Consumer Information - Rights and Responsibilities

There are literally hundreds of lenders who participate in the student loan programs.  To help families navigate this process, the Financial Aid Office has developed a list of experience lenders based on the following philosophy:

• Should have a local presence in the primary areas that ESU serves (Emporia and surrounding area, Kansas City, El Dorado-Wichita, Topeka areas)

• Have a proven track record of good customer service (determined by complaints we receive)

• Offer zero up front fees.  We feel this is the most important borrower benefit, as it is the only one that is available to all students whom we serve.  Back end benefits are subject to many conditions, can change, and are not available to all students.

• Process electronically. 

We will process either electronically or by paper for any lender that a student selects.  We encourage students to complete the FAFSA first to determine if they are Stafford Loan eligible, which may have better benefits.

Some educational loans do not require school certification and students are free to accept those loans.  Our concern with students accepting loans that do not require certification is that they will accrue debt that will be difficult to repay or will not allow them to complete their degree. 

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Last Updated May 14, 2007