Loan Counseling

Entrance Counseling

If you have not previously received a student loan under the Direct Loan Program, you are required to complete Entrance Counseling on StudentAid.gov to ensure that you understand the responsibilities and obligations you are assuming. If you are an undergraduate student, Entrance Counseling will fulfill counseling requirements for Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans. If you are a graduate student, Entrance Counseling will fulfill counseling requirements for Direct Unsubsidized and PLUS loans.

Please note: No Federal Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loan funds will be released to students prior to completing Entrance Counseling.

Exit Counseling

Exit counseling provides important information to prepare you to repay your federal student loans.  If you received a Direct Subsidized, Unsubsidized or PLUS loan, you are required to complete Exit Counseling on StudentAid.gov each time you drop below half-time enrollment, leave or withdraw from school, or graduate. When you sign a Direct Loan Master Promissory Note, for your federal student loan, you agree to complete Exit Counseling at the appropriate time.

PLUS Credit Counseling

If you applied for a PLUS loan and were denied because of adverse credit history and have obtained an endorser or successfully appealed the credit decision – you are required to complete PLUS Credit Counseling on StudentAid.gov. PLUS Credit Counseling helps students and parents understand the obligations associated with borrowing a PLUS loan and assists them in making careful decisions about taking on student loan debt.

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How long will a Loan Counseling session take?

• The entire counseling process must be completed in a single session.
• Most people complete a counseling session in 20-30 minutes.

What information do I need to complete a Loan Counseling session?

• Verified FSA ID
• School name
• Details on your income, financial aid, and living expenses
• Names, addresses, email addresses and phone numbers