Northwest Education Loan Association (NELA) is a not-for-profit guaranty agency that works in partnership with schools, banks and other lending institutions to help students continue their education. NELA administers the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP) and guarantees the loans against default. This guarantee allows commercial lenders to make loans to students, who often have no collateral or credit history.

Nela's Web site can help you manage your student loans and money. On their website you can:

• Get more information on student loans, download deferment or forbearance forms, or e-mail questions to experts listed in the Key Contacts section of the site.
• Visit the Dollars & Sense section to get tips on budgeting or use our interactive budget calculator to find out where your money goes.

NELA can provide information about loans offered through the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP), including the types of loans available, how to apply and what to expect when it's time to repay your loans. They also help you understand your repayment options including deferment and forbearance. In addition, they can provide borrower-specific loan information such as the status of your loan application or disbursement.

Contact NELA’s Customer Service Center by calling (800) 979-4441 or by emailing loaninfo@nela.net.