A student loan is money that you borrow from the federal government, state government or private lenders. These loans must be repaid. If you are receiving a Federal Direct Subsidized or Unsubsidized Loan for the first time at Texas A&M University, you must also complete Loan Entrance Counseling.
Master Promissory Note
For every loan that you accept, you will have to sign a Master Promissory Note (MPN). Once signed, the MPN is a binding, legal document where you agree to the loan repayment terms. The MPN should be read carefully and a copy kept for your records. Direct Loan MPNs must be completed on the
Federal Student Aid website.
Entrance Counseling
To complete Entrance Counseling for your Direct Loans, visit your
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 on the Status page. Follow the instructions to complete Loan Entrance Counseling on the
Federal Student Aid website.
Exit Counseling
Once you graduate, fall below half-time, or leave Texas A&M, you will be sent information about Loan Exit Counseling if you received a Direct Loan, Graduate PLUS Loan, or Perkins Loan.
If you 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 on the
Federal Student Aid website. Student Business Services will send exit counseling information and instructions for the Perkins Loan.