Few decisions rival the importance of choosing a college. For each school you consider, there are a thousand questions: Does it excel in my course of study? Do I look good in the school colors? How will I afford tuition?

Fortunately, Alcoa Pittsburgh FCU (lender #815822) offers federal student loans and other loan programs that students and parents can use to foot the college bill.

Compare our loan offerings to see which best suit your needs:

*KeystoneBEST - With no origination fees, 1/4% rate reduction for choosing Direct Debit, includes a Graduation benefit equal to 1% credit of principal at grace, and 2% interest rate reduction after 36 on time, consecutive monthly payments,. KeystoneBEST borrowers will also be eligible for a 1/2% credit of the original principal balance to their loan after 24 on time, consecutive monthly payments.

*Graduate PLUS - Graduate and professional students can now borrow through the Federal PLUS Loan program for loans certified on or after JULY 1, 2006.

* Stafford Loan--The Stafford Loan program makes low-interest loans available to students to help pay their education costs. All Stafford Loans carry a variable interest rate, subject to change every July.

* PLUS Loan--Stafford Loans don’t always cover all college expenses, so some parents take out a PLUS Loan to cover the rest. Both PLUS and Stafford loans carry variable interest rates and charge an origination fee and a guarantee fee (up to 1% of the loan). But, PLUS Loans don’t have an aggregate limit; parents can borrow the full amount of their children’s college expenses, minus any financial aid received. Parents start making payments within 60 days of disbursement.

* Home equity loans--Home equity loans offer parents interest rates comparable to the PLUS Loan but with tax advantages. Home equity loans usually are usually tax-deductible (confirm with your tax adviser).

Alcoa Pittsburgh FCU is committed to filling the needs of all our student members. Our loan officers are available to answer your student loan questions. Student loans are a good investment for the credit union--and a good investment in the future of our members.

                                        

Helpful  Websites

                                                

(Alcoa Pittsburgh FCU does not maintain and cannot guarantee the information obtained from the websites below)

· aesSuccess.org.  This site helps students plan their careers, search for schools, apply for admission and apply for financial aid or consolidation loans.

· HBCUmentor.org.  This site is for students interested in attending a Historically Black College or University.  It also provides all of the services of PHEAAmentor.

· CampusChamps.org.  A free, interactive website designed for student athletes.

· YouCanDealWithIt.com.  A debt management site with a comprehensive guide to decisions and situations that college students will encounter and resources to help them deal with it.

Rev. 05/07