College is expensive and the loan process can be confusing. We'll help you take the right course. First Niagara has partnered with Nelnet, one of the nation's leading providers of education loans. Existing borrowers may contact Nelnet at 1-888-486-4722. New borrowers may contact Nelnet at 1-877-804-3603.

Stafford Loans - Fixed-rate Federal loan program for students awarded on the basis of financial need. Repayment does not begin until 6 months after the student graduates, leaves school or falls below half-time status. Interest may be subsidized by the government while in school or paid by the student, depending on financial need.

PLUS (Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students) Loans - A low-interest, fixed rate loan program for creditworthy parents of dependent students or independent graduate students. For current rates and other details, contact Nelnet at 1-888-486-4722.

• Borrow up to the cost of tuition, fees and room and board, minus any financial aid.
• Minimum monthly repayment of $50 of principal and interest begins within 60 days of final disbursement, with terms up to ten years.
• Approval in just 24 hours.

Nelnet Private Loans - Our partner, Nelnet, offers a number of private loan options to meet the education financing needs of undergraduate, graduate and Medical/Health students. Please click here or call 1-866-866-7372.

• Instant pre-approval with electronic signature available
• Low interest rates
• Borrower benefits for on-time payments
• No penalties for prepayment
• Up to 25 years to repay on qualifying balances

Please Note:
The Bank will consider consumer loan requests from all applicants with a United States citizenship who either reside or work in the Bank's designated lending area. This area consists of Albany, Broome, Cattaraugus, Cayuga, Chautauqua, Chemung, Chenango, Columbia, Cortland, Delaware, Dutchess, Erie, Essex, Fulton, Genesee, Greene, Hamilton, Herkimer, Lewis, Livingston, Madison, Monroe, Montgomery, Niagara, Oneida, Onondaga, Ontario, Orange, Orleans, Ostego, Oswego, Putnam, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Tioga, Tompkins, Ulster, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Wyoming and Yates counties in New York State.