Student Loan Hero Fall 2019 Scholarship Winners

Rebecca Safier
September 10, 2019February 20, 2020Featured, Paying for College954Rebecca Safier
Updated on  September 10, 2019
How Student Loan Hero Gets Paid

How Student Loan Hero Gets Paid

Student Loan Hero is compensated by companies on this site and this compensation may impact how and where offers appear on this site (such as the order). Student Loan Hero does not include all lenders, savings products, or loan options available in the marketplace.

Advertiser Disclosure

Student Loan Hero Advertiser Disclosure

Student Loan Hero is an advertising-supported comparison service. The site features products from our partners as well as institutions which are not advertising partners. While we make an effort to include the best deals available to the general public, we make no warranty that such information represents all available products.

Editorial Note: The content of this article is based on the author’s opinions and recommendations alone. It may not have been reviewed, commissioned or otherwise endorsed by any of our network partners.

Scholarship Winners
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Private Student Loan rates starting at 2.49% APR

2.49% to 13.85% 1
VARIABLE APR

Visit Lender

2.55% to 11.44% 2
VARIABLE APR

Visit Lender

3.25% to 13.59% 3
VARIABLE APR

Visit Lender

1Important Disclosures for College Ave.

College Ave Disclosures

College Ave Student Loans products are made available through Firstrust Bank, member FDIC, First Citizens Community Bank, member FDIC, or M.Y. Safra Bank, FSB, member FDIC.. All loans are subject to individual approval and adherence to underwriting guidelines. Program restrictions, other terms, and conditions apply.

  1. As certified by your school and less any other financial aid you might receive. Minimum $1,000.
     
  2. Rates shown are for the College Ave Undergraduate Loan product and include autopay discount. The 0.25% auto-pay interest rate reduction applies as long as a valid bank account is designated for required monthly payments. Variable rates may increase after consummation.
     
  3. This informational repayment example uses typical loan terms for a freshman borrower who selects the Deferred Repayment Option with a 10-year repayment term, has a $10,000 loan that is disbursed in one disbursement and a 8.35% fixed Annual Percentage Rate (“APR”): 120 monthly payments of $179.18 while in the repayment period, for a total amount of payments of $21,501.54. Loans will never have a full principal and interest monthly payment of less than $50. Your actual rates and repayment terms may vary.

Information advertised valid as of 9/15/2022. Variable interest rates may increase after consummation. Approved interest rate will depend on the creditworthiness of the applicant(s), lowest advertised rates only available to the most creditworthy applicants and require selection of full principal and interest payments with the shortest available loan term.



2Rate range above includes optional 0.25% Auto Pay discount. Important Disclosures for Earnest.

Earnest Disclosures

Actual rate and available repayment terms will vary based on your income. Fixed rates range from 3.47% APR to 13.03% APR (excludes 0.25% Auto Pay discount). Variable rates range from 2.80% APR to 11.69% APR (excludes 0.25% Auto Pay discount). Earnest variable interest rate student loan refinance loans are based on a publicly available index, the 30-day Average Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The variable rate is based on the rate published on the 25th day, or the next business day, of the preceding calendar month, rounded to the nearest hundredth of a percent. The rate will not increase more than once per month. Although the rate will vary after you are approved, it will never exceed 36% (the maximum allowable for this loan). Please note, Earnest Private Student Loans are not available in Nevada. Our lowest rates are only available for our most credit qualified borrowers and contain our .25% auto pay discount from a checking or savings account. It is important to note that the 0.25% Auto Pay discount is not available while loan payments are deferred.



3Sallie Mae Disclaimer: Click here for important information. Terms, conditions and limitations apply.

  • Variable APR
Learn more about private student loan lenders.

As part of our ongoing efforts to fight the student debt crisis, Student Loan Hero is excited to announce the six winners of our fall 2019 scholarships. These deserving recipients overcame incredible challenges to get where they are today, and we’re thrilled to support them as they continue working hard to achieve their goals.

It’s our sincere hope that this scholarship will ease the financial burden as they work toward their degrees, and reduce the amount they need to borrow in student loans. Read on to meet the scholarship winners in this round of Student Loan Hero scholarships, and learn their inspiring stories.

