About CU Student Choice
Founded in 2008 by several of the nation’s leading credit unions and credit union service organizations (CUSOs), CU Student Choice works in partnership with credit unions to deliver innovative solutions that help members responsibly overcome the increasing challenge of higher education affordability. With cooperation and a keen focus on the future, the CUSO’s programs have allowed hundreds of credit unions to deliver fair‐value private education and refinance loans with corresponding financial education to more than 100,000 families.
Our Credit Union Partners
Student Choice was founded by credit unions, for credit unions. From our 11 owner credit unions to our nearly 300 partners across the country, families can find a local, not-for-profit lender to meet their higher education funding needs.
Approved Schools
To be eligible to receive funding, the borrower must attend one of 1,700+ approved schools. A list is available to potential borrowers, and schools interested in being added can contact lworley@studentchoice.org.
Our Executive Team
Scott is an original founder of Student Choice and formerly served as the CUSO's Executive Vice President before ascending to the role of President/CEO. He has more than 24 years of experience in the credit union industry, including more than 16 years at Callahan & Associates.
A seasoned risk analyst and advisor, Brad has earned a reputation for integrating sound risk-management principles to achieve business growth and profitability goals. Prior to joining Student Choice, Brad spent 12 years at Wells Fargo Bank, most recently serving as Senior Vice President of Portfolio Risk Management.
Jim combines his more than 30 years of lending and financial experience to help credit unions learn about, and successfully enter, the private student lending market. Before joining Student Choice, Jim held leadership positions at Overture Technologies; Citibank's Student Loan Corporation; and Sallie Mae.
Melissa uses her vast experience to ensure all systems, and people, are running smoothly. Prior to joining Student Choice in 2008, Melissa spent almost 18 years in the credit union industry working at Smart Financial CU in Houston, TX, and Suncoast Schools Federal Credit Union in Tampa, FL.
As the Chief Marketing Officer, Mike builds awareness of Student Choice within the credit union industry and also works directly with client credit unions to help them grow their program. Before joining Student Choice in 2008, Mike spent 9 years at Dupaco Community CU in Dubuque, IA.