Our Beginnings
We were founded in 1979 as the California Higher Education Loan Authority, Inc, (CHELA). Focused on student loan secondary market services, CHELA's goal was to put education financing in the hands of California students and families who needed it – a goal that guides us to this day.

Looking Ahead
Innovation doesn't happen in a vacuum – and certainly doesn't happen by resting on your laurels. That's why Chela Education Financing is constantly looking for new ways to serve students that stretch beyond our traditional products. And we're always looking for partners to help us do it.

In keeping with the Chela tradition of putting a human face on the education financing process, we opened our own loan origination center in Mesa, Arizona, in 2002. This was a significant new step – but a natural offshoot of this tradition. Originating our own loans provides the opportunity to better support our customers as well as to develop closer relationships with them throughout their entire education lending process.

Our Arizona center has expanded its role in 2003 by not only originating loans but servicing them as well. By managing the entire loan process from beginning to end, Chela Education Financing will be able to ensure quality service and build even better relationships with customers.