Ann Potter, George Mason University


Image courtesy of Ann Potter

Grand prize: $5,000

As a political science major at George Mason University, Ann is committed to a future career in the political arena, working for the protection of health insurance rights. Her motivation comes from personal experience, having supported her sister through three battles with leukemia. Her family’s experience with cancer taught Ann to keep moving and never give up on her mission to provide continuous health care coverage for people in need.

Fabiola Tucux, University of Pennsylvania


Image courtesy of Fabiola Tucux

Grand prize: $5,000

As she pursues her master’s in education at the University of Pennsylvania, Fabiola is studying ways to achieve educational equity. The first in her family to go to a four-year university, Fabiola struggled with self-doubt and financial hardship.

But with the help of her community, she was able to reach her goals and immerse herself in education, policy, administration and youth empowerment. When she’s not learning about social justice and entrepreneurship, Fabiola enjoys writing, blogging, traveling, hiking and watching and playing basketball.

Jazmin Ochoa, Chamberlain University


Image courtesy of Jazmin Ochoa

Runner-up prize: $2,000

Jazmin is a first-generation student at Chamberlain University and is passionate about health care justice and equity. Along with her personal experiences with inequality in the health care system, she speaks of having met many patients through her work in a pharmacy who can’t afford the medication they need.

Jazmin determined to uplift marginalized groups by working as a nurse, and hopes to use her language skills — she is bilingual — to help bring health care to Spanish-speaking patients. Jazmin is focused on her long-term goal of providing and ensuring equitable health care services for all.

Kadijatou Diallo, Harvard University


Image courtesy of Kadijatou Diallo

Runner-up prize: $2,000

Kadijatou (who also goes by Kadija) is a master of public policy student at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. Born in Guinea, but raised in Senegal and New York City, she considers herself a citizen of the world, rather than of any one place. Kadija has worked with organizations to advocate for various issues, including the improvement of local judiciaries, gender equity and access to social services for underserved populations.

Kadija’s primary interests revolve around improving governance to serve the needs of immigrants, implementing sustainable practices for integration and widening access to services. When she’s not engaged in studying or her advocacy work, Kadija enjoys writing and trying new restaurants with friends and daydreams about trekking across the Mongolian landscape.

Perla Ramos, UC Irvine School of Law


Image courtesy of Perla Ramos

Runner-up prize: $2,000

Perla, a first-year student at UC Irvine School of Law, is committed to providing meaningful advocacy and legal representation for minority populations in Southern California. The youngest daughter of immigrant parents, Perla had limited resources when it came to navigating the higher education system. She witnessed firsthand the job insecurity and language and education barriers that held back her parents and other members of her community.

Perla has a passion for serving low-income, underrepresented clients, which she has pursued through legal internships and an academic focus in the social sciences. As a bilingual lawyer, Perla plans to work with underserved Spanish-speaking clients who have limited access to legal representation.

Shannon Zullo, University of Arizona College of Medicine


Image courtesy of Shannon Zullo

Runner-up prize: $2,000

Medical student Shannon Zullo is in her fourth year at the University of Arizona, where she’s pursuing her passion for medicine and hopes to work toward ending health care disparities. Having received her bachelor of science degree in psychology from Duke University and a master of science degree in cellular and molecular medicine from the University of Arizona, Shannon is continuing to work toward a career as a dermatologist-researcher.

A Native American student who grew up on the Navajo reservation, Shannon has focused her research on skin cancer and dermatologic disparities within Native American communities. In recognition of her academic and clinical achievement, Shannon was a recipient of several national awards and has held a number of leadership positions, including co-president of the Association of Native American Medical Students and head coordinator of Sun Smarts, a volunteer program helping children learn about skin cancer prevention.

Shannon plans to continue pursuing academic medicine while working to close dermatologic health care gaps for underserved communities.

You’re invited to apply for Student Loan Hero’s spring 2020 scholarship

Congratulations to the winners of the fall 2019 Student Loan Hero scholarship! We wish you all the best as you continue your education and continue to make the world a better place.

If you’re a current or upcoming student, we invite you to apply to our scholarship for the spring 2020 semester. As part of your application, we ask that you write a response to the following question:

What financial challenges have you overcome growing up? How have they shaped your goals and career aspirations?

