In-School Loans

Everyone has heard about big for-profit student loan companies, but just because they are well-known does not mean they offer you the best deal.

There are dozens of state-based nonprofit organizations in the United States eager to see if they can help you afford college. These providers can usually give you a more generous loan than their competitors because of their public purpose missions and access to lower-cost capital. A lower interest rate can save you thousands of dollars in interest payments over the life of the loan.

Aggregate nonprofit student loan rates versus for-profit rates
Click on your state to find the nonprofit organization that may be able to lend you an affordable student loan:

Everyone has heard about big for-profit student loan companies, but just because they are well-known does not mean they offer you the best deal.

There are dozens of state-based nonprofit organizations in the United States eager to see if they can help you afford college. These providers can usually give you a more generous loan than their competitors because of their public purpose missions and access to lower-cost capital. A lower interest rate can save you thousands of dollars in interest payments over the life of the loan.

Click on your state to find the nonprofit organization that may be able to lend you an affordable student loan:

Alabama

Alaska

As an Alaska resident or student at a qualifying school in Alaska, you may choose an education loan offered by the State of Alaska through the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE). These loans are serviced by fellow Alaskans, have no fees, and offer fixed interest rates (no surprises like with variable rates). Remember to make sure you have used all grants and scholarships before borrowing.

After you’ve completed your education, ACPE also offers a low fixed-rate refinance loan to help you keep education costs as low as possible. You can refinance state, federal, or private education loans into one easy payment and save money with a lower interest rate.

Arizona

Arkansas

The Arkansas Student Loan Authority (ASLA) is a state agency created to enhance access to higher education funding for Arkansas students. ASLA provides a variety of student loan and free college planning services. The Arkansas Education Loan program is available to Arkansas students through ASLA to supplement the Federal Direct Loan Program. ASLA is a division of the Arkansas Development Finance Authority.

California

Colorado

Connecticut

The Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority (CHESLA) is a quasi-public state authority created to help students and their families finance the cost of higher education. CHESLA’s mission is to expand higher educational opportunities and enhance the state’s economic development through higher education by providing cost-effective education financing programs and information resources to Connecticut students, alumni, and their families. CHESLA offers an in-school loan program (myCHESLA Student Loan), serving students in or from Connecticut. CHESLA’s refinance loan program (Refi CT) serves Connecticut residents refinancing any student loan and out-of-state borrowers refinancing a previous CHESLA loan.

Delaware

Florida

Georgia

Georgia’s Student Access Loan is administered by the Georgia Student Finance Authority (GSFA), a companion student finance entity of the Georgia Student Finance Commission (GSFC). GSFC is the state agency that administers the HOPE Scholarship and Grant Program as well as other state- and lottery-funded financial aid programs. GSFC also manages the career and college preparation website, GAfutures.org. The Student Access Loan is a loan for Georgia residents who have unmet financial need towards their cost of attendance after all other resources have been exhausted and is offered at a fixed 1%  interest rate. Additional information about the loan and other GSFC products and services is available at GSFC.org, GAfutures.org, or 800.505.GSFC (4732).

Hawaii

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana

INvestEd is Indiana’s not-for-profit student loan provider for both tuition and refi loans. Please visit our page at the link provided for full details about our loan products. Our team of financial aid experts is also more than happy to help you with any questions you have about how to have the least debt possible after graduation.

Iowa

Established in 1979 as a private, nonprofit corporation, ISL Education Lending (formerly known as Iowa Student Loan) helps Iowa students and families obtain the resources necessary to succeed in post-secondary education. ISL Education Lending provides scholarships and programs for Iowa families, offers private student loans for students who have exhausted other sources of aid, and reinvests funds in programs to benefit students and borrowers. ISL Education Lending offers three different competitively priced private education loan options to help you fund a college education or refinance existing student loan debt.

Kansas

Kentucky

Kentucky Higher Education Student Loan Corporation’s (KHESLC) Advantage Education Loans carry fixed interest rates that are often lower than those available from the federal government and private for-profit lenders. KHESLC charges no fees and provides a reduced interest rate to borrowers who use auto pay. In addition, loans are available to students who are enrolled less than half-time, and parents can borrow not only for undergraduate students but also for graduate and professional students. Three repayment plans are offered, and KHESLC provides a death and disability benefit and an economic hardship forbearance.

