Good-bye, student loan debt. Hello, future!
As dedicated consumer advocates, NFCC® Certified Credit Counselors complete a rigorous certification program designed to make sure that you receive the best possible education and advice. Through NFCC member agencies, these professionals provide one-on-one student loan counseling sessions by phone or in person for a nominal fee. Each session begins with a review of your complete financial situation.
As nonprofit organizations, neither the NFCC nor its member agencies reap financial gains from working with you, which helps ensure you receive uncompromised guidance that is appropriate for your personal circumstances. NFCC members rely on funding from grants and other corporate donors, and member agencies’ fees are as low as possible, while covering costs. Member agency fees may vary and typically range from $50–$200. This fee covers the cost of providing you with objective, long-term advice and a comprehensive and personalized plan.
If you are already out of school, these student loan experts will first review your current source(s) of income and then look at your student loan debt and any other outstanding debt you may have, such as a mortgage, car loan or credit card balances. Then, working with you, they will help you develop a game plan that is right for you and your family. They don’t consider the process done until you feel you are ready to take charge of your financial future.
If you are still in school or about to enroll, we will look at your financial circumstances—including those of your family, if appropriate—and discuss your expectations for the future to help guide you toward a program that will serve you going forward.
Whether your goals are to find a lower monthly payment, reduce the length of time to pay off your student loans or decrease the amount of interest you pay over the term of your loans, our student loan counselors can recommend the options that are best for you and the future you are working toward.
There is a nominal fee for a typical financial review and student loan counseling session, which may take 1-2 hours. The length of session varies based on the number of loans you may have – but no matter how complex your situation is, you will receive a comprehensive action plan to manage your student loan debt and overall finances.
When you contact our student loan counselors, you access more than answers and sound advice—you gain an advocate. Their goals are to ensure your rights as a borrower are respected, your loan service provider answers any questions to your satisfaction and any errors in your account are corrected.
Founded in 1951, the National Foundation for Credit Counseling® (NFCC®) is the nation's first and largest nonprofit dedicated to improving people's financial well-being.
NFCC members help millions of consumers like you through community-based offices located in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Each NFCC member agency has earned our seal by adhering to high standards and ethical practices designed to help you achieve financial stability.
Member agencies are able to offer their services for nominal fees based on their current funding status. Funding for operations and services comes from an ever-changing combination of federal, state and local government grants, as well as donations from financial industry participants and private donors.
For more on the NFCC, visit www.NFCC.org
The Sharpen Your Financial Focus™ program is an initiative of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) in partnership with a broad cross-section of supporters. Together, we are committed to increasing the financial well-being of Americans. This initiative is partially funded by Bank of America, Chase, Synchrony Financial, Wells Fargo and other major financial institutions. We thank all funders and partners who make this program possible. For more information, visit www.SharpenToday.org.
National Foundation for Credit Counseling
2000 M Street, NW
Suite 505
Washington, DC 20036
For NFCC Media Inquiries:
Bruce McClary
Vice President of Communications
Email: bmcclary@nfcc.org
