Your interest rate will be determined after you apply and will be based on a number of factors, including:

• The repayment term you choose

• The credit score of the borrower and cosigner (if applicable)

• Whether you live, work, or went to school in Rhode Island

Use our "Get My Rate" feature to see what rate you would qualify for by providing some initial information.  Finding out your rate will not negatively impact your credit score. 

No. There are no application, origination, disbursement or repayment fees on this loan. The only times you may be charged a fee are if 1) if you are late on a payment, 2) your payment is returned, or 3) you default on your loan.

Cosigners are not required if you can meet the qualifications for the loan on your own (see below) , but having a qualifying cosigner on your loan will help you get an even lower interest rate. 

No, as long as you meet the other loan qualifications (see below), you are not required to meet any minimum degree level. However, your degree level may play a role in your maximum loan limit and your interest rate

Borrowers who reside in any state may apply for this loan program. 

Borrowers and/or cosigners (if applicable) will be required to pass a credit check, meet a minimum income requirement (see below for details), meet liquidity requirements (savings), and meet a debt-to-income requirements. Eligible loans include private student loans, Federal Stafford Loans, Federal PLUS Loans, and Federal Unsubsidized and Subsidized Loans used to attend a Title IV school. 

Borrowers residing at the same address must make a combined household income of at least $40,000 per year. For borrowers living at separate addresses, at least one of the borrowers must earn $40,000 per year individually.

No, residents from any state may apply for this loan and receive a great low interest rate. However, you may be eligible for an even lower interest rate if you live, work, or went to college in Rhode Island. 

You will receive an instant pre-approval as soon as your application is submitted. (In rare cases, if we are not able to pull your credit, it could take an additional business day). This pre-approval is subject to verification of the information you entered. You will receive final approval typically within 1-2 business days after all of your supporting application materials have been sent to RISLA. Documents may be sent to RISLA through our secure site:

There is not a cosigner release program on the RISLA Refinance Loan. However, you are always welcome to reapply for a new Refinance Loan without a cosigner. 

The amount you are eligible to borrower is dependent upon:

• Whether the primary borrower is the student who benefited from the loan proceeds being refinanced and the highest degree earned by that borrower

• The minimum amount you can borrow is $7,500. The maximum amount you are eligible to borrow will be between $100,000 and $250,000

When applying, you may choose a 5-year, 10-year or 15-year repayment term.   If you are interested in a shorter loan term, you can select any longer term loan and simply pay more than the minimum required amount to pay the balance faster.  Additional funds received are applied toward principal and there is no prepayment fee.

If you have selected an immediate repayment loan, you will enter repayment 30 days after funds have been disbursed.

If you have selected a deferred repayment loan your, you will enter repayment 6 months after student leaves school.

Your minimum monthly payment is calculated based on the amount of principal borrowed, the interest rate, and the term of the loan.  There are no fees included in calculating the minimum payment amount.  If the calculation to pay the full amount of principal and interest over the full term of the loan is below $50.00, then $50.00 is the minimum payment amount and the term will be reduced accordingly.

Your loan will enter repayment at the time it is fully disbursed. Your first payment will be due approximately 30 days from that date. 

No, you may pay off your loan early without any penalty. 

After applying and being pre-approved, you will need to verify the information you input into the Refinance Loan application. The documents you will need to send in are:

• Most recent billing statements for each loan you wish to refinance (existing RISLA loans are exempt)

• Most recent billing statement for all loans you are refinancing (existing RISLA loans are exempt)

• Paystubs or other income verification

• W2s

• Documents verifying liquid assets 

• Addition information such as promissory notes may be requested.

A detailed list will be included in your pre-approval package. Documents may be sent to RISLA through our secure site.

Forbearance for instances such as unemployment, disability and hardship may be available to you.  Loans disbursed on or after July 1, 2021 are eligible for up to 24 months of forbearance time.  Forbearance eligibility for loans first disbursed prior to July 1, 2021 is in accordance with the Promissory Note.

Yes, however, you must be enrolled at least half time in a graduate degree-granting program and must notify us of enrollment.  Also, you must make at least one payment before a deferment can be granted.  The maximum deferment time is 36 months for graduate students.  RISLA Refinance Loans are not eligible for a grace period. 

Funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Apply now to ensure you have access to these low cost funds. Once you have been approved for your loan, your interest rate will be fixed at the rate in your disclosures until your loan is paid in full.