Louisiana

The LelaCHOICE supplemental student loan program offers students (undergraduate and graduate) and parents a new financing option that can help fill the gap between the total education cost of attendance and the traditional sources (federal and state) of financial aid. This program offers affordable funding with low fixed rates, carries no origination or processing fees, and never capitalizes interest. Borrowers also have the opportunity to earn an interest rate reduction with auto-pay. Borrowers can either be Louisiana residents attending in-state and out-of-state eligible education programs or out-of-state students attending a Louisiana-eligible institution. Borrow up to cost of attendance minus other annual aid. Visit lelachoice.org for more information and to apply.

Maine

Maryland

Massachusetts

The Massachusetts state legislature created the Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA) in 1982 at the request of colleges and universities across the state. From the start, MEFA’s mandate has been to offer low-cost college financing to families of aspiring college students and to serve as the Massachusetts authority on planning, saving, and paying for college. MEFA offers low-cost loans with fixed interest rates, multiple repayment options, and an easy online application.

Michigan

Minnesota

The Minnesota Office of Higher Education, a state agency, administers the SELF and SELF Refi Loan programs. The SELF Loan program is for Minnesota residents attending participating SELF schools in Minnesota or other states and for non-residents attending Minnesota schools. Fixed and variable interest rate options are available. The SELF Refi student loan refinancing program is available to Minnesota residents who completed a postsecondary course of study. Fixed and variable interest rates are available with 5, 10, and 15-year repayment terms.

Mississippi

Missouri

Montana

Nebraska

Nevada

New Hampshire

The nonprofit Granite Edvance Corporation offers private undergraduate and graduate student loans – with its EdvestinU private student loan product available beyond New Hampshire, and its Granite Edvance private student loan available to New Hampshire residents and students attending New Hampshire colleges for up to a 1.5% interest rate reduction. Granite Edvance also offers student loan refinancing to New Hampshire residents and beyond through EdvestinU.

New Jersey

NJCLASS: A Family Loan for Higher Education helps you pay college costs not already covered by other sources of grants, scholarships, and loans. NJCLASS offers low-cost rates on supplemental loans to New Jersey residents attending an eligible in-state or out-of-state school and out-of-state students attending a school in New Jersey.

New Mexico

The New Mexico Educational Assistance Foundation (NMEAF) is a private non-profit 501(c)(3) organization established by the New Mexico State Legislature in 1981. The NMEAF offers fixed-rate private student loans to New Mexicans and students attending school in New Mexico. We are a nonprofit organization helping New Mexico’s families plan, prepare, and pay for college.

New York

Keystone Student Loans

North Carolina

The NC Assist Loan Program offers loans for students and parents of undergraduate students to help bridge the gap between the cost of attendance and other financial aid. As a program of the NC State Education Assistance Authority, offered by College Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit lender, loans are available to NC residents and out-of-state residents attending NC schools.

North Dakota

Bank of North Dakota offers state-sponsored student loan programs for those attending college or refinancing after. Choose from a low fixed or variable interest rate and reduce that rate by 0.25% when you sign up for automatic payments. Going to college is like navigating uncharted territory for most people. Bank of North Dakota offers a number of resources you can trust to help you find your way.

Ohio

Keystone Student Loans

Oklahoma

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Created in 1963 by the Pennsylvania General Assembly, the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) has evolved into one of the nation’s leading student aid organizations. Today, PHEAA is a national provider of student financial aid services, serving millions of students and thousands of schools through its loan guaranty, loan servicing, financial aid processing, outreach, and other student aid programs. PHEAA’s earnings are used to support its public service mission and to pay its operating costs, including the administration of the Pennsylvania State Grant and other state-funded student aid programs. PHEAA continues to devote its energy, resources, and imagination to developing innovative ways to ease the financial burden of higher education for students, families, schools, and taxpayers.

The PA Forward Parent Loan and PA Forward Student Loan programs allow students and parents or legal guardians of dependent undergraduate students to obtain a loan to cover up to the cost of attendance with competitive fixed interest rates, no application or origination fees, and flexible repayment terms (visit PHEAA.org/PA-Forward for a full list of benefits).

