It’s Nice to Meet You. We’re ELFI.
Behind the name is a group of innovative industry experts who specialize in working with students, parents, and professionals just like you.
We believe your best days are ahead of you, and we’re committed to bringing that future into focus with student loans and refinancing that fits not only where you are but also where you’re headed.
Where We Come From
ELFI, formerly known as Education Loan Finance, is a student lending division of Tennessee-based SouthEast Bank. Here’s a quick look at our history.
2015
SouthEast Bank launches nationwide subsidiary Education Loan Finance from headquarters in Farragut, Tennessee.
2019
Education Loan Finance expands its private student loan product offerings for undergraduates, graduates, and parents of students to finance post-secondary education.
2022
Education Loan Finance celebrates surpassing $2 billion in student loan refinancing and consolidation loans funded, impacting over 25,000 graduates, parents and cosigners.
2024
Commonly known as ELFI, Education Loan Finance makes the switch official with a new name, new look, and same great service.
Our Mission
We’re a national private lending company with deep roots in supporting education. SouthEast Bank’s parent holding company, Education Loan Finance, Inc., is a not-for-profit organization that has a longstanding (25 years) commitment to higher education. That commitment has led to more than $20 million provided in scholarships and financial literacy curriculum offered to local high schools. Giving back to our community is paramount at ELFI, and as proof of that, we recently awarded $50,000 to help a customer and his family pay off their loans. For us, “bringing the future into focus” is more than a tagline. It’s a promise.
The ELFI Difference
Competitive Rates & Flexible Terms
We believe in rewarding financially responsible borrowers by providing competitive rates with flexible terms that make repayment more manageable.
Award-Winning Customer Service
Each customer is paired one-on-one with their own Student Loan Advisor who guides them through their application from start to finish.
No Fees or Painful Waiting
Enjoy an easy online application process without application fees, origination fees, or prepayment penalties for paying off your loan early.
See Your Estimated Rate Risk-Free in Minutes
Before you commit, you can see your estimated rates and repayment options in minutes, without impacting your credit score.
Excellent Customer Experiences
When you combine personalized service, an easy application with no fees, and flexible loan options, you get 5-star customer experiences.
Common Questions About ELFI
Who is SouthEast Bank? How are they related to ELFI?
ELFI is a nationwide student loan debt consolidation and refinance program offered by Tennessee-based SouthEast Bank. ELFI is designed to assist borrowers through consolidating and refinancing loans into one single loan that effectively lowers your cost of education debt and/or makes repayment very simple.
Is ELFI a direct lender?
Yes, we are direct lenders and there is no go-between which you will need to communicate about your loan application.
Who will service my loans?
ELFI has two loan servicing partners, MOHELA (Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority) and AES (American Education Services). Once you finish refinancing your student loans, your assigned loan servicer will reach out to you directly. At that point, you will set up an account with them to make your monthly payments.
Do you have a referral program?
Yes, the ELFI Referral Program rewards customers who successfully refer people to refinance student loans with us. Learn about our Referral Program.