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Navigating College Decision Day

May 2, 2024

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After months of college tours, applications, and acceptance letters, you, or your student made a commitment. Get one step ahead of the upcoming semester by entering this pivotal milestone with confidence and reassurance. Read more for helpful tips to get you prepared for your next chapter.

Higher Education Financing

While finding the right financing may seem overwhelming, it doesn’t have to be. Columbia Bank has partnered with Sallie Mae® to offer flexible financing options, that provide assistance with higher education expenses. Whether you’re an undergraduate, career training, or graduate student these flexible student loans are designed to meet your needs:

  • Competitive variable and fixed interest rates
  • No origination fee or prepayment penalty1
  • Multiple repayment options

Learn more about the right loan for you

Should you choose to pursue post-secondary education in the future, we are positioned to assist you through graduate school loans and MBA loans. Click here, to learn more about our student financing options.

Preparing for Financial Independence

Transitioning to college life involves a host of new responsibilities, including managing personal finances. Opening a checking account provides students with a convenient and secure way to handle day-to-day transactions, like paying bills, purchasing books, or buying items for a new dorm room. The best way to set yourself or your student up for seamless financial management is by choosing the right checking account, equipped with benefits that provide a return.  A few factors to consider include fees, rewards, and digital banking solutions that make it easy to bank at home or on campus.

Compare checking accounts to learn more about which account may be the best fit. Whether you’re looking for cash back, foreign ATM rebates or low fees, Columbia Bank offers an option for everyone.

Build Your Financial Foundation with a Savings Account

While college or continuing higher education may be a significant financial investment, it’s also an opportunity to build the foundation for future financial success. By exploring savings options early on, students can develop healthy financial habits and build a financial safety net for the future.

Whether it’s through traditional savings account like our Statement Savings or Money Market, there are various ways to grow savings over time. To learn more about our savings account options, visit our comparison page.

Potential Savings

If you are a college commuter or plan on bringing your car to school, you may uncover savings by switching insurance policies. Our wholly-owned subsidiary, RSI Insurance Agency, deploys a unique business model, designed with you in mind. RSI Insurance Agency leverages partnerships with well-known insurance providers to see who will offer you the best coverage, for the best deal. Request a free quote to explore if you can strengthen your coverage and if you have the potential to save.  Even if you already have a policy, it can be simple to switch.  Feel prepared and protected by finalizing your insurance policy before classes start.

Embrace Financial Preparedness on Decision Day

It’s time to get excited as you or your student embark on an academic journey with confidence and peace of mind. Let your next milestone begin with careful planning, important financial discussions, and the support of trusted partners like Columbia Bank.

Want To Learn More About Tips Within the Article?

📚 Higher Education Financing: Learn more

💳 Preparing for Financial Independence: Learn more

🚗 Explore Potential Savings: Learn more

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Borrow responsibly We encourage students and families to start with savings, grants, scholarships, and federal student loans to pay for college. Students and families should evaluate all anticipated monthly loan payments, and how much the student expects to earn in the future, before considering a private student loan.

These loans are made by Sallie Mae Bank. Columbia Bank is not the creditor for these loans and is compensated by Sallie Mae for the referral of loan customers.

Applications are subject to a requested minimum loan amount of $1,000. Current credit and other eligibility criteria apply. Click here for additional eligibility information about each product.

[1] Although we do not charge a penalty or fee if you prepay your loan, any prepayment will be applied as outlined in your promissory note—first to Unpaid Fees and costs, then to Unpaid Interest, and then to Current Principal.

SALLIE MAE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS, SERVICES, AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. 

©2024 Sallie Mae Bank. All rights reserved. Sallie Mae, the Sallie Mae logo, and other Sallie Mae names and logos are service marks or registered service marks of Sallie Mae Bank. All other names and logos used are the trademarks or service marks of their respective owners. SLM Corporation and its subsidiaries, including Sallie Mae Bank, are not sponsored by or agencies of the United States of America.

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Please be advised that deposit and loan disclosures and contractual documents will only be provided in English.

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