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How To Apply for a Stafford Loan

You must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.ed.gov AND be awarded a Stafford Subsidized or Unsubsidized loan BEFORE you can apply for a Stafford loan and continue with the steps below.

  • Loan Entrance Counseling Online

    First, complete a MANDATORY Loan Counseling Entrance Exam ONLINE. This is required each academic year you request a Stafford loan.

    Go Take the Loan Counseling Entrance exam

    Step 1

  • Stafford Loan Activation Form Online

    Next, complete the Stafford Loan Activation Form ONLINE.

    Go Submit the Stafford Loan Activation Form

    Step 1

  • Master Promissory Note Online

    Wait 2-3 business days AFTER finishing Steps 1 and 2 above. Then, complete the Master Promissory Note (MPN) online. You will be signing your MPN online with your FAFSA Personal Identification Number (PIN).

    Go Click here to sign your MPN

    Important: You do not need to complete a MPN if you choose the same lender you have borrowed with in the past 10 years.
    Step 1

  • Loan Exit Counseling Online

    Finally, complete a MANDATORY Loan Counseling Exit Exam ONLINE. This is required each academic year you request a Stafford loan. This must be completed before the Financial Aid Office will disburse your Spring 2010 student loan check or before your first disbursement if you will only be at COC for the Fall 2009 semester.

    Go Take the Loan Counseling Exit Exam

    Step 1

Fall 2009 Stafford loan checks will be mailed out: Thursday, August 27, 2009.
Student Loan Application Deadlines  
If your loan enrollment period is: Your application deadline date is:
Fall 2009 Only November 20, 2009
Fall 2009 & Spring 2010 May 7, 2010
Spring 2010 Only May 7, 2010