Rhode Island-based RBS Citizens Financial Group, which operates an extensive Citizens Bank branch network throughout New England, is expanding its nationwide student loan efforts in responsive to rising higher education costs.

Citizens is now offering private student loans to college students across the 48 contiguous states. Eligible students must be enrolled at least half-time in a four-year undergraduate or graduate program, the company said.

With the expansion, the bank is making its TruFit Student Loan product available to students who live or attend school outside of the 12 states served by Citizens Bank and its Midwestern sister company, Charter One, in addition to its traditional markets.

"The rising cost of college continues to challenge many students and their families, and we are committed to making higher education affordable and attainable," said Brendan Coughlin, president of education finance at RBS Citizens. "We have seen a terrific response from our customers since launching the TruFit Student Loan in 2009 and are excited now to help even more students benefit from our competitive rates and our consultative approach to helping them finance their education. Of course federal loans remain an important part of the equation for many students, but others will find better rates and more flexibility in our private student loans."