“Behind every college dream is a student searching for a way to make it real. HHLoans might just be the bridge that turns your ambition into achievement.” If you’re a student in Texas looking for state-backed education loans, chances are you’ve come across HHLoans. Managed by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), HHLoans provides access to low-interest student loan programs tailored to Texas residents. This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about HHLoans—from eligibility to repayment options, login issues, forgiveness myths, and scam alerts—so you can make informed decisions about your educational financing.
We’ll also dive into deeper topics like HHLoans legal obligations, alternatives, tax implications, user experiences, and step-by-step instructions so you can confidently navigate every part of your student loan journey.
What Is HHLoans?
HHLoans is the online loan servicing portal operated by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. It allows Texas students to apply for, manage, and repay state-issued student loans such as the College Access Loan (CAL) and previously, the B-On-Time Loan. It is a secure, state-run website that supports borrowers throughout their educational and repayment journeys.
The platform is designed to provide transparent, easy-to-access tools and information related to student loan servicing. It bridges the gap between state loan disbursement and borrower management, offering a streamlined experience.
Who Owns HHLoans and Is It Legit?
Yes, HHLoans is completely legitimate. It is operated by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, a government body established to support higher education in Texas. The website uses HTTPS security and contains official .gov redirects, clearly distinguishing it from scam sites.
The THECB has strict legal standards for loan issuance and repayment handling, so students and cosigners can feel confident that their financial data and repayment plans are protected under state law.
Key trust indicators:
- HTTPS-secured domain
- State government affiliation
- No advertising or third-party promotions
- Consistent contact and servicing information across official state websites
The Purpose Behind HHLoans
The HHLoans platform was designed to:
- Provide low-interest, non-need-based loans to Texas students
- Help reduce reliance on high-interest private loans
- Offer manageable repayment structures
- Support students who may not qualify for enough federal aid
By offering this unique set of loan products, the THECB fills a vital financial aid gap—especially for middle-income families who may not qualify for need-based grants but still struggle with out-of-pocket tuition costs.
Available Loan Programs Through HHLoans
a. College Access Loan (CAL)
The CAL is the primary active loan program offered through HHLoans. It is intended for Texas residents who are enrolled at least half-time in an eligible Texas institution.
Features:
- Fixed interest rates
- Cosigner typically required
- Must have acceptable credit history
- Not based on financial need
- Minimum enrollment in a degree or certificate program
Loan Limits:
- Annual limit: Cost of attendance minus other financial aid
- Aggregate limit: $120,000 for undergraduates, $180,000 for graduates
b. Texas B-On-Time Loan
This program was discontinued but remains relevant for legacy borrowers.
Legacy features:
- Forgivable upon on-time graduation with minimum GPA
- No interest during enrollment
- Awarded primarily between 2004–2015
c. Texas College Work-Study Student Loan Alternative
A unique program for students who want to work part-time while attending college, structured more like a grant.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for HHLoans, you must:
- Be a Texas resident
- Be enrolled at least half-time in an eligible college/university
- Meet satisfactory academic progress standards
- File the FAFSA
- Have a credit-worthy cosigner (usually)
- Not be in default on any federal or state student loan
- Be in good standing with prior THECB-issued loans
Application Process: Step-by-Step
- File your FAFSA
- Visit hhloans.com and select “Apply Now”
- Create an account or login
- Fill in personal, academic, and financial details
- Choose your loan program (e.g., CAL)
- Upload any necessary documents
- E-sign loan agreement
- Await approval and disbursement
Pro Tip: Many schools require you to complete loan counseling before funds can be disbursed. Be sure to check your university’s requirements.
Managing Your HHLoans Account
After loan approval, your hhloans.com dashboard will allow you to:
- View disbursement dates
- Monitor interest accrual
- Update personal and banking info
- Download tax forms and statements
- Check repayment schedules
- Submit deferment or forbearance requests
Tools available:
- Payment estimator calculator
- Secure message center
- Document upload portal
HHLoans Login Help
Issues users face:
- Forgotten username/password
- Locked accounts
- Browser compatibility
- Confusing navigation
Solutions:
- Use the “Forgot Username” or “Forgot Password” link
- Call support if locked out
- Clear cookies and use Chrome or Firefox for better access
- Avoid using mobile browsers during first-time login
Repayment Options
Grace period: 6 months post-graduation or drop below half-time
Repayment plans:
- Standard repayment (10 years)
- Extended repayment (up to 20 years for larger balances)
Payment options:
- ACH auto-debit (often comes with interest rate reduction)
- One-time online payments
- Mail-in payments
Tip: Always make interest-only payments during school if you can. It reduces overall debt.
