Rhode Island Student Loan Authority Review

RISLA is honestly a terrible company to work with. Their staff is often unhelpful and they have very high interest rates (or at least they did when I got mine). It takes advantage of young kids who are trying to get an education if you ask me, as their rates were almost double the average fed loans (in my case). I am from RI and used this lender, but there are plenty of other good options for young kids to explore. Looking back I wish I had done that instead of just going with this one because it is local. I graduated and am in the process of refinancing for a MUCH better rate. I would recommend anyone who graduates with RISLA loans to REFI ASAP while rates are good. Other lenders that help graduates refi (google the top ones) have amazing customer service to compared to RISLA and will provide significantly more competitive rates.

Easy and simple to apply. Great customer service, you can call with questions and talk to a human (never a computer)! They are always considerate and answer all questions. I wish all my student loans were through RISLA!

Overall, my family and I are very satisfied with our RISLA experience. If we have questions, the RISLA team answers the questions promptly and clearly.

I am both an employee and customer of RISLA. RISLA is filled with thoughtful, caring individuals that truly want to help students and families. I can't say enough good things about RISLA, both from a borrower's perspective, and from an employee's perspective. To my knowledge, we have some of the lowest fixed interest rates on private education loans in the country and also offer programs such as income-based repayment, and forgiveness in the very unfortunate event of student death or permanently disability. Unfortunately, not enough lenders offer protections like these when tragedy strikes. I would highly recommend RISLA to students and parents looking for a mean's of paying for college - just remember to borrow responsibly and make sure you can afford your payment before taking on any loan.

I have used RISLA for 6 student loans for my kids at a university in Connecticut. There are always challenges and questions that come up with each loan application and the support from RISLA has been top notch. All of my questions were answered in a timely manner and usually same day. My son still has six more semesters and will most likely use them for his student loans.

RISLA is excellent. Always answered all my loan questions so that I understood. I work in the service industry so I can appreciate when someone goes above and beyond and that is RISLA!

Low interest rates
Helpful staff
Fast results

RISLA was a much better option for student loans than all other options. Very happy with the service.

Has good loan rates and very helpful staff, although having an appointment is a must otherwise you probably will not be seen.

They had no problem loaning the money when I made a good salary as cosigner. I lost my job. Now in order for my daughter to release me and refinance she needs to have an annual salary if $40k. What new college grad (or most people for that matter) has that salary off the bat? I guess I need to not pay my mortgage and go bankrupt in order for my kids to go to college.

Financing with RISLA has been easy and the customer service, when needed, has also been first rate. I wish I didn't have to rely on loans to finance my son's education but it is a reality and glad RISLA was an available option for Johnson & Wales University students.

RISLA is a great way to find a college loan that fits your needs. I have used them for the past 3 years and have had great customer service support. As the parent of a first time college student, the daunting task of completing the paperwork was made much easier by their customer support team. I called with several questions & was always answered in a timely manner. We have worked out payback options that fit our family's budget. I would highly recommend using them for your student loan needs.

Brutal company. stay away. I have had many problems. Now when trump approved 60 day suspension of loans and 0%. Risla wil let you take 60 days off but they still charge their crazy high interest rate. If you have any other options stay away from these guys

Great loan at a competitive rate (less than government rates) also received $2K for having an internship, called the help line for information a few times and received quick service, had a good experience so I would recommend them

Terrible loan provider. They have terrible rates and to match, terrible customer service. They only care to keep you debt, not actually support furthering your education. Highly suggest that if you are a current lender you refinance. SoFi will refinance these guys. For potential customers, please look elsewhere for better rates and service.

I have not had a good experience with this company. Its all sweet talk with an unpleasant unhelpful and expensive walk. I suggest looking for loans elsewhere.

RISLA offers great programs to help students and families pay for college. RISLA's customer service department allows you to talk to real people and not automated phone systems!

I have used RISLA for several years now and highly recommend their service. The lending terms are favorable and options exist for lower rates. The application process is refreshingly easy and quick and can all be done on line. Once approved, they deal directly with the school for fund transfers.

I cant say enough good things about the team at RISLA. They were amazing and extremely helpful through the whole process. They return phone calls and emails promptly and truly go above and beyond. Every company should follow their ethics when running a business. Thank you everyone at RISLA for helping my family secure my son's higher learning.

This is one of the worst private lending company I have worked with. They will have no issues lending you money to pay for your degree. But unfortunately when it comes to giving you a reasonable price for your income base repayment they are terrible. They will charge you something you can't afford and are very unhelpful on giving you options that will help. Basically live under a bridge to afford your payments . Highly regret taking a loan with them for my bachelors and will definitely will be looking for a different lender for graduate school. Worst mistake ever.