Low interest loan for Business School

Hi All-

While working I have saved enough to cover most of the costs I expect to incur while in Business School over the next two years. This leaves me with two options: 1) Have the funds conservatively invested and slowly remove money as needed to pay Bschool expenses, while still keeping market exposure for the money that wont be needed until late in the program. Or 2) Use the funds as collateral to take out a low interest loan (I've been quoted for ~3%) which is far more favorable than the, as I understand it, typical 9%. This would allow me to keep the funds fully invested for the duration of b-school. As long as I anticipate a market return in excess of 3%, including a margin of safety, then presumably this would be an attractive option.

Any current or past MBA's have experience with this? Any thoughts?

Appreciate your input

 
Best Response

9%? Federal PLUS loans are fixed at ~6.5%. Unless you don't have access to those for some reason, I'm not sure why you'd pay more. Also, if you're using personal savings as collateral, are you allowed to invest it? With an 18-24 month time horizon, do you really have a capital-preserving investment option with >5% return?

On the positive side, you'll be able to take the student loan interest deduction. Also, many states offer tax-advantaged 529 plan. In IL, for example, you'll get a 5% deduction on up to $20k/yr invested = $1,000 x 3 yrs = $3k. Put it in, take it out a week later, claim deduction.

I'm not particularly risk averse, but I would leave it in a low risk account (1%) and withdraw as needed.

 

Exercitationem temporibus quia similique laboriosam cumque voluptatum consequatur. Fuga optio velit provident est. Consectetur rerum repellendus rerum alias aliquid id maiores. Ea sint dolore earum possimus. Adipisci ratione repellendus sit et.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Perella Weinberg Partners New 98.9%
  • Lazard Freres 01 98.3%
  • Harris Williams & Co. 24 97.7%
  • Goldman Sachs 16 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.9%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 97.7%
  • Moelis & Company 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.9%
  • Perella Weinberg Partners 18 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 16 97.7%
  • Moelis & Company 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (21) $373
  • Associates (92) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (68) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (206) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (149) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”