Questions?

Stafford Loan FAQ

Contacts

Katharine Linnehan, Assistant Director of Financial Aid and Student Services

Peggy Higgins, Associate Dean

Step-By-Step: Applying For a Stafford Loan

1. Fill out the FAFSA AND complete a Federal Direct Stafford Loan Request Form. Email the request form as an attachment to Katharine Linnehan or mail to the address on the form.

arrowFAFSA Tips: the Title IV school code (Section H) is 002133 and all graduate students are considered independent and do not need to provide their parents’ financial information. Master’s and Ph.D. students may request up to $20,500 in Stafford Loans per year and Post-Baccalaureate students may request up to $12,500 per year.

2. After submitting the FAFSA, the Department of Education will send you a Student Aid Report (SAR). When the SAR arrives, carefully check it for accuracy and make any necessary corrections.  The GSAS will receive this information electronically.

3. If you are selected for verification, you may be asked to complete additional paperwork or submit supporting documentation such as proof of citizenship or income tax forms. You will be notified by the GSAS Office should you be required to do so.

5. Once you have been approved for Stafford Loans, the GSAS Office will send an award letter to you outlining the amount and disbursement schedule for your Stafford Loans.

6. You will need to complete the Entrance Counseling session online.  Go to the U.S. Department of Education's Direct Loan Servicing website, click on the Entrance Counseling link, and follow the instructions.

7. Complete the Master Promissory Note (MPN). You will need your Personal Identification Number to complete this step in the process. If you do not recall the PIN that was assigned to you when you completed the FAFSA, you can request it again here.  Failure to sign your promissory note will result in a cancellation of this loan under federal regulations. If the cancellation of this loan causes a balance due on your account, a hold will be placed on your account.

8. Once you have fulfilled all loan and course registration requirements, you may then file for a refund of your credit balance through Student Financial Services. The form is available in their office and online.