A loan is financial assistance that enables students and parents to borrow money from the federal government, state government or private lenders. These loans must be repaid. Each student receiving a Subsidized or Unsubsidized Direct Loan or Perkins Loan for the first time at Texas A&M University must also complete Loan Entrance Counseling.
Master Promissory Note
Borrowers are responsible for signing a Master Promissory Note (MPN) for each loan program. When signed, the MPN is a binding, legal document through which the borrower agrees to repay the loan. The MPN should be read carefully and a copy retained for the borrower’s records. Direct Loan MPNs must be completed online by the borrower at
studentloans.gov. If you are awarded and have accepted a Perkins Loan, the MPN must be printed from your Financial Aid Portal. Please complete this paper form and mail or drop off in person to Scholarships & Financial Aid.
Entrance Counseling
Please visit the
Howdy Portal. Then click the My Finances tab and enter the Financial Aid Portal. Select the current academic year. Once you have accepted a Direct Loan there will be a link for Loan Entrance Counseling under the Status page. Follow the instructions to complete Loan Entrance Counseling at
studentloans.gov. Once you have accepted a Perkins Loan there will be a link for Perkins Entrance Counseling under the Status page. Follow the instructions to complete Perkins Entrance Counseling through the Financial Aid Portal.
Exit Counseling
Upon withdrawing, graduating, dropping below half-time, or simply not returning, you will be sent information regarding Loan Exit Counseling if you have received any of the following:
- Federal Direct Loans (Subsidized or Unsubsidized)
- Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans
- Perkins Loans
If you have received the Federal TEACH Grant, you will be sent Exit Counseling information if you withdraw, graduate, or change into an ineligible TEACH Grant major.
Online exit counseling for Federal Loans and the TEACH Grant can be completed at
studentloans.gov. Student Business Services will provide exit counseling information and instructions for the Perkins Loan.