This article is part of a sponsored partnership with Student Choice. They’ve done amazing work with credit unions to help people pay for college and we’re thrilled to be working with them.
Sending a kid to college is a major milestone—one that usually comes with a healthy mix of pride, excitement… and financial stress. Even if you’ve been saving and planning, it’s common to find a gap between what you’ve saved and what college actually costs.
That’s where student loans come in—but not all loans work the same way. While federal student loans offer many benefits and should be the first lending option considered, many families also turn to private student loans to fill funding gaps. If you’ve only heard about traditional private loans, where you apply for a fixed amount each year, you’re missing an option that could make your life a lot easier: an education line of credit from a credit union.
One Application, Four Years of Flexibility
An education line of credit works like this: you apply once and get access to a pool of funds (your “line”) that can be used as needed, each year, for tuition, housing, books, and more*. That means no scrambling to reapply every term, no overborrowing “just in case,” and no interest piling up on money you never needed in the first place.
It’s designed to flex with your real life. If expenses go up one year, you have access to more funds. If your student gets a scholarship later, you can pull back on borrowing. Simply put, borrow what you need, when you need it!
Backed by Credit Unions, Built for Families
These lines of credit are offered through credit unions, which are not-for-profit institutions focused on serving their members. That means better rates, fewer fees, and real customer service.
And yes, your student can apply with a parent or other adult as a co-applicant, which is common and often results in a better rate and a much greater chance of being approved.
Bottom Line?
If you’re looking at college costs and wondering how to fill the gap without overcomplicating your life, consider an education line of credit. It’s a practical, flexible way to help your teen get through college without locking you into a rigid loan structure.
You can learn more, see if your school qualifies, and explore credit union lending options at StudentChoice.org.
Because college is stressful enough. Paying for it doesn’t have to be.
*Subject to annual review and credit qualification. Must meet school’s Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements.