Applying for a Student Loan

Direct Loans are low-interest loans for students and parents to help pay for the cost of a student's education after high school. The lender is the U.S. Department of Education rather than a bank or other financial institution.

With Direct Loans, you

Borrow directly from the federal government and have a single contact-the Direct Loan Servicing Center—for everything related to the repayment of your loans, even if you receive Direct Loans at different schools.
Have online access to your Direct Loan account information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at Direct Loans on the Web at: www.dl.ed.gov.
Can choose from several repayment plans that are designed to meet the needs of almost any borrower, and you can switch repayment plans if your needs change.

Completing Your Direct Loan Master Promissory Note (MPN)

Students and parents can complete their loan application online directly through the U.S. Department of Education.

You will need the following items:

A Department of Education PIN Number:
You will need to have a PIN number issued from the U.S. Department of Education to complete the MPN on the web. If you do not already have a PIN number, you should apply for one immediately. If you already have a PIN number, but you cannot locate it, click here.
You will also need:
- Your Social Security Number
- Your permanent address and telephone number
- Your driver's license number
- Names, addresses and phone numbers for two references

To complete the Federal Stafford MPN:

Go to http://studentloans.gov
Be sure to review the "What You Need" and "What to Expect" sections of the website.
Select "Sign Master Promissory Note."
Be sure to select the Chamberlain College of Nursing (G06385).

Federal PLUS Loan for parents: