Student Lending

Overview

This booklet addresses how banks may legally and prudently engage in private student lending; discusses risks inherent in such lending; provides information on unique aspects of private student loans and industry practices; and includes private student lending product information, the processes involved in lending and risk management functions, and regulatory expectations for safe and sound operations. Information regarding federal student loans is included as industry background, for historical context, and to highlight differences between federal student loans and private student loans.

Applicability

This booklet applies to the OCC's supervision of national banks and federal savings associations. References to national banks in this booklet also generally apply to federal branches and agencies of foreign banking organizations. Refer to 12 USC 3102(b) and the "Federal Branches and Agencies Supervision" booklet of the Comptroller's Handbook for more information.