How to Apply for a Stafford Loan

The Stafford Loan is a federal student loan program that provides financial aid to undergraduate and graduate students who are enrolled in accredited institutions of higher education. If you are interested in applying for a Stafford Loan, here are the steps you need to follow:

1. Fill out the FAFSA: The first step in applying for a Stafford Loan is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at the official government website, fafsa.ed.gov. The FAFSA is used to determine your eligibility for financial aid, including the Stafford Loan.

2. Review your Student Aid Report (SAR): Once you have submitted your FAFSA, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) that summarizes the information you provided. Review your SAR carefully to make sure all the information is correct.

3. Contact your school’s financial aid office: Contact your school’s financial aid office to determine the amount of Stafford Loan funding you are eligible for. The amount you can borrow will depend on your financial need, the cost of attendance at your school, and other factors.

4. Complete Entrance Counseling: If you are a first-time Stafford Loan borrower, you will need to complete Entrance Counseling, which provides information about the loan program, your responsibilities as a borrower, and repayment options.

5. Sign a Master Promissory Note (MPN): After completing Entrance Counseling, you will need to sign a Master Promissory Note (MPN), which is a legal document that confirms your agreement to repay the loan.

6. Receive your loan funds: Once your school confirms your eligibility and verifies your enrollment status, your Stafford Loan funds will be disbursed directly to your school to pay for tuition, fees, and other educational expenses.

Keep in mind that Stafford Loans are subject to interest charges, so it’s important to understand the terms of your loan and to make sure you can afford to repay it on time. If you have any questions about the Stafford Loan application process, contact your school’s financial aid office or the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243).