Verify that your institution meets the minimum eligibility requirements set by the Department of Education. You can do this by visiting the department's website and clicking on the link at the left that says "Information for Initial Applicants."
Answer the applicant questions, which can be found at the bottom of the applicant page. Print the questions and have the president, CEO or chancellor of your institution sign the printout. Fax it to the School Participation Team responsible for your state. You can find the fax number for the team responsible for your school on the home page of the application process. You'll soon receive your Office of Postsecondary Education Identifier (OPEID) number.
Fill out the full application, which be found under "Resources" on the Department of Education's application website. Print Section L (the signature page) