PEORIA, Ill.–Citizens Equity First Credit Union has selected CU Student Choice to provide it with private student loan and refinance solutions 

The $8.3-billion CEFCU will be offering student loans to undergraduate and graduate students, as well as the Student Choice refinance product, which allows borrowers to consolidate and refinance private and/or federal student loans, including Parent and Grad PLUS loans, according to the company. 

“We’ve offered student loan solutions for many years but are very excited to tap into the experience and expertise of Student Choice,”  Doug Hanley, chief lending officer, said in a statement. “In addition to their long and successful track record of helping credit unions enter the private student lending space, Student Choice’s new loan origination platform has allowed us to build a custom program that will best serve the credit union members. We look forward to providing members with affordable ways to manage their student loans – both during and after college.” 

‘Significant Strain’

Added Jim Holt, chief development officer for CU Student Choice, in a statement, “Paying for college remains a significant financial strain for families, and the unknowns surrounding federal student lending have led to added stress. Credit unions have proven their staying power and ability to support members with fair-value loans during a range of economic cycles. In fact, CEFCU has been helping members for nearly 90 years. We look forward to supporting CEFCU’s members in successfully navigating the college financing process and their student loan repayment journey.”