ICBA extends relationship with iHELP student loan servicer

To continue to help students and their families pay for the cost of education, the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) has extended its relationship with iHELP as a preferred service provider.

The iHELP program provides community banks with loan origination, servicing, and compliance. The company also offers a student loan consolidation program to help college graduates lower their monthly payments. The program is administered by Reunion Student Loan Finance Corp (RSLFC).

More than 450 ICBA community bank members have participated in the iHELP program since its inception in 2000. In total, they have provided more than $300 million in student loans to more than 22,000 students.

“Rising tuition costs should not derail higher education goals,” Chris Lorence, ICBA group executive vice president of member engagement and strategy, said. “Through the iHELP loan program, community banks can provide financial resources and guidance to help students achieve higher education and make informed decisions that will affect their future career prospects and long-term financial goals.”

Steve Kohles, president and CEO of RSLFC, said ICBA member banks provide the products and services that customers need and want.

“Our nearly 20-year partnership with ICBA has been instrumental in making funding for education available to students and their families,” Kohles said.