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Student Line of Credit

Let ECU bridge the gap between you and your dreams!

Features

A private student loan from ECU can help bridge the funding gap between scholarships, federal loan options, and your total educational expenses. The line of credit allows you to set up the loan one time and make advances each semester to cover costs. 

  • Low fixed rate
  • No application/processing fees, lengthy forms, or annual renewal
  • Fast approval
  • No pre-payment penalties
  • Interest-only payments until graduation
  • Can cover tuition, room and board, books, fees, and other expenses with multiple terms and financing options available
  • Additional professional degree coverage
  • No minimum credit hour requirement and Summer & Winter Terms covered
  • You can use your student loan to pay for trade schools and certificate programs*
  • Up to 21 years financing*

*Certain restrictions apply.

ECU Can Bridge the Gap!

An ECU Student LOC can bridge the gap between federal loans, scholarships, and remaining costs of college.

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Rates

Student Line of Credit Loan Rates

Rates are subject to change.
Loan Term1 Rate Type APR2 as low as Payment Example3
132 Months Fixed Rate 4.400% $113.80
168 months Fixed Rate 4.900% $114.93
192 months Fixed Rate 5.400% $116.06
252 months Fixed Rate 5.900% $117.20

Rates accurate as of August 22, 2026 and are subject to change.

1Term listed is repayment period beginning six months after graduation.

2APR refers to Annual Percentage Rate. Your rate may be higher depending on credit history, underwriting criteria, loan amount and school accreditation. Certain restrictions may apply.

3Payment example is based on $5,000 for 48 months. The minimum monthly payment is $100. To calculate your estimated payment, please use our payoff calculator.

Calculators


FAQs

Generally, Federal Student Loans and Private Student Loans are the primary types of student loans.

  • Federal Student Loans are funded by the United States federal government and follow guidelines set by the US Department of Education. They typically offer fixed rates that may be lower than private student loans and don’t have credit score requirements, but federal loans come with strict borrowing limits.
  • Private Student Loans are offered by lenders such as credit unions like ECU, banks, schools, and entities other than the federal government. Private student loans are based on credit, but rates, terms, and other details vary by the lender. If federal loans, scholarships, and grants aren’t enough to cover all educational expenses, private loans can help students fill that funding gap.

Click here to learn more about the different types of student loans.

For additional information about federal student loans, please visit ed.gov.

The terms graduate student and professional student are often used interchangeably, but for student loan purposes they can mean different things. 

In short, every professional student is a graduate-level student, but not every graduate student is a professional student. And, under the federal loan rules implemented on July 1, 2026, the distinction between the two can determine how much students can borrow in federal loans.

  • Graduate Students are postgraduate students pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree (MBA, MS, PhD, etc.) after earning a bachelor's degree, with a focus often on academics, research, or other specialized career advancement.
    • Borrowing limits are capped at $20,500 per year, with a $100,000 aggregate limit.
  • Professional Students are classified as postgraduate students pursuing a specialized degree (medicine, law, etc.) necessary for licensure and practice in a specific, regulated field. These students may qualify for higher federal loan limits than other graduate students.
    • Borrowing limits extend to $50,000 per year, with a $200,000 aggregate limit.

The federal government determines which programs qualify as professional programs for student aid and loan purposes, and many institutions rely on those classifications when determining loan eligibility.

For additional information about federal student loans, please visit ed.gov.

ECU offers private student loans, which are nonfederal loans made by a lender such as a credit union, bank, state agency, or school. 

ECU’s student loans are unique to ECU, and our loan features may differ from federal student loans and private student loans offered by other lenders. 

Why Students Choose ECU:

  • Rates that Respect Your Budget. Enjoy competitive, student-friendly interest rates designed to keep payments manageable now and in the future.
  • Simple, Stress-Free Repayment Options. Focus on your studies now, with interest-only payments until graduation. Plus, choose from flexible repayment options tailored for your future, with no pre-payment penalties. 
  • Easy Funding Process. Set up your loan and borrow what you need one time and make advances each semester to cover costs like tuition, housing, fees, books, and more. 
  • Built for Students, Backed by Community. As a credit union, we’re here for you! That means offering personalized service, guidance, support, and real solutions every step of the way.
  • Smart Way to Build Credit. Start strong by responsibly building your credit and a solid financial foundation while you’re in school. 
  • Additional Professional Degree Program Eligibility and Coverage. Education is an investment in your future, and your dreams shouldn’t be limited. Is the postgraduate degree you’re pursuing no longer classified as a professional degree by the federal government? ECU’s classifications may differ, so be sure to ask your loan officer about the postgraduate degree you’re pursuing!

Federal student loan programs offer various benefits and repayment options, such as income-driven repayment plans or loan forgiveness programs. ECU Student Loans do not qualify for student loan forgiveness, forbearance, or deferment.

For additional information about federal student loans, please visit ed.gov.