COA Program Helps Members Lower Student Loan Costs

Among the challenges facing many optometrists is managing their student loan debt. As the cost of education continues to rise, the amount of outstanding loans is rapidly increasing. COA is very pleased to announce the availability of a discounted student loan refinance program to assist our members in lowering their debt costs. 

The COA board identified student loan debt as one of the biggest challenges facing young optometrists, as well as more seasoned doctors, today. The class of 2015 alone is expected to graduate with an average of at least $200,000 in student loan debt. COA set out to find a solution, and following an extensive vetting process, elected to endorse Social Finance (SoFi), a San Francisco financial firm that has refinanced more than $4 billion in student loans. SoFi offers low rates saving doctors an average of $30,000 in interest payments. Borrowers can refinance both federal and private education loans into one low interest loan with no prepayment penalties.

SoFi will host a webinar for COA members to learn more about this exciting program during the following times:

• Wednesday, October 21 - 6 pm PT (register here)
• Thursday, October 22 - 7 pm PT (register here)

You can also download this leaflet with details about the program. The main benefits of the COA student loan consolidation program include:

• Rates: Variable rates currently as low as 1.90 percent APR and fixed rates as low as 3.50 percent APR (with AutoPay)
• Simplicity: Consolidate all student loans - federal and private - into a single loan with one monthly payment
• No fees: No origination fees and no prepayment penalties

Bonus: 0.125% interest rate reduction for COA members and family members who sign up through sofi.com/COAVision

We encourage all COA members carrying student loans to visit www.sofi.com/COAVision or call 1-855-456-7634 to learn more about this exciting new program. Members interested in beginning the refinancing process can complete the on-line application.