Quick answer: HHLoans (hhloans.com) is the official website of the Hinson-Hazlewood College Student Loan Program, run by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB). Its main active product is the College Access Loan (CAL), a fixed-rate, state-run student loan for Texas residents. It’s not based on financial need, has no origination fee, and requires a VantageScore of 650 or higher or a creditworthy cosigner. The fixed rate currently listed on HHLoans is 6.30%, with a 0.25% discount for automatic payments.
HHLoans at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Website | hhloans.com |
| Run by | Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (state agency) |
| Main loan | College Access Loan (CAL) |
| Interest rate | 6.30% fixed (currently listed), simple interest |
| Autopay discount | 0.25% |
| Origination fee | None |
| Credit requirement | Experian VantageScore 650+, or a qualifying cosigner |
| Grace period | 6 months after dropping below half-time enrollment |
| Repayment term | Up to 10 years (balances up to $30,000); up to 20 years (larger balances) |
| Phone | 800-242-3062 |
Sources: HHLoans: CAL Program, THECB CAL Application Guide
Is HHLoans Legit?
Yes. HHLoans is operated by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, the state agency that oversees higher education in Texas. The name comes from the Hinson-Hazlewood College Student Loan Program, the state law that authorizes these loans. The loans are made by the state, not a private bank.
What Is the College Access Loan (CAL)?
The CAL is a Texas state student loan designed to cover costs that federal aid, grants and scholarships don’t. Key features:
- Not need-based: family income doesn’t affect eligibility.
- Fixed rate: the rate stays the same for the life of each loan.
- Simple interest: interest accrues from disbursement but is not capitalized (added to your balance) while you’re in school.
- No origination fee.
- Borrow what you need: a minimum of $100 a year, up to your cost of attendance minus other aid.
Legacy loans: the old B-On-Time loan, which could be forgiven for on-time graduation, is closed to new borrowers. Existing B-On-Time borrowers still manage their accounts through THECB.
Eligibility
To qualify for a CAL, a student must, according to HHLoans:
- Be a Texas resident
- Be registered with Selective Service or exempt
- Be enrolled at least half-time at an eligible Texas college or university
- Meet the school’s satisfactory academic progress standards
- Have favorable credit or an approved cosigner
Credit Requirements
According to the THECB application guide, a borrower without a cosigner needs:
- An Experian VantageScore of 650 or higher
- At least four credit trade lines, not counting student loans
- No defaulted education loans
- No public records such as tax liens or bankruptcies
Cosigner Requirements
If the student doesn’t meet the credit criteria, a cosigner must:
- Be at least 21
- Have regular income
- Not be the borrower or the borrower’s spouse
- Have favorable credit
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident living in the U.S.
The cosigner is legally responsible for repayment if the student doesn’t pay.
How to Apply on HHLoans
- Check with your school’s financial aid office. Your school must certify the loan, and many require you to apply for federal aid first.
- Go to hhloans.com and start the CAL application.
- Enter your information: personal details, references, cost of attendance and estimated financial aid.
- E-sign: identity is verified through the Texas Department of Public Safety using your driver’s license audit number.
- Add a cosigner if needed.
Typical timeline (THECB guide):
- About 3–5 business days for the application to be processed
- School approval and disclosure to you
- A required 7-business-day waiting period
- Disbursement within about 3 business days after that
Repayment
- Grace period: repayment starts 6 months after you stop being enrolled at least half-time.
- Minimum payment: $50 a month.
- Term: up to 10 years for balances of $30,000 or less, and up to 20 years for larger balances.
- Autopay: enroll in ACH automatic payments for a 0.25% rate reduction.
- Options: postponement (deferment), plus income-sensitive and graduated repayment schedules, are available.
- Prepayment: paying early reduces total interest.
Tip: because interest accrues during school, paying even part of the interest while enrolled lowers your total cost.
CAL vs. Federal Student Loans
| Feature | College Access Loan | Federal Direct Loans |
|---|---|---|
| Who can borrow | Texas residents at Texas schools | Any eligible U.S. student |
| Credit check | Yes (650+ or cosigner) | No for Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized loans |
| Need-based | No | Subsidized loans are need-based |
| Federal forgiveness (e.g., PSLF) | No | Yes, for eligible borrowers |
| Federal income-driven repayment | No (but income-sensitive schedules offered) | Yes |
| Origination fee | None | Yes |
Rule of thumb: use federal Direct Loans first, because they carry federal protections, then consider the CAL to fill gaps. The CAL can be an alternative to private student loans or federal PLUS loans, especially since federal law changed graduate and parent PLUS borrowing starting with the 2026–27 school year. Compare current rates before you borrow.
Tax Benefits
Interest you pay on a qualified student loan may be deductible, up to $2,500 a year under the federal student loan interest deduction, subject to income limits. Check your year-end interest statement and ask a tax professional.
Avoiding Scams
- THECB will never ask you to pay with gift cards or crypto.
- Be wary of companies charging fees to “consolidate” or “forgive” your state loan.
- Type hhloans.com directly into your browser instead of clicking email links.
- When in doubt, call THECB at the official number below.
Contact Information
- Phone: 800-242-3062
- Email: THECB.StudentLoans@thecb.state.tx.us
- Website: hhloans.com
FAQs
What is HHLoans? The official student loan website of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, home of the College Access Loan.
Is HHLoans a government loan? Yes, it’s a Texas state loan program, not a federal loan or a private bank loan.
What is the CAL interest rate? HHLoans currently lists a 6.30% fixed rate, with a 0.25% reduction for automatic payments.
Do I need a cosigner for a College Access Loan? Only if you don’t meet the credit criteria, which include an Experian VantageScore of 650+ and at least four credit trade lines.
Is there an origination fee? No.
When do I start repaying? Six months after you stop being enrolled at least half-time.
Can College Access Loans be forgiven? CAL loans aren’t eligible for federal forgiveness programs like PSLF.
How do I contact HHLoans? Call 800-242-3062 or email THECB.StudentLoans@thecb.state.tx.us.
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- Midland Funding LLC: Debt Collection & Credit Reports
- Lendmark Financial Services LLC | Trusted Personal Loans
This article is general information, not financial advice, and is not affiliated with THECB. Rates and terms were checked on October 3, 2026, and can change; confirm current terms on hhloans.com before borrowing.
