Take the next step with an interest-free loan.
The Application Process
Students may apply for an interest-free student loan for the upcoming school year beginning on February 1 and ending on the last Friday in April every year.
If an interest-free student loan is awarded, payment will be sent to the school or college to be applied directly against a student's tuition obligation.
Loan Timeline
Apply Online
2/01/26 - 4/30/26
Notification of Loan
6/05/26
Return Loan Agreement
6/30/26
Distribution of Funds
8/01/26
Repayment
Begins 6 months after graduation or ceasing full-time student enrollment
Online Application Requirements
- Interest-Free Student Loans are available annually to legal residents of Lancaster County, PA.
- Students must plan to be enrolled full-time at an accredited institution of higher learning. Loans may be attained for trade, technical, undergraduate, or graduate education.
- Students must provide a copy of the FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS) form.
- Students may receive a maximum of four loans from Lancaster Dollars for Higher Learning.
"Lancaster Dollars for Higher Learning helped take away the financial stress of going to college."
Andrew Gerges
LDHL Loan Recipient
Apply for an interest-free loan.
Lancaster Dollars for Higher Learning is committed to providing interest-free loans to Lancaster County students based on financial need.
This program offers interest-free loans to students who are residents of Lancaster County and who will attend an accredited post-secondary institution full-time.
Without regard to race, ethnicity, color, creed, gender, or age, LDHL has helped students from Lancaster County realize their dreams of attending post-secondary institutions.
Loan application period is open from 2/01/26 - 4/30/26.
Apply Online
"Lancaster Dollars for Higher Learning has been a blessing to me, my sisters, and our family."
Faith Iseman
LDHL Loan Recipient
Loan Repayment
Students must begin to repay their loans six months after graduation, withdrawal or drop below full-time status from school. Repayment plans are automatically withdrawn from a checking or savings account. Full repayment of the outstanding debt can be made at any time.
Deferments
Repayment deferments are granted if a student provides proof of continuing full-time attendance in school, military duty, or missionary work.
"The interest-free loan is so important. It takes away the added stress of knowing your loan is accruing interest while you're pursuing your education."
Samantha Weigle
LDHL Loan Recipient