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Meratas
The Student Loan Marketplace

Contact Us


help@meratas.com


860-217-2430


317 West Ave, #113343
​Stamford, CT 06902


Frequently Asked Questions

Overview

How can Meratas help me find a loan to finance my career training?

Meratas enables you to compare loan rates from multiple lenders side-by-side, based on relevant criteria. Since not all lenders work with all schools, or support all training programs, Meratas helps students quickly search and compare which lenders may be right for them based on their desired course of study or school of attendance. 

Who is eligible to use Meratas?

Determining your eligibility is simple: fill out our common app, which covers your desired course of study, and some details about you to help match you to available lenders. If eligible, you’ll instantly receive personalized and/or prequalified rates on your Meratas Dashboard from our partner lenders.


We specialize in career-focused loans, covering both personal and educational loans, which can be used for upskilling or short-term certification courses. You can also use Meratas to finance 4-year programs if needed.

Can international students use Meratas?

Yes, international students are eligible to use our service and request prequalified or prescreened rates from our partner lenders.

What types of loan rates does Meratas display?

Meratas connects you with lenders that provide loan rates for personal, higher education, and career-training, which include loan rates for:

  • Career training for certificate programs and non-degree courses.
  • Private student loans for undergraduate, graduate, and other educational programs.

We also provide options for personal loan rates that can be used for living expenses or related expenses.

Do I need to file the FAFSA to use Meratas?

No. Since our partner lenders do not offer federal student loans, you do need to fill out the FAFSA to use our marketplace.

How much can I borrow?

For career loans and personal loan rates (used for career upskilling), you can search for up to $50,000. The maximum loan amount is typically based on your chosen school's certified costs minus any financial assistance you’ve already received.

Are there any credit score requirements for career loans?

Our career loan rates are available in all 50 states, and certain lenders offer “no credit score knockouts”, meaning even those with sub-prime credit can potentially qualify.

Comparing Loan Rates

What is the difference between federal loans and career-focused private loans?

Federal loans follow U.S. Department of Education guidelines and offer borrower benefits like deferment, forbearance, and loan forgiveness. However, federal loans may have borrowing limits that do not cover the full cost of your training. Meratas helps you compare private career loan options to cover any remaining costs, allowing you to pursue career-focused education beyond the limits of federal aid.

How do I view my loan rates?

After filling out our application, if eligible, you’ll instantly see prequalified rates from multiple lenders on your Meratas Dashboard. These rates are based on a soft credit inquiry, which does not affect your credit score.

Am I obligated to take a loan once I see my rates?

No, you are under no obligation to choose one of the options presented on your Meratas Dashboard. We recommend evaluating all of your options and seeking financial advice to ensure you make the best decision for your circumstances.

I didn’t receive any loan rates. What should I do?

Not all lenders work with every program or credit category. If you didn’t receive any prequalified rates, it may be because your chosen school is not supported by our lending network. We can help match you to similar programs that are supported by more lenders and/or offer flexible payment options.

Career Training & Upskilling Loans

What can I use a career training loan for?

Career loans can be used for financing certificate courses, short-term programs, technical courses, and other skill-building education that helps you move forward in your career. This includes financing courses in healthcare, technology, business, and skilled trades.

How does Meratas work with schools?

Meratas partners with various career training programs and schools across the country. We connect students to specialized lenders who understand the needs of career changers and those pursuing non-degree programs. Although Meratas is not a lender, we work with various lending and banking partners to help you search for and compare loan rates tailored to your circumstances.

How do I know if a career training loan is right for me?

Career training loans are designed for those looking to upskill or switch careers without pursuing a traditional 4-year degree. If you’re looking for a loan that covers courses with flexible repayment options, lower interest rates compared to personal loans, and opportunities to increase your earning potential, then a career loan may be right for you.

How long does it take to receive funds?

After selecting a prequalified rate and submitting all required documentation, our partner lenders typically respond within 1-2 business days. The timing of the disbursement can vary depending on your school’s certification schedule.

Can I receive the funds directly?

Most career loans are disbursed directly to the educational program or school you are attending. If any funds remain after tuition is paid, the school will coordinate with you regarding the remaining balance. Personal loans can be disbursed directly to you and are used for related living expenses or upskilling.

Cosigner Info

Do I need a cosigner?

Where ever possible, we try to work with lenders that do not require cosigners. And many of our career lenders do not require one.

While a cosigner is not required for everyone, having a creditworthy cosigner can increase your chances of approval and may improve your interest rate. International students and applicants with limited credit histories are encouraged to apply with a cosigner.

Can my cosigner be released from the loan?

In some cases, yes. Some of Meratas's partner lenders offer the opportunity for a borrower to release their cosigner after a certain period. To confirm whether this is an option, please check directly with the lender.

School and Lender Matching 

How does Meratas help me choose a School and/or Course?

Meratas offers a school matching service that considers your career goals, the types of programs available, and flexible payment options to help you learn about career-focused educational opportunities. When you click on one of our features schools, we may earn compensation directly from the school.

Can Meratas help me find financing if I am not enrolled in a 4-year degree program?

Yes! We specialize in helping career changers find personalized loan rates for short-term certificate programs and career training courses. If you already know the program you want, we’ll help you find a rate that fits your needs. If you haven’t decided yet, we can recommend career programs that offer flexible financing, scholarships, and payment options.

When you match me to a School, what goes into that Consideration?

We strive to help students find educational programs that align with their goals and preferences. When a student approaches us with a target program in mind, we may rely on a set of guiding principles to identify potentially similar or better alternatives.

Our aim is to present you with options that match your goals while offering value for your investment. While the factors we consider are not exhaustive, and the weight given to each factor may vary depending on the circumstances, the following guidelines generally apply:

  1. Program curriculum and learning outcomes

  2. Program format and duration

  3. Faculty qualifications and experience

  4. Career support and resources

  5. Student outcomes and success rates

  6. Tuition costs and financial aid options

How Is Meratas Compensated for School and Lender Matches?

Meratas may receive compensation from a Lender or School program that you are matched with. Please note, however, that while we are compensated by the lenders and schools we work with, this does not singularly influence our decision to promote a lender and/or school. We work with lenders and schools that we believe offer reasonable options for our users based on multiple factors. We encourage all users to conduct their own thorough research and due diligence before making a final decision on their educational path.