Bar Loan

Bar loans are designed to help with the associated costs of taking the bar exam (i.e., bar prep courses and living expenses while studying for the bar). The amount a student borrows depends on the lender’s minimum and maximum amount allowed and what the student determines is necessary. These loans carry higher interest rates and have less appealing repayment options than federal loans.

We encourage all students to borrow up to their maximum federal cost of attendance with federal loans before using the bar loan option.  

When applying for a bar loan, students should be prepared for stricter credit criteria than in the past and may want to consider applying with a co-signer. Too, with the current credit market, the number of lenders who offer bar loans has gotten smaller. Widener Law Commonwealth is aware of four lenders currently offering a bar loan program at this time. As lenders re-enter the market they will be added to our list.

Please use the links to directly apply online with the lender. Widener Law Commonwealth will certify the student’s graduation date and the loan money will be directly disbursed to the student.

• PNC
• Sallie Mae
• College Ave Student Loans