Benton County Schools Credit Union

Student Loans

Welcome to the Benton County Schools Credit Union Student Loan Information Page.

Benton County Schools Credit Union offers an in-house student loan product to assist you with your education needs:

BCSCU Student Loans
- Annual Percentage Rate Discounted 0.10% from Federal Stafford Rate
- $3K maximum per year with semi-annual proof of attendance required
- Maximum total amount available is $12,000 for a four year student
- Click here for the full terms and conditions
Note: With the enactment of the Health Care and Education Affordability Reconciliation Act of 2010 (H.R. 4872), the Federal Family Educational Loan (FFEL) Program has been eliminated. Private lenders, like Benton County Schools CU, no longer have a role in originating or funding federal Stafford, PLUS or Consolidation loans. Beginning July 1, 2010, all new federal student loans will be issue via the William D. Ford Direct Loan Program. Contact your school's financial aid office for more information.

For questions or service related to an existing Federal Family Educational Loan secured through Benton County Schools CU, contact our chosen servicer, Great Lakes at 1-800-236-4300, or at www.mygreatlakes.org.

You know the value of a college education.
Getting a college degree is a worthwhile goal. College graduates make an average of one million dollars more than those without college degrees (www.studentloanfacts.org). But the cost of a college education can be overwhelming for both students and parents. If you or another family member plans to attend a university, technical college, or any specialized training program, Benton County Schools CU can help you with the funding you need to pursue your dreams.

Plan your future. Visit these Web sites.

www.mapping-your-future.org - Detailed information about career planning, selecting a school, and paying for college.
www.studentaid.ed.gov - Detailed student aid and student loan info from the U.S. Dept of Ed.
www.fastweb.com - Scholarship information.
www.fafsa.ed.gov - Online application for financial aid (FAFSA).
www.pin.ed.gov - Apply for a PIN number to complete online FAFSA.
www.mygreatlakes.org - Great Lakes is the guaranty agency for your student loans. You can check the status of your student loans here.
www.nslds.ed.gov - View the history of the federal student financial aid you have received.
www.finaid.org - Guide to student financial aid and scholarship search services.
www.collegeplan.org - Information on college selection, admissions, financial aid and scholarships.
www.princetonreview.com/home.asp - Offers powerful college search tools, useful links, expert advice and guidance from an experienced college panel.
www.usnews.com/usnews/edu/college/cohome.htm - US News & World Report’s college search and financial aid assistance.

Read the IRS Publication "Tax Benefits for Education" (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader) for information about Education savings options and their potential tax benefits.

If you don't have Adobe Reader you can get it here.