The application opened Aug. 5, 2019, and will be available until October 6, 2019. We look forward to seeing your submissions and are thankful we can provide some assistance as you work toward your degree.

Need a student loan?

Check out our top picks below or learn more about other ways to pay for college.
How Student Loan Hero Gets Paid

How Student Loan Hero Gets Paid

Student Loan Hero is compensated by companies on this site and this compensation may impact how and where offers appear on this site (such as the order). Student Loan Hero does not include all lenders, savings products, or loan options available in the marketplace.

Advertiser Disclosure

Student Loan Hero Advertiser Disclosure

Student Loan Hero is an advertising-supported comparison service. The site features products from our partners as well as institutions which are not advertising partners. While we make an effort to include the best deals available to the general public, we make no warranty that such information represents all available products.

How Student Loan Hero Gets Paid

How Student Loan Hero Gets Paid

Student Loan Hero is compensated by companies on this site and this compensation may impact how and where offers appear on this site (such as the order). Student Loan Hero does not include all lenders, savings products, or loan options available in the marketplace.

Advertiser Disclosure

Student Loan Hero Advertiser Disclosure

Student Loan Hero is an advertising-supported comparison service. The site features products from our partners as well as institutions which are not advertising partners. While we make an effort to include the best deals available to the general public, we make no warranty that such information represents all available products.

Variable APRDegrees That QualifyMore Info
2.49% – 13.85%1 Undergraduate
Graduate

Visit College Ave

2.55% – 11.44%2 Undergraduate
Graduate

Visit Earnest

3.25% – 13.59%3 Undergraduate
Graduate

Visit SallieMae

0.00% – 23.00%4 Undergraduate
Graduate

Visit Edly

3.25% – 9.69%5 Undergraduate
Graduate

VISIT CITIZENS

N/A 6 Undergraduate
Graduate

Visit FundingU

Learn more about private student loan lenders.
Learn more about private student loan lenders.
1Important Disclosures for College Ave.

College Ave Disclosures

College Ave Student Loans products are made available through Firstrust Bank, member FDIC, First Citizens Community Bank, member FDIC, or M.Y. Safra Bank, FSB, member FDIC.. All loans are subject to individual approval and adherence to underwriting guidelines. Program restrictions, other terms, and conditions apply.

  1. As certified by your school and less any other financial aid you might receive. Minimum $1,000.
     
  2. Rates shown are for the College Ave Undergraduate Loan product and include autopay discount. The 0.25% auto-pay interest rate reduction applies as long as a valid bank account is designated for required monthly payments. Variable rates may increase after consummation.
     
  3. This informational repayment example uses typical loan terms for a freshman borrower who selects the Deferred Repayment Option with a 10-year repayment term, has a $10,000 loan that is disbursed in one disbursement and a 8.35% fixed Annual Percentage Rate (“APR”): 120 monthly payments of $179.18 while in the repayment period, for a total amount of payments of $21,501.54. Loans will never have a full principal and interest monthly payment of less than $50. Your actual rates and repayment terms may vary.

Information advertised valid as of 9/15/2022. Variable interest rates may increase after consummation. Approved interest rate will depend on the creditworthiness of the applicant(s), lowest advertised rates only available to the most creditworthy applicants and require selection of full principal and interest payments with the shortest available loan term.



2Rate range above includes optional 0.25% Auto Pay discount. Important Disclosures for Earnest.

Earnest Disclosures

Actual rate and available repayment terms will vary based on your income. Fixed rates range from 3.47% APR to 13.03% APR (excludes 0.25% Auto Pay discount). Variable rates range from 2.80% APR to 11.69% APR (excludes 0.25% Auto Pay discount). Earnest variable interest rate student loan refinance loans are based on a publicly available index, the 30-day Average Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The variable rate is based on the rate published on the 25th day, or the next business day, of the preceding calendar month, rounded to the nearest hundredth of a percent. The rate will not increase more than once per month. Although the rate will vary after you are approved, it will never exceed 36% (the maximum allowable for this loan). Please note, Earnest Private Student Loans are not available in Nevada. Our lowest rates are only available for our most credit qualified borrowers and contain our .25% auto pay discount from a checking or savings account. It is important to note that the 0.25% Auto Pay discount is not available while loan payments are deferred.



