thinking about how much you might have to pay before you take out a student loan will help you prepare to budget for it. It might also help you decide how quickly or slowly you’d like to pay it off.

Keep in mind that what you pay could be different if the rate is variable. You can also consider an income-based repayment plan. This type of plan is set up in a way that makes it possible to send in payments based on your income level.¹⁰

It’s a lot to consider, but having the right knowledge can help you start planning for the future so that you’re ready when the time comes to start choosing your student loan path. Plus, you’ll be all set to discuss the student loan process over Grandma’s apple pie. Pass the whipped cream, please.

Alternative Federal Student Loans

While the above loans are private, federal student loans are also an option. Federal student loans have several advantages over private loans, so explore all federal loan options before going with a private loan.

Federal student loans usually have lower interest rates. They don’t require a credit check and they aren’t based on your credit score. They also have more flexible repayment options compared to private loans.

There are four types of Direct Loans available under the U.S. Department of Education’s federal student loan program. These include the Direct Subsidized Loan, the Direct Unsubsidized Loan, the Direct PLUS Loan, and the Direct Consolidation Loan.

Specific benefits of federal loans over private loans include:

• Fixed interest rates
• No minimum credit score
• No co-signer required
• Possibility of student loan forgiveness If a borrower goes into certain in-demand career fields
• Possibility of postponing payments if borrower experiences financial hardship

How to Apply for Student Loans

Learn about the steps to apply for federal and private student loans

If you’re applying to college, there is a chance you’ll also be applying for a student loan. In fact, 55% of people under 30 who went to college took on student loans or other debt to help pay for it, according to the Federal Reserve.

Student loans may be common, but there’s plenty to know about what options are available and how to apply. This article will detail some basics to help you apply for student loans.

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Types of Student Loans

Student loans are installment loans, similar to mortgages or car loans. You begin with a starting balance, and you agree to pay it back with interest over time. And there are two types of student loans: federal and private.

Federal student loans are provided by the government via the Federal Direct Loan Program, and the lender is the U.S. Department of Education. Private student loans are typically made by banks or other financial institutions, but Capital One doesn’t currently offer them.

If you’re planning to apply for a student loan, it may help to know a little more about each type of student loan before making such a big decision.

Federal Student Loans

There are four kinds of direct federal student loans:

1. Subsidized Student Loans: Undergraduate students with financial need can apply for subsidized loans. They’re subsidized because the government pays the interest on the loan during certain periods of the loan. And financial need is determined by comparing how much it costs to attend a school with an estimate of a family’s financial status. You can learn more about how financial need is calculated from the Department of Education. 
2. Unsubsidized Student Loans: Undergraduate, graduate and professional students can apply for unsubsidized loans. Unlike subsidized loans, potential borrowers don’t need to show financial need. But the loan terms aren’t quite as good as those of subsidized loans because borrowers are responsible for paying interest.
3. PLUS Loans: Originally short for Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students, this type of loan is available to graduate students, professional students and parents of undergraduates. PLUS loans have higher interest rates, and they require a credit check. Additional steps may be required for people with a poor credit history.
4. Consolidated Loans: This type of loan allows borrowers to combine all their federal student loans into one loan. Combining loans can simplify things. But there can also be drawbacks to consolidating student loans.

You may have also heard about Perkins Loans, but they are no longer an option. Under federal law, schools stopped making new Perkins Loans in 2017. The Department of Education has more information about federal student loans on its website. 

Private Student Loans

If federal financial aid isn’t an option, then you may want to consider private student loans from a bank or credit union. Sometimes state agencies or schools offer loans, too. 

Private student loans can be taken out by students, but they often require a co-signer, such as a parent. That’s because lenders may want extra assurances the loan will be repaid. 

Private Loans vs. Federal Loans

Federal loans may be a better student loan option than private loans for a variety of reasons. 

Federal loans are typically less expensive than private loans. And federal loans may include benefits that private loans don’t. That includes things like deferred payments, better interest rates, help paying interest, debt consolidation options and loan forgiveness. Private loans may also have additional fees.

Before private student loans can be disbursed, borrowers must fill out a self-certification form to confirm they know all their options. The form is required by law. And it directly encourages borrowers to “pursue the availability of free or lower-cost financial aid.” Your school’s financial aid office and your lender should be able to provide more details if you need the form.

Applying for Federal Student Loans

To apply for a federal student loan, you must first fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). Deadlines to submit the FAFSA form usually fall at the end of June. But remember, financial aid is sometimes provided on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying earlier is better. 

Once your school has your FAFSA form, it will send you a financial aid offer. That may include a federal loan and directions about what to do next, including entrance counseling and directions about officially agreeing to the loan. 

Getting in touch with your school’s financial aid office can be helpful to learn more about the process. 

One more thing to keep in mind: You must reapply for federal student aid every school year. 

Applying for PLUS Loans

PLUS loans can function a little differently. They can sometimes require additional steps to complete the process. Once you fill out your Direct PLUS Loan application, the school you select will use that information to check whether you’re eligible.

Applying for Private Student Loans 

Applying for a private student loan can be similar to the process of applying for a car loan or a personal loan. But remember, sometimes a co-signer is required.

While federal student loans might be based on financial need, private loans are different. They’re based on credit history. Having a co-signer who has good credit may increase your chances for approval. It may also help get you a better interest rate. 

There are numerous variables to consider when shopping for a private loan—interest rates, loan protection, payment plans and lender reputations. Comparing loan offers and talking to an expert can help you figure out what’s best for you. 

Applying for Student Loans During COVID-19

Like most things, the coronavirus affected student loans and student aid. The Department of Education says it’s monitoring the situation. You can find the latest information about student loans and COVID-19 on the agency’s website.

Other Student Financial Aid and Payment Options

Student loans are just like any other type of loan: It’s a good idea to do as much research as possible to find the right loan for you. Consulting with a qualified financial professional is also a helpful step.

And don’t forget, student loans may not be your only option. Financial aid in the form of things like grants, scholarships and work-study programs may also be available.

If you do end up with federal or private student loans, you can learn more from Capital One about how to pay off student loans.

Bottom Line

If you’re a borrower looking for funding for your undergraduate or graduate education, you’re out of luck with Capital One. There are alternatives available, however, including both federal student aid and private student loan options.

Private student loans would be the most similar to what Capital One, a private lender, would offer. Federal loans have advantages over private loans, and private loans typically should only be used when a student has exhausted their federal funding and other financial aid options.

So, does Capital One do student loans? The answer is: No. Capital One does not offer student loans. However, they do offer a lot of other financial services including credit cards, savings accounts and personal loans. If you’re looking for a loan to go back to school or pay tuition, check out other companies that do offer student loan services: Discover Student Loans and Sallie Mae.