WASHINGTON -- Credit Union Student Choice, a private student loan CUSO, has partnered with Addison Avenue Federal Credit Union and HawaiiUSA Federal Credit Union.

Eighteen credit unions in 15 states are currently offering loans through the CUSO. Since its launch on May 5, nearly 1,500 students and families have secured educational financing through a private student loan via Credit Union Student Choice.

"We have had the federal guaranteed student loan program at our credit union for over 20 years; however, with the changes to the program and the higher cost of post secondary education we were searching for a solution for our members," said Karl Yoneshige, president/CEO of $975 million HawaiiUSA FCU.

Stu Fisher, senior vice president of business development and retail sales at $2 billion Addison Avenue FCU, said the alliance is a timely one.

"Partnering with Student Choice enables Addison Avenue to offer a product right now that our members need," Fisher said. "This is imperative, especially given the market we are currently facing; our members need honest solutions to their education needs..."