3Sallie Mae Disclaimer: Click here for important information. Terms, conditions and limitations apply.

4Important Disclosures for Edly.

Edly Disclosures

1. Loan Example:

  • Loans from $5,000 – $20,000
  • Example: $10,000 IBR Loan with a 7% gross income payment percentage for a Senior student making $65,000 annually throughout the life of the loan.
    • Payments deferred for the first 12 months during final year of education.
    • After which, $270 Monthly payment for 12 months.
    • Then $379 Monthly payment for 44 months.
    • Followed by one final payment of $137 for a total of $20,610 paid over the life of the loan.

About this example

The initial payment schedule is set upon receiving final terms and upon confirmation by your school of the loan amount. You may repay this loan at any time by paying an effective APR of 23%. The maximum amount you will pay is $22,500 (not including Late Fees and Returned Check Fees, if any). The maximum number of regularly scheduled payments you will make is 60. You will not pay more than 23% APR. No payment is required if your gross earned income is below $30,000 annually or if you lose your job and cannot find employment.

2. Edly Student IBR Loans are unsecured personal student loans issued by FinWise Bank, a Utah chartered commercial bank, member FDIC. All loans are subject to eligibility criteria and review of creditworthiness and history. Terms and conditions apply.



5Important Disclosures for Citizens Bank.

Citizens Bank Disclosures

  • Variable Rate Disclosure: Variable interest rates are based on the 30-day average Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) index, as published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. As of September 1, 2022, the 30-day average SOFR index is 2.23%. Variable interest rates will fluctuate over the term of the loan with changes in the SOFR index, and will vary based on applicable terms, level of degree and presence of a co-signer. The maximum variable interest rate is the greater of 21.00% or the prime rate plus 9.00%.
  • Fixed Rate Disclosure: Fixed rate ranges are based on applicable terms, level of degree, and presence of a co-signer.
  • Lowest Rate Disclosure: Lowest rates are only available for the most creditworthy applicants, require a 5-year repayment term, immediate repayment, a graduate or medical degree (where applicable), and include our Loyalty and Automatic Payment discounts of 0.25 percentage points each, as outlined in the Loyalty Discount and Automatic Payment Discount disclosures. Rates are subject to additional terms and conditions, and are subject to change at any time without notice. Such changes will only apply to applications taken after the effective date of change.

     

    Undergraduate Rate Disclosure: Variable interest rates range from 3.25%-10.35% (3.25% – 9.69% APR). Fixed interest rates range from 4.24% – 10.59% (4.24% – 9.93% APR). 

    Graduate Rate Disclosure: Variable interest rates range from 3.75%-9.90% (3.75% – 9.68% APR). Fixed interest rates range from  5.22% – 10.14% (5.22% – 9.91% APR). 

    Business/Law Rate Disclosure: Variable interest rates range from 3.75%-9.35% (3.75% – 9.16% APR). Fixed interest rates range from 5.20% – 9.59% (5.20% – 9.39% APR).

    Medical/Dental Rate Disclosure: Variable interest rates range from 3.75%-9.02% (3.75% -8.98% APR). Fixed interest rates range from 5.18% – 9.26% (5.18% – 9.22% APR). 

    Parent Loan Rate Disclosure: Variable interest rates range from 3.25%-9.21% (3.25% – 9.21% APR). Fixed interest rates range from 3.96%-9.50% (3.96%-9.50% APR).

    Bar Study Rate Disclosure: Variable interest rates range from 6.58%-11.72% (6.58% – 11.62% APR). Fixed interest rates range from 7.39% – 12.94% (7.40% – 12.82% APR). 

    Medical Residency Rate Disclosure: Variable interest rates range from 5.67%-9.17% (5.67% – 8.76% APR). Fixed interest rates range from 6.99% – 10.49% (6.97% – 10.08% APR).



6Important Disclosures for FundingU.

FundingU Disclosures

Offered terms are subject to change. Loans are made by Funding University which is a for-profit enterprise. Funding University is not affiliated with the school you are attending or any other learning institution. None of the information contained in Funding University’s website constitutes a recommendation, solicitation or offer by Funding University or its affiliates to buy or sell any securities or other financial instruments or other assets or provide any investment advice or service.