TINTON FALLS, N.J. — United Teletech Financial Federal Credit Union is among the first to try out CompleteEd, a new, private student loan program from CUNA Mutual Group.

In addition to private student loans, the program offers federal student aid loans. Up to $25,000 per year is available for funding on education-related expenses through the program. UTF members receive a 25% discount off of the current loan's interest rate and an additional discount is available for electronic fund transfers.

Leo Ardine, president/CEO of $262 million UTF, said the credit union has a long history of offering academic scholarships and student loans to its members.

“We believe that this program offers an additional simple and valuable tool to parents in our community who are struggling to keep their kids in school,” Ardine said.

More than 2,000 colleges and universities now accept the CompleteEd (www.CompleteEd.com) private student loan program, according to CUNA Mutual. The company said it is planning a national launch in 2009.