AHELA’s mission is to educate Arizona students and their parents about the financial aid process and the programs which are available to help them achieve their dream of a college education. AHELA is solely focused on increasing access to higher education through its outreach programs and related services, as well as, developing high school outreach and early awareness programs within the communities we serve.

What We Do

Arizona Higher Education Loan Authority (AHELA) is a student loan secondary market, a holder of federal student loans, and a direct loan servicer.

As a direct loan servicer, AHELA plays a vital role by providing students and families with the information they need to successfully manage their student loan debt. AHELA works with students to make payments on-time, determine eligibility for deferments and forbearances, and understand their options regarding their student loan debt. As a private non-profit organization AHELA’s goal is to be recognized as a valuable and trusted advocate within the higher education community.

Why We Do It

As the cost of a college education continues to increase the role of AHELA will become more crucial in the efforts to increase access to higher education. Arizona has some of the best universities and colleges in the country, but with that education comes the burden of not only financing tuition, books, housing and other college-related expenses, but understanding the process and much more importantly knowing that higher education is attainable. At AHELA we are passionate about our mission and are committed to helping students achieve their dream of higher education, thus providing a better life for themselves and their families.