How to Obtain a Federal Student Loan

1. Complete a FAFSA
Before you begin applying for a Stafford and/or PLUS Loan, you must first 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.)

4. Complete a Master Promissory Note 
Apply fast and easy online 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 Grad PLUS Loan.

5. Your School will Receive the Funds
Both Stafford and PLUS Loans are guaranteed and serviced by Great Lakes. When Great Lakes receives your Master Promissory Note and School Certification Form from the school indicating the loan amount and disbursement dates, funds will be sent to the school.

6. Access Your Loan Account Online
You can check the status of your loan, view your account information and make payments from your account 24/7 at www.mygreatlakes.org. Choose "Borrowers" and then log in to access Internet Borrower Inquiry Service. This site offers a variety of tools for calculating the cost of your loan. It’s your resource to forms, a glossary of financial aid terms, contact information and lots of other information to help you manage your loans.

7. Call These Toll-Free Numbers for Loan Inquiries

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

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

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