WASHINGTON — CU Student Choice is marking its 18th anniversary with new lending initiatives and outreach efforts as changes to the federal student loan system reshape the education financing landscape, the organization said.
The company noted the milestone comes as sweeping federal student loan reforms tied to the “One Big Beautiful Bill” are set to take effect July 1. Those changes include the elimination of the Grad PLUS program and new borrowing caps on Parent PLUS loans, developments the organization said could create new demand for private lending options, particularly among graduate and professional students.
“This year marks a unique milestone as our company turns the same age as many of the students our credit union partners help pay for college,” said Scott Patterson, president and CEO of CU Student Choice, in a statement. “At the same time, sweeping changes to the federal student loan program will impact how students — especially graduate and professional borrowers — pay for their education.”
In response, the company said it has expanded its suite of private education loan products, including specialized programs for medical, dental and law students, as well as a parent line of credit.
‘Words of Wisdom’ Being Sought
As part of its anniversary efforts, CU Student Choice also launched a “Words of Wisdom” initiative, inviting employees and partner credit union staff to share advice for college-bound students. Selected submissions will be featured on the organization’s social media channels, the company said.
The initiative also includes a scholarship component, with participating credit unions eligible to receive one of three $2,500 contributions to support their existing scholarship programs.
“By sharing advice and supporting scholarships for college students, Student Choice is reinforcing our commitment to our credit union partners and the ‘people helping people’ philosophy,” Patterson said.
Founded in 2008, CU Student Choice said it has worked with more than 300 partner credit unions to originate nearly $5 billion in loans, assisting approximately 138,000 families.
