Choose a Credit Union.

Choosing a college can be difficult. Choosing the right financial partner to help you along the way doesn't have to be.

Your Financial Partner

Before, during, and after college... three critically important stages of life. Credit unions are here to support you each step of the way. From the personal touch to dynamic online tools, we're here to help position you for lifelong financial success.

 

What is a credit union?

Credit unions are not-for-profit, member-owned financial institutions that exist to serve the financial needs of their member owners. Because credit unions aren't focused on making a profit, they value educating each of their members on which financial option would be best for their own situation.

Why borrow from a credit union?

Unlike for-profit banks and lenders, when you borrow from a credit union you’re supporting a local business focused on the needs of its members, not bank stakeholders. As not-for-profit financial cooperatives, a credit union can offer a fair-value loan that has your best interests in mind.

Who is Student Choice?

Founded in 2008 by several of the nation’s leading credit unions, Student Choice has enabled hundreds of credit unions to offer an innovative private student lending program to students and families. We provide loan processing and other support for credit unions so they can offer a better way for many students to pay for college.

 

Paying for College

When scholarships, grants, and federal aid aren’t enough, private student loans can be a necessary and cost-effective way to fill educational funding gaps. We want to make financing college easier so you can focus on what's really important - achieving your dreams of a higher education at the school of your choice!

Already graduate? No problem - you can refinance your student loans with a credit union.

Find out more about student loan refinancing options.

 

 

FAFSA

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is your gateway to federal student loans, the cheapest form of student loans for most borrowers. You must complete this form to receive federal, state, or college money, and some scholarships and grants require it as well. The FAFSA asks basic information regarding the borrower's income, dependency status, and savings to determine financial need. It is important to fill this form out as early possible. For more information on the FAFSA, visit www.fafsa.ed.gov and check out these resources available from iGrad:

Top_10_FAQs_red Top 10 FAFSA FAQs
How_to_Fill_Out_green How to Fill Out the FAFSA
Ways_To_Pay_orange Ways to Pay for College

What Types of Student Loan Solutions Do Credit Unions Offer?

 

Loan offerings vary by credit union.1
To find a credit union that offers the best solution for you, use our Find a Credit Union tool.

BG

Undergraduate

for students seekign the dream of higher education.

BG

Graduate

for students seeking to further their higher education.

BG

Refinance

for graduates and familiesl seeking to consolidate or pay off student loans.

1 Loans subject to approval. Rates, terms and conditions subject to change without notice.

Find a Credit Union & Apply

Student Choice lending solutions are available from hundreds of credit unions nationwide. Use our search tool to find a credit union near where you live or attend school, or click here to view our entire list of participating credit unions by state.

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Why should you choose a Student Choice loan?

  • Low interest rates
  • Flexible repayment and in-school deferment options
  • Easy online application and instant credit decision
  • 24/7 call center and application support
  • Convenient line of credit structure allows you to get funding for your entire undergraduate career with just one application1,2
  • A loan from a local, not-for-profit lender you can trust for years to come

1 Subject to credit qualification and annual credit review. Must meet school's Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements

2 Product offering may vary by credit union

 

Who is eligible?

  • Undergraduate Students or Graduate Business Students
  • U.S. citizens or permanent residents
  • Students continually enrolled in a degree-granting program and meeting the school’s minimum Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) criteria. Before applying, make sure to check that your school is included in our listing of approved schools.3
  • Able to pass a credit check (A co-borrower may be necessary in order for you to meet credit criteria, and may also help you qualify for a lower rate)
  • Eligible for credit union membership

3 Approved schools subject to change.

Resources

Calculator_red Calculators
Financial_Wellness_green Financial Wellness
Blog_V1_orange Blog
Approved_Schools_blue Approved Schools

College Access Counselor

Credit unions are not-for-profit, member-owned financial institutions that exist to serve the financial needs of their member owners. Because credit unions aren't focused on making a profit, they value educating each of their members on which financial option would be best for their own situation.

In-Person Seminars and Online Webinars

Unlike for-profit banks and lenders, when you borrow from a credit union you’re supporting a local business focused on the needs of its members, not bank stakeholders. As not-for-profit financial cooperatives, a credit union can offer a fair-value loan that has your best interests in mind.

Financial Literacy Tools

Founded in 2008 by several of the nation’s leading credit unions, Student Choice has enabled hundreds of credit unions to offer an innovative private student lending program to students and families. We provide loan processing and other support for credit unions so they can offer a better way for many students to pay for college.

Financial Wellness

Credit unions are not-for-profit, member-owned financial institutions that exist to serve the financial needs of their member owners. Because credit unions aren't focused on making a profit, they value educating each of their members on which financial option would be best for their own situation.

Personalized Support

Unlike for-profit banks and lenders, when you borrow from a credit union you’re supporting a local business focused on the needs of its members, not bank stakeholders. As not-for-profit financial cooperatives, a credit union can offer a fair-value loan that has your best interests in mind.

Financial Solutions

Founded in 2008 by several of the nation’s leading credit unions, Student Choice has enabled hundreds of credit unions to offer an innovative private student lending program to students and families. We provide loan processing and other support for credit unions so they can offer a better way for many students to pay for college.

Campus
ryan

Meet Ryan

"Two years ago, the company that I was working for was downsizing. When I started to search for new jobs I noticed how many jobs I was automatically disqualified for because of not having a Bachelor's Degree. I made the decision very quickly that I was going to go back to school, but the school costs would completely rest on my and my wife’s shoulders. I looked at our credit union's website and saw that they offered student loans. Immediately I applied and shortly thereafter was approved for the necessary funding needed to pay for my semester's invoices.

I was able to complete my degree in 18 months, and seven months after completing my degree I was recruited by another company to take on a new sales role. I have been able to secure a great start to a better future because of the funding that was made available to me by my credit union."

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