Federal Direct Loans - First Time Borrowers

  1. Office & Department Directory
  2. Financial Aid Office
  3. Student Loans
  4. Federal Direct Loans - First Time Borrowers

Part of your financial aid award at St. Lawrence University may include the offer of a Federal Direct loan (award may be viewed in Self-Service (APR2)). You may decline or reduce the amount of Federal Direct Loan by contacting the St. Lawrence University Financial Aid Office by email at finaid@stlawu.edu or by phone at 800-355-0863.

First time borrowers of Federal Direct Loans must complete an entrance counseling session and a Master Promissory Note as explained below.

Step 1: Complete a Loan Entrance Counseling Session: This session will inform borrowers about the overall Federal Direct Loan program and their rights and responsibilities associated with the loan. Complete this process at Studentaid.gov. Choose "Complete Loan Entrance Counseling". St. Lawrence University will receive confirmation from the Direct Loan Servicer that you have finished.

     What you need to complete the Entrance Counseling Session:

          1. Thirty-minutes to complete the process: it must be completed in one session.

          2. Your FAFSA ID

          3. School name

Step 2: Sign your Master Promissory Note (MPN): You are required to complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN) for your Federal Direct loan(s). It is your responsibility to review all terms and conditions of the loan, in addition to completing MPN. Complete this process at Studentaid.gov. Choose "Complete a Loan Agreement (Master Promissory Note)".

     What you need to complete the Master Promissory Note:

          1. Thirty-minutes to complete the process: it must be completed in one session.

          2. Your FAFSA ID

          3. Permanent address, mailing address (if different from permanent address), phone number, and email address.

          4. Employer name and address, if applicable.

          5. Driver's license

          6. Name, address, phone number and relationship for 2 references. A reference is an individual who has known you for at least 3 years. The first reference should be a parent or legal guardian. 

          7. School name

The U.S. Department of Education offers the following Websites to assist in the planning for repayment of Federal education loans. 

Understanding Student Loan Repayment

Loan Simulator for Federal Loans

Contact Information:

If you have problems or questions regarding this loan process, please contact Student Financial Services by email at sfs@stlawu.edu or by phone at 315-229-5581.