Determine your loan eligibility. Criteria for a Stafford Loan include U.S. citizenship, being a national, a permanent U.S. resident or an eligible noncitizen, enrolling in school at least half time and enrolling in a school participating in the Federal Family Education Loan Program.
Fill in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or a renewal FAFSA. Submit the application either online or by standard paper process.
Complete the Master Promissory Note after you've received your award notice. Contact your college's financial aid office to determine whether to return the form to your lender or your college.
Provide, if required, a copy of your most recent federal income tax return or your parents' form if you're a dependent. Your college's financial aid office notifies you if they require this additional information.