Information and videos to help you make a smart choice when funding your college education.
Information and videos to help you make a smart choice when considering refinancing your existing student loans.
Paying for College
From tips on filling out the FAFSA to applying for our private student loan solution, Elements Financial is here to help your family build a plan for responsibly funding a college education.
COMPLETING THE FAFSA
The FAFSA is the most important piece of the financial aid puzzle. Learn more about the process and the information needed to complete each section.
THE FINANCIAL AID TIMELINE
Review a short list of important items you should tackle before graduation, starting with your junior year of high school.
THE AWARD LETTER & COST OF ATTENDANCE
Making sense of your award letter and cost of attendance.
COMPARING LOAN OPTIONS
A brief overview of the types of student loans available to borrowers, and when you should consider using them to pay for college.
SELECTING A PRIVATE LENDER
Understanding how private lenders are different and how to select the right lender.
THE APPLICATION PROCESS
A description of the application process.
Frequently Asked Questions about Undergraduate Loans
Who is eligible?
Undergraduate (U.S. citizens or permanent aliens) students enrolled at least half-time in a four-year degree-granting program at an approved public or private non-profit school.
Do I need to be a member to apply?
You may apply without being a credit union member, but need to be a member for the loan to be funded.
Do I need a coborrower?
A coborrower is not required, but could be necessary to meet approval criteria and may result in a lower rate.
Benefits of our undergraduate loan solution
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Unique line of credit structure so you can borrow once for your full undergraduate career1
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Borrow up to $75,000 with rates as low as 6.49%
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Potentially reduce your rate by 0.25% by enrolling in automatic electronic payments during repayment
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Flexible repayment & in-school deferment options
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Borrow from a not-for-profit credit union you can trust
See rates page for additional information, repayment examples, and important disclosures
David's Story
"My wife and I were approached by my brother to help in the loan process. The first place I guided him towards was our credit union. Our plan was to research other potential lenders but we both had such a good experience with our credit union, we decided to choose them.
The experience from the initial loan to follow up withdraws has been user-friendly. That has been nice considering things can get overwhelming when your making decisions such as these. Furthering my education has inspired and influenced my brother to do the same. Our credit union has made the process easier."
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Refinancing Existing Student Loans
Refinancing private, institutional, and federal student loans (including PLUS) is a great way to consolidate your student loans into one manageable payment and potentially lower your rate.
STUDENT LOAN REFINANCING AND CONSOLIDATION
Refinancing your student loans can save you money, ease your monthly payment, and make paying them off easier. Learn more about evaluating your refinance options so you can choose the options that are right for you and your unique financial picture.
THE REFI APPLICATION PROCESS
Know what loans you want to refiance and understand the process for quick completion.
Frequently Asked Questions about Refinancing
Do I need a cosigner?
A cosigner is not required, but may be necessary to meet approval criteria and may result in a lower rate.
How much could I save?
Our online student loan refinance calculator can help you estimate your potential savings.
What is the difference between consolidating and refinancing your student loans?
Consolidating your student loans allows you to combine multiple loans into one payment. Your new interest rate is the weighted average of your prior loans. If you choose to reduce your payment, you’ll likely pay more interest over time. This type of loan is usually associated with federal government student loans.
When you refinance, you are taking out a single new loan from the credit union to pay off your old ones. You’ll likely have a new interest rate, new terms, and a different monthly payment amount. This provides the convenience of one monthly payment and could help you lower your rates and save money.
Benefits of our student loan refinance solution
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Refinancing available up to $125,000
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Competitive interest rates
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Flexible repayment terms to fit your needs
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Borrow from a not-for-profit credit union you can trust
See rates page for additional information, repayment examples, and important disclosures
Christopher's Story
I began my student debt with another company who promised the moon and the stars, but the interest they charged and the hidden fees were a nightmare. After 3 years with them, I turned to my credit union.
I refinanced my debt to make the payments manageable for me. My credit union has shown great compassion and have been a real rock for me. In less than a year, I have paid down the loan more than I did in three years with the other company. THREE YEARS - it is simply amazing! I cannot thank them enough.
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Subject to credit qualification and annual credit review. Must meet school's Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements.