In addition to or in place of federal, state, institutional and private financial aid programs, there are alternative loan programs offered by various lending institutions to assist foreign students in paying for their educational expenses. Often students borrow alternative loans after having exhausted all other forms of financial aid. Interest rates and repayment terms vary by lending institution. International students must have a credit-worthy co-borrower who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Vist FASTAlt for a list of alternative loan programs compiled by the Office of Financial Aid.