Interest Rates and Fees
Rates for the CAL loan are typically fixed but subject to change annually based on market conditions. The rate for 2025 is expected to hover around 5.35%, with no origination fees.
Rate history:
- 2022: 4.2%
- 2023: 5.1%
- 2024: 5.3%
No penalty for early repayment. CAL loans do not accrue origination fees, which is a cost-saving benefit when compared to many private loans.
Loan Forgiveness and Deferment
- Forgiveness: HHLoans programs typically do not include loan forgiveness
- Deferment: Available for:
- Economic hardship
- Military service
- Returning to school full-time
Borrowers must submit official documentation and meet specific timelines for approval. Deferment does not always stop interest accrual—check individual loan terms.
What Happens If You Default?
- Reported to credit bureaus
- Sent to collections
- Subject to wage garnishment
How to recover:
- Contact THECB collections team
- Rehabilitate loan through consistent payments
- Set up automatic draft to prevent future missed payments
Contact Information
Phone: 800-242-3062
Email: THECB.StudentLoans@thecb.state.tx.us
Mailing Address: Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
P.O. Box 12788
Austin, TX 78711
Business hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday
Is There a Mobile App?
As of now, HHLoans does not offer a dedicated mobile app, but the website is mobile-friendly. Students can apply, manage loans, and make payments via mobile browsers.
Some features, such as document uploads and tax form access, are best handled via desktop.
Scam Alerts: What to Watch Out For
- Fake loan forgiveness emails
- Phone calls requesting payment via gift cards
- Impersonators offering quick approvals
How to avoid scams:
- Never click on links from unknown emails
- Verify the sender’s address
- Contact THECB directly
- Bookmark https://www.hhloans.com to avoid spoof sites
Cosigner Information
- Required in most cases unless applicant has strong credit
- Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Cosigner is responsible for repayment if the borrower defaults
Frequently asked questions:
- Can I change cosigners later? No.
- Can my cosigner be released? Typically, no.
Alternatives to HHLoans
- Federal Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loans
- Texas Public Education Grant
- Scholarships via TASFA/FAFSA
- Private student loans (Sallie Mae, College Ave)
Always compare APR, repayment length, grace period, and forgiveness options.
HHLoans vs. Federal Loans
| Feature | HHLoans | Federal Loans |
|---|---|---|
| Forgiveness | No | Yes (PSLF, IDR) |
| Interest Rate | Moderate | Low to Moderate |
| Cosigner Needed | Usually | No |
| Need-Based | No | Often Yes |
| Income-Driven Repayment | No | Yes |
Student Reviews & Reputation
Pros:
- Easy online management
- Fairly quick disbursement
- Localized customer service
Cons:
- Limited forgiveness
- Credit-based
- Website downtime complaints
- No mobile app
Average Rating: 3.9/5 across forums, Reddit, and BBB
Tax Benefits
- HHLoans interest payments may be tax-deductible up to $2,500 annually
- End-of-year statement: IRS Form 1098-E (available via login)
- Always consult a tax professional for eligibility
HHLoans After Graduation
- Update employment and income info
- Budget for repayment
- Consider paying interest during grace period to save long-term
- Avoid delinquency with auto-pay
What If You Move Out of Texas?
- Existing loans remain valid
- New applications may be restricted to in-state residents
- Must update address and contact details
Common User Issues
- Confusion over disbursement timelines
- Applying for wrong loan type
- Technical glitches on older browsers
- Difficulty accessing PDF documents
FAQs
Is hhloans.com safe?
Yes. It is the official portal of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
Can I apply without a cosigner?
Only if you have strong, independent credit.
Are there late fees?
Yes, after 10 days of missed payments.
Can I refinance my HHLoans?
Yes, through private lenders, but you’ll lose state benefits.
How can I contact support?
Call 800-242-3062 or email THECB.StudentLoans@thecb.state.tx.us
Final Thoughts
HHLoans is a practical, state-supported option for Texas students needing financial help beyond what federal aid provides. While it lacks forgiveness options and often requires a cosigner, its relatively low interest rates and Texas-specific benefits make it a valuable resource.
Before applying, compare it with federal loans and grants. Understand repayment responsibilities, avoid scams, and use the online dashboard to stay in control.
For the right student, HHLoans can be the bridge between college dreams and real-world degrees.
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