1. Complete a FAFSA

Before you begin applying for a Stafford and/or PLUS Loan, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It must be completed for each academic year that you request federal aid. FAFSAs for the upcoming academic year are available online on or after January 2. Contact your school for their application deadline.

2. Receive your SAR

Once your FAFSA is processed, a Student Aid Report (SAR) is created. If you completed your FAFSA online, allow 1-2 weeks for you and your school to receive the SAR electronically. Paper FAFSAs take 6-8 weeks to process.

3. Receive your Award Letter

Your school(s) use data from your SAR to determine your financial aid award for the current academic year and send you an award letter by e-mail or US Mail. (If your letter mentions the William D. Ford Direct Lending Program, contact your school for the appropriate promissory note.)

IMPORTANT!  Changes to the Federal Student Lending Process

If you are applying for a loan for the 2010-2011 academic year, please contact your school’s financial aid office for assistance. 

You may complete this Master Promissory Note if applying for a loan for the 2009-2010 academic year (disbursement date must be prior to July 1, 2010).

4. Complete a Master Promissory Note

Apply fast and easy on-line and receive answers to frequently asked questions.

Apply Now for a Federal Stafford Loan

Apply Now for a Federal PLUS (Parent) Loan

Apply Now for a Federal Graduate/Professional PLUS Loan

5. Your School completes the School Certification Form

Your school must complete a School Certification Form indicating the loan amount and disbursement dates. It is suggested that you stay in contact with your school to determine their timeline to certify and to expedite the completion of the form. The completed form should be sent to the loan servicer and guarantor, Great Lakes.

6. Your School will Receive the Funds

Upon receipt of the school certification form, verification of credit union membership, and credit approval for Parent PLUS/Grad PLUS borrowers, the loan will be guaranteed within 24 hours. Funds will be sent to the school on the date the school has indicated.

7. Access Your Loan Account Online

To check the status of your loan, view your account information and make payments from your bank account 24/7, and find information to help you manage your loan, go to www.mygreatlakes.org. Choose "Borrowers" and then log in to access Applications in Progress (AIP) and Internet Borrower Inquiry Service (IBIS).

8. Call These Toll-free Numbers for Loan Inquiries

BEFORE your loan is disbursed to the school: Great Lakes at 1-800-247-0462

AFTER your loan is disbursed to the school: Great Lakes at 1-800-236-4300