Direct Loan Application Process

1. For Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans, the initial application requirement is met when the student submits the complete Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Student borrowers must also complete a Direct Loan Master Promissory Note and complete Entrance Counseling.

2. For Direct PLUS Loans, the student must submit the complete Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The parent must submit a Federal Ford Direct PLUS Loan Request Form to the Financial Aid Office, available from the Financial Aid Office or on our website. The parent must also complete a Direct Plus Loan Master Promissory Note.

3. The Financial Aid Office certifies the loan and forwards the information to the direct loan servicer. 

4. The direct loan servicer evaluates the application (credit check, etc., for Plus) for approval.

5. If the loan is not approved, the direct loan servicer will notify the borrower by mail. In the case of a Parent PLUS loan denial the parent may be given the option of reapplying with an “endorser,” which works much like a co-applicant. If the loan is approved, the direct loan servicer sends a Notice of Loan Approval to the student, indicating the loan amount(s) approved and the dates on which it (they) will be disbursed.

6. Once the funds are received by Bridgewater State University, the Office of Student Accounts notifies the borrower of the arrival of the funds.

7. First-time borrowers for Federal Ford Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans must complete Direct Loan entrance counseling prior to receiving funds. Loan entrance counseling may be completed online at www.studentloans.gov or by making an appointment with a financial aid counselor.

8. Loan funds are applied first to the student's account if there is a balance. If there is no balance, the student receives the whole loan amount for that semester, minus any fees. If a portion of the loan was applied to the student's account, the remainder will be refunded to the student. For Direct PLUS Loans, any funds in excess of the balance due on the bill will be refunded to the parent, unless the parent authorizes the release of these funds to the student on the Federal Ford Direct PLUS Loan Request Form.

9. In order to postpone repayment, students must be matriculated and enrolled at least half time. Students should contact the loan servicer(s) to determine eligibility for a deferment and to obtain deferment forms. The Registrar's Office at Bridgewater State University will certify all qualifying student loan deferments.

10. Upon withdrawing from the college, falling below half-time enrollment status, or graduating, the student must complete loan exit counseling.  Loan exit counseling may be completed on line at: www.studentloans.gov or you can make an appointment with a financial aid counselor.

11. Borrowers are required to notify the college and the lender and/or servicer of any changes in:

    • name
    • telephone number
    • next of kin
    • withdrawal from college
    • transfer to another college
    • obtain/change driver's license
    • address
    • social security number
    • graduation date
    • enrollment (less than half time)

Last Modified: April 11, 2013