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Youth & College Support

Whether you're preparing for your first year of college or are well into your journey as a student or graduate, 3Rivers has solutions and resources, and a dedicated Youth & College Support Team to help you at every stage!

We want you to reach your current and future goals and are here to support you along the way. We can help you find scholarship opportunities, navigate your financial aid and refinance options, and more, so you can feel confident in making informed decisions that benefit you now and down the road.

Feel free to explore this page for more information, check out our blog posts, or contact us anytime if you'd like to chat!

Why refinance?

Refinancing your student loans can potentially result in lower interest rates, better loan terms, more affordable payments, and the ability to pay them off faster! Plus, it gives you the opportunity to choose your loan company—something that may not have been top-of-mind when you first applied. We'd love to review your current loans and see if refinancing them at 3Rivers could save you money and benefit your overall financial wellness!

Learn how much you could potentially save by using our student loan refinance calculator! Questions about your results? We're happy to review them with you. Get in touch!

Why refinance with 3Rivers?

Refinancing your student loans allows you to not only choose how much you pay toward your loans, but also where you pay your loans. Private loans come from banks and other lenders that parents tend to choose on your behalf while you're finishing your undergraduate degree. Federal loans are determined by the US Department of Education. Refinancing is one of the first choices graduates get to make on their own when it comes to their student loans!

On the Federal side, there are nine servicers that each receive a portion of loans created that year. Convenience, customer service, and the overall experience with these servicers vary greatly—and you may even have loans with multiple servicers! Refinancing with a trusted local institution like 3Rivers gives you the ability to have all your finances in one place, streamline your payments, and have access to our dedicated team whenever you have questions or concerns.

Of course, where you refinance is totally up to you. There are even some online options that may better suit your lifestyle! We're always more than happy to discuss your options with you so you can choose a servicer that best fits your needs.

If you’re ready to explore better deals on your student loans, contact us or schedule an appointment today!

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Student Loans

Last updated: 4/1/2024
Type Term Loan Amount Rate (As Low As) APR
Undergraduate Private Student Loan - Variable $1,000 - $60,000
7.24%(1)(2)
Undergraduate Private Student Loan - Fixed $1,000 - $40,000 5.49%
Graduate Private Student Loan - Variable $1,000 - $60,000
8.99%(1)(2)
Student Loan Refinance (Federal & Private) 12 - 60 months Minimum $5,000(3) 7.54% 8.37%(4)
Student Loan Refinance (Federal & Private) 61 - 120 months Minimum $10,000(3) 8.04% 8.27%(4)
Student Loan Refinance (Federal & Private) 121 - 180 months Minimum $15,000(3) 8.54% 8.65%(4)

   Refi Existing Loan

(1) The Annual Percentage Rate is subject to change after consummation. Your interest rate is variable and may be adjusted quarterly on each January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1 (Adjustment Date) based on the Prime index as published in the Wall Street Journal on the first business day of the month immediately prior to the Adjustment Date (e.g., December, March, June and September). Any increase in the index may increase the APR and the amount of your monthly payment.

(2) (2) The "Index" for the quarter beginning July 1st, 2022, is 4.00%, which was the Prime index published in the Wall Street Journal on the first business day of June 2022. Current offered rate(s) are calculated by using the Index, Margin and Floor value(s) in effect. Your specific Interest Rate and/or credit approval depends upon the credit qualifications of the student borrower and co-borrower (if applicable). The APR will not exceed 18.00%, or fall below the Floor rate (currently 4.99%) regardless of the Index. Margin will be disclosed at account opening.

Student Choice applications are submitted via our website at: http://3riversfcu.studentchoice.org

(3) Total loan amount considered will be subject to a $100,000 unsecured aggregate limit (excludes credit cards). 

(4) APR shown is calculated using the 'as low as' rate, the maximum term, the minimum amount, and a $99 loan processing fee. Your rate is fixed at the time of loan origination and will be determined based on your Loan Term & FICO score/data obtained from your credit file. No Early Payoff Penalties.

Membership required, to learn more visit www.3riversfcu.org/join

Meet Our Youth & College Support Team!

Photo of James Cashman
James Cashman
Youth & College Manager

P: 260.310.5022  | O: 260.487.3314  |  E: jcashman@trfcu.org

James Cashman is passionate about education. He started at 3Rivers in 2016, and has found joy in connecting students with their dream careers. In his role as Youth and College Advisor, he supports families as they plan for higher education and transition into the workforce.

Prior to coming aboard 3Rivers, James studied Spanish and Intercultural Studies at Indiana Wesleyan University, worked as a social worker in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and taught in Barcelona, Spain.

Outside the office, he serves on the board of directors at the East Wayne Street Center, a local education non-profit, and enjoys travel, languages, and reading.

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Caitlyn Lawson
Youth & College Advisor

P: 260.515.7216  | O: 260.399.8230  |  E: clawson@trfcu.org

Caitlyn Lawson started her career with 3Rivers in 2016 and has loved being able to help members with their goals and financial wellness journeys. She is dedicated to helping students find their own unique paths upon graduating high school—helping make sense of higher education, career paths, and the many other financial situations students may discover along the way.

Caitlyn’s own path to a higher education was more of a zig-zag than a straight line. Feel free to ask, she’d be happy to share more about her own journey and lessons learned!

Outside of work, she helps coach and teach swimming, loves to hike and explore new places, and is always seeking a new challenge to accomplish.

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Jordan Hersey
Youth & College Advisor

P: 260.222.3440 |  E: jhersey@trfcu.org

Jordan Hersey received his bachelor’s in communication studies from Huntington University. Before beginning his journey at 3Rivers in 2022, he gained experience working at the Boys & Girls Club, in the service industry, and as a substitute teacher. He brought this unique mix of skills to our branches, helping members along their financial wellness journeys.

 Having recently joined our Youth & College Support Team, Jordan is excited to help advise students and families as they navigate through the unknowns and stressors of college planning, so they can enter this chapter with confidence. He’s passionate about getting to know our members, their stories, and their dreams to help them create personalized plans that can help them achieve their goals, personally, professionally, and financially.

 Outside of work you can find Jordan trying new restaurants, traveling, engaging in reading groups, and riding his motorcycle.


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