New White Paper Analyzes Private Student Loan Marketplace, Identifies Key Risk Factors

Mike Weber, VP Marketing, Credit Union Student Choice
mweber@studentchoice.org
563‐599‐1193

Corresponding Webinar to Highlight Findings

Washington, D.C. (August 13, 2012) — Credit Union Student Choice, the leading provider of higher education financing solutions to America’s credit unions, announced the release of a new white paper authored by nationally recognized student lending experts John Hupalo and Paul Sheldon. The paper provides a brief history of student loan programs in the U.S. and includes an in‐depth examination of key credit drivers and loan performance.

“We’re excited and pleased to bring this type of insightful research to credit unions,” said Jon Jeffreys, President of Credit Union Student Choice. “Private student lending is a complex, and often times misunderstood, process. This paper will help credit unions better understand the key factors that must be considered in order to build a sustainable lending program that delivers value to both borrowers and the cooperative.”

According to Jeffreys, the white paper offers historical context that explains the “transitory” nature of the student loan industry in the U.S., which has created new opportunities for some lenders, while putting others out of business. The paper then provides a highly detailed examination of the fundamental credit drivers in the marketplace while analyzing the performance characteristics of securitized loan pools and evaluating the economics of the private credit student loan business. Credit unions can request a copy of the white paper by visiting www.studentchoice.org. In addition, credit unions can also register for a free webinar that will be held on August 23rd at 2:00 p.m. ET. During this webinar, authors John Hupalo and Paul Sheldon will share key findings from their research and focus specifically on how credit unions can create responsible lending programs for today’s students. “Credit unions are playing an increasingly important role in private student lending,” said Jeffreys. “By learning from the past, they have a unique opportunity to redefine value in the future.”

About Credit Union Student Choice
Credit Union Student Choice is a credit union service organization (CUSO) founded in 2008 by several of the nation’s leading credit unions and CUSOs. Credit Union Student Choice positions credit unions as leaders in education financing in the 21st century by redefining value for student borrowers and helping credit unions connect with young adults. The Student Choice network enables credit unions of all asset sizes and fields of membership to make private student loans that may be held on their own balance sheet to recognize the long‐term economic return of the loan relationship. The CUSO helps credit unions by managing many of the challenges and risks commonly associated with student lending. To learn more, visit www.studentchoice.org.

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