Rhode Island

The Rhode Island Student Loan Authority (RISLA) is a nonprofit quasi-state authority that for several years has been recognized by Forbes Advisor and others as having one of the lowest interest rate education loans in the country and no fees of any kind. RISLA is unique in that all of its loans have income-based repayment plans for those facing financial challenges. RISLA has a fast, easy, and secure online loan application process and top customer service rankings because all customers speak with a live agent when they call.

RISLA also offers education loan refinancing to help students and families lower their interest rate and/or monthly payment.

South Carolina

Designated by the state of South Carolina, South Carolina Student Loan (SCSL) is the only statewide nonprofit education lender in the state. We are dedicated to making higher education possible. Available to all SC residents or those attending a SC school, the Palmetto Assistance Loan (PAL) is South Carolina Student Loan’s low-interest rate, private education loan for both students and parents. The PAL can be used to pay for educational expenses, such as tuition and fees, room and board, books, school supplies, transportation, and a computer.

South Dakota

Tennessee

Texas

Brazos Higher Education is a Texas nonprofit corporation headquartered in Waco, Texas. Dedication to providing low-cost assistance for higher education to Texas families has been our mission for over 40 years. We passionately believe that higher education enriches lives. Our non-profit company has proven to be an excellent resource to help students, parents, and graduates finance or refinance their higher education loans. Brazos Higher Education has been an integral part of financing more than 2 million student loans by providing low-cost, flexible, and transparent lending options. A $5,000 scholarship is also offered by Brazos every month! Learn more about our scholarship by clicking here.

Higher Education Servicing Corporation (HESC) is a Texas-based private, nonprofit organization established in 1978. HESC was created to ensure Texas students and families had access to low-cost education loans in order to achieve higher education. Texas Extra Credit is our low-cost alternative education loan and was created to serve Texas residents only. By offering competitive fixed and variable interest rates, a variety of repayment terms and options, valuable borrower benefits, and an easy-to-use online application process, Texas Extra Credit is available to help you achieve your higher education goals.

Utah

Vermont

Since 1965, Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC) has helped Vermont students of all ages save, plan, and pay for college or career training. Created by the Vermont Legislature as a public nonprofit agency, we advocate for students and their families to ensure that they have the information, the counseling, and the financial aid to achieve their education goals. We begin by helping families save for education. Our counselors work with students in nearly every Vermont middle school and high school, and again as adults, to help them choose the right education or career program. We offer grants, scholarships, and help with understanding and completing financial aid forms. Our financial aid programs attract national recognition, and our loan programs and loan forgiveness programs are saving Vermont families thousands of dollars in interest.

Virginia

Keystone Student Loans

Washington

Washington D.C.

West Virginia

Wisconsin

Wyoming

Alabama

Alaska

As an Alaska resident or student at a qualifying school in Alaska, you may choose an education loan offered by the State of Alaska through the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE). These loans are serviced by fellow Alaskans, have no fees, and offer fixed interest rates (no surprises like with variable rates). Remember to make sure you have used all grants and scholarships before borrowing.

After you’ve completed your education, ACPE also offers a low fixed-rate refinance loan to help you keep education costs as low as possible. You can refinance state, federal, or private education loans into one easy payment and save money with a lower interest rate.

Arizona

Arkansas

The Arkansas Student Loan Authority (ASLA) is a state agency created to enhance access to higher education funding for Arkansas students. ASLA provides a variety of student loan and free college planning services. The Arkansas Education Loan program is available to Arkansas students through ASLA to supplement the Federal Direct Loan Program. ASLA is a division of the Arkansas Development Finance Authority.

California

Colorado

Connecticut

The Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority (CHESLA) is a quasi-public state authority created to help students and their families finance the cost of higher education. CHESLA’s mission is to expand higher educational opportunities and enhance the state’s economic development through higher education by providing cost-effective education financing programs and information resources to Connecticut students, alumni, and their families. CHESLA offers an in-school loan program (myCHESLA Student Loan), serving students in or from Connecticut. CHESLA’s refinance loan program (Refi CT) serves Connecticut residents refinancing any student loan and out-of-state borrowers refinancing a previous CHESLA loan.

Delaware

Florida

Georgia

Georgia’s Student Access Loan is administered by the Georgia Student Finance Authority (GSFA), a companion student finance entity of the Georgia Student Finance Commission (GSFC). GSFC is the state agency that administers the HOPE Scholarship and Grant Program as well as other state- and lottery-funded financial aid programs. GSFC also manages the career and college preparation website, GAfutures.org. The Student Access Loan is a loan for Georgia residents who have unmet financial need towards their cost of attendance after all other resources have been exhausted and is offered at a fixed 1%  interest rate. Additional information about the loan and other GSFC products and services is available at GSFC.org, GAfutures.org, or 800.505.GSFC (4732).

Hawaii

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana

INvestEd is Indiana’s not-for-profit student loan provider for both tuition and refi loans. Please visit our page at the link provided for full details about our loan products. Our team of financial aid experts is also more than happy to help you with any questions you have about how to have the least debt possible after graduation.

Iowa

Established in 1979 as a private, nonprofit corporation, ISL Education Lending (formerly known as Iowa Student Loan) helps Iowa students and families obtain the resources necessary to succeed in post-secondary education. ISL Education Lending provides scholarships and programs for Iowa families, offers private student loans for students who have exhausted other sources of aid, and reinvests funds in programs to benefit students and borrowers. ISL Education Lending offers three different competitively priced private education loan options to help you fund a college education or refinance existing student loan debt.

Kansas

Kentucky

Kentucky Higher Education Student Loan Corporation’s (KHESLC) Advantage Education Loans carry fixed interest rates that are often lower than those available from the federal government and private for-profit lenders. KHESLC charges no fees and provides a reduced interest rate to borrowers who use auto pay. In addition, loans are available to students who are enrolled less than half-time, and parents can borrow not only for undergraduate students but also for graduate and professional students. Three repayment plans are offered, and KHESLC provides a death and disability benefit and an economic hardship forbearance.

Louisiana

The LelaCHOICE supplemental student loan program offers students (undergraduate and graduate) and parents a new financing option that can help fill the gap between the total education cost of attendance and the traditional sources (federal and state) of financial aid. This program offers affordable funding with low fixed rates, carries no origination or processing fees, and never capitalizes interest. Borrowers also have the opportunity to earn an interest rate reduction with auto-pay. Borrowers can either be Louisiana residents attending in-state and out-of-state eligible education programs or out-of-state students attending a Louisiana-eligible institution. Borrow up to cost of attendance minus other annual aid. Visit lelachoice.org for more information and to apply.

Maine

Maryland

Massachusetts

The Massachusetts state legislature created the Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA) in 1982 at the request of colleges and universities across the state. From the start, MEFA’s mandate has been to offer low-cost college financing to families of aspiring college students and to serve as the Massachusetts authority on planning, saving, and paying for college. MEFA offers low-cost loans with fixed interest rates, multiple repayment options, and an easy online application.

Michigan

Minnesota

The Minnesota Office of Higher Education, a state agency, administers the SELF and SELF Refi Loan programs. The SELF Loan program is for Minnesota residents attending participating SELF schools in Minnesota or other states and for non-residents attending Minnesota schools. Fixed and variable interest rate options are available. The SELF Refi student loan refinancing program is available to Minnesota residents who completed a postsecondary course of study. Fixed and variable interest rates are available with 5, 10, and 15-year repayment terms.

Mississippi

Missouri

Montana

Nebraska

Nevada

New Hampshire

The nonprofit Granite Edvance Corporation offers private undergraduate and graduate student loans – with its EdvestinU private student loan product available beyond New Hampshire, and its Granite Edvance private student loan available to New Hampshire residents and students attending New Hampshire colleges for up to a 1.5% interest rate reduction. Granite Edvance also offers student loan refinancing to New Hampshire residents and beyond through EdvestinU.

New Jersey

NJCLASS: A Family Loan for Higher Education helps you pay college costs not already covered by other sources of grants, scholarships, and loans. NJCLASS offers low-cost rates on supplemental loans to New Jersey residents attending an eligible in-state or out-of-state school and out-of-state students attending a school in New Jersey.

New Mexico

The New Mexico Educational Assistance Foundation (NMEAF) is a private non-profit 501(c)(3) organization established by the New Mexico State Legislature in 1981. The NMEAF offers fixed-rate private student loans to New Mexicans and students attending school in New Mexico. We are a nonprofit organization helping New Mexico’s families plan, prepare, and pay for college.

New York

Keystone Student Loans

North Carolina

The NC Assist Loan Program offers loans for students and parents of undergraduate students to help bridge the gap between the cost of attendance and other financial aid. As a program of the NC State Education Assistance Authority, offered by College Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit lender, loans are available to NC residents and out-of-state residents attending NC schools.

North Dakota

Bank of North Dakota offers state-sponsored student loan programs for those attending college or refinancing after. Choose from a low fixed or variable interest rate and reduce that rate by 0.25% when you sign up for automatic payments. Going to college is like navigating uncharted territory for most people. Bank of North Dakota offers a number of resources you can trust to help you find your way.

Ohio

Keystone Student Loans

Oklahoma

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Created in 1963 by the Pennsylvania General Assembly, the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) has evolved into one of the nation’s leading student aid organizations. Today, PHEAA is a national provider of student financial aid services, serving millions of students and thousands of schools through its loan guaranty, loan servicing, financial aid processing, outreach, and other student aid programs. PHEAA’s earnings are used to support its public service mission and to pay its operating costs, including the administration of the Pennsylvania State Grant and other state-funded student aid programs. PHEAA continues to devote its energy, resources, and imagination to developing innovative ways to ease the financial burden of higher education for students, families, schools, and taxpayers.

The PA Forward Parent Loan and PA Forward Student Loan programs allow students and parents or legal guardians of dependent undergraduate students to obtain a loan to cover up to the cost of attendance with competitive fixed interest rates, no application or origination fees, and flexible repayment terms (visit PHEAA.org/PA-Forward for a full list of benefits).

Rhode Island

The Rhode Island Student Loan Authority (RISLA) is a nonprofit quasi-state authority that for several years has been recognized by Forbes Advisor and others as having one of the lowest interest rate education loans in the country and no fees of any kind. RISLA is unique in that all of its loans have income-based repayment plans for those facing financial challenges. RISLA has a fast, easy, and secure online loan application process and top customer service rankings because all customers speak with a live agent when they call.

RISLA also offers education loan refinancing to help students and families lower their interest rate and/or monthly payment.

South Carolina

Designated by the state of South Carolina, South Carolina Student Loan (SCSL) is the only statewide nonprofit education lender in the state. We are dedicated to making higher education possible. Available to all SC residents or those attending a SC school, the Palmetto Assistance Loan (PAL) is South Carolina Student Loan’s low-interest rate, private education loan for both students and parents. The PAL can be used to pay for educational expenses, such as tuition and fees, room and board, books, school supplies, transportation, and a computer.

South Dakota

Tennessee

Texas

Brazos Higher Education is a Texas nonprofit corporation headquartered in Waco, Texas. Dedication to providing low-cost assistance for higher education to Texas families has been our mission for over 40 years. We passionately believe that higher education enriches lives. Our non-profit company has proven to be an excellent resource to help students, parents, and graduates finance or refinance their higher education loans. Brazos Higher Education has been an integral part of financing more than 2 million student loans by providing low-cost, flexible, and transparent lending options. A $5,000 scholarship is also offered by Brazos every month! Learn more about our scholarship by clicking here.

Higher Education Servicing Corporation (HESC) is a Texas-based private, nonprofit organization established in 1978. HESC was created to ensure Texas students and families had access to low-cost education loans in order to achieve higher education. Texas Extra Credit is our low-cost alternative education loan and was created to serve Texas residents only. By offering competitive fixed and variable interest rates, a variety of repayment terms and options, valuable borrower benefits, and an easy-to-use online application process, Texas Extra Credit is available to help you achieve your higher education goals.

Utah

Vermont

Since 1965, Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC) has helped Vermont students of all ages save, plan, and pay for college or career training. Created by the Vermont Legislature as a public nonprofit agency, we advocate for students and their families to ensure that they have the information, the counseling, and the financial aid to achieve their education goals. We begin by helping families save for education. Our counselors work with students in nearly every Vermont middle school and high school, and again as adults, to help them choose the right education or career program. We offer grants, scholarships, and help with understanding and completing financial aid forms. Our financial aid programs attract national recognition, and our loan programs and loan forgiveness programs are saving Vermont families thousands of dollars in interest.

Virginia

Keystone Student Loans

Washington

Washington D.C.

West Virginia

Wisconsin

Wyoming