New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

About Student Loans

Basic Information about Student Loans

NOBTS does not offer a loan program through our institution, but we do work with independent financial institutions that offer Private (also often called Smart Option, Signature, or Educational) Loans.  Important: NOBTS does not accept any Federal loans including Stafford loans and Pell grants, though your current Federal loans can continue to be deferred while you attend NOBTS.

*Each student who applies for a loan must complete this form and mail (3939 Gentilly Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70126), fax (504-816-8437), scan/email (financialaid@nobts.edu), or hand-deliver it to the Financial Aid Office declaring how the loan will be utilized.  This form allows the Director to certify that your loan is for educational purposes only and ensures the we maintain appropriate records as an institution. Educational purposes may include: tuition, fees, books, and some living, commuting, and/or additional educational expenses. The Finanical Aid Office recommends that you only take out a loan for one semester, or at most one year, at a time.

*Once money from a loan is placed on your NOBTS account, any immediate balance, such as tuition, fees, and rent, will be paid first.  Any credit that remains can be distributed to the student to cover other expenses approved during the loan certification process.

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Sallie Mae Smart Option Loan

We are now able to process the Smart Option Student Loan® through Sallie Mae. The Smart Option Student Loan® is an ideal solution for families that have a gap when it comes to funding their student's education. The Smart Option Student Loan helps students save money, pay off their student loan faster, and build credit.

To begin the application process, please click here. About half-way down the page, under the heading 'PRIVATE STUDENT LOANS', you will select either the "Fixed Payment" or "Interest Payment" option. No matter which NOBTS campus you attend, you will select Louisiana as the location of your school and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary should be listed as a possible option within the Louisiana school listing.

To see the fine print associated with the Smart Option Loan, click here.

After applying for a loan, contact the Financial Aid Office to declare how your requested loan amount will be utilized.  The Financial Aid Director will then consult with you regarding this request, after which time your loan will be certified.

***Do not apply for a Graduate PLUS Loan or any other loan that is dependent on federal funding.  NOBTS is not able to accept federal funding, and your selection of the wrong type of loan will significantly increase the amount of time required to process your loan.  Only apply for Private (also often called Smart Option, Signature, or Educational) Loans.

If you have any questions, you can contact the Financial Aid Office (504.282.4455 ext. 3348) or Sallie Mae (888.272.5543).

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Loan Process from Another Organization or Bank

• You can apply for a Private (Educational) Loan through your chosen lender.
• The lender checks your credit and either approves or denies your loan application.
• If your application is approved, the lender sends the Financial Aid Director a request to certify the loan.
• After applying for a loan, contact the Financial Aid Office to declare how your requested loan amount will be utilized.  The Financial Aid Director will then consult with you regarding this request, after which time your loan will be certified.
• Once the Director certifies the loan, the lender will mail the loan check directly to NOBTS or direct deposit the funds directly to the Seminary.
• We will contact the student to endorse the check if needed and it will then be deposited into the student’s NOBTS account.
• If the loan creates a credit on the NOBTS account, the student can contact the Financial Aid Office to request a check for some or all of the credit.