Arkansas Student Loan Authority Review 2020: Fund Your Education

Founded in 2001, ASLA provides Arkansas students with loans to help fund their college education. Those eligible can access a range of student loans, both private and federal. In some cases, family members can even take out a loan on behalf of a student.

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    Why Get a Student Loan from ASLA?

    For eligible candidates, these loans can make education funding a more achievable ambition. Not only are there fixed interest rates as low as 3.5%, but in some cases, it’s possible to defer payment until post-graduation on terms of up to 15 years. This could greatly reduce the short term financial pressure on aspiring students.

    What Student Loans does ASLA offer?

    A wide range of loans is on offer with this provider, which, unfortunately, generally requires a credit rating of at least 670. Those who don’t meet these criteria can include a co-signer who does. After 48 months of on-time payments, the co-signer may be released from their obligations. Origination fees are only included under specific terms.

    Private Student Loans

    Suitable for both students and post-graduates.

    APRs

    4.24% to 7.22%

    Terms

    10 or 15 years

    Loan amounts

    $1,001 to $100,000

    Separation period

    Up to 6 months

    Private Family Loans

    Suitable for parents, family members, or anyone else who wants to help students pay for college. 

    APRs

    4.24% to 6.42%

    Terms

    10 or 15 years

    Loan amounts

    $1,001 to $100,000

    Separation period

    Up to six months

    Private Arkansas Coding Academy Loans

    Specifically for those attending the Arkansas Coding Academy.

    Origination fee

    3%

    Terms

    Two years

    Interest rate

    7.9% (fixed)

    Separation period

    Two months

    Private U of A Global Campus Loans

    Specifically for those attending the University of Arkansas Global Campus.

    Origination fee

    3%

    Terms

    Two years

    Interest rate

    7.9% (fixed)

    Separation period

    Two months

    Federal Direct Stafford Loans

    Available to students involved in all programs. The amounts available differ considerably depending on your status as a dependent, independent, or graduate/professional degree student. The maximum loans each year range from $5,500 to $20,500.

    Student Loan Refinancing with ASLA

    For applicants with a desire to refinance existing student debt by simplifying bills and lowering current interest rates.

    APRs

    3.5% to 7.48%

    Terms

    3, 5, 7, 10, 15 years

    Loan amounts

    $5,000 to $250,000

    Repayment Options

    • Immediate Payment

    Monthly payments of the principal amount and interest. This will have the lowest interest rate

    • Interest Only Payment

    Monthly interest payments will only be required during school periods 

    • Deferment

    No payments will be required until graduation, leaving school, or dropping below half-time enrolment. This will have the highest interest rate

    Pros and Cons

    Pros

    • Wide range of loans
    • Decent loan amounts
    • No origination fee

    Cons

    • Extremely limited availability
    • A high credit score is required

    Conclusion

    ASLA might be helpful for some students in Arkansas, but those in all other states are ineligible. Check out Commonbond instead, as it provides loans in almost every state, with deferment options of up to 24 months. Or, why not consider Credible? It offers loans to students at over 2200 institutions and even gives a $750 gift card to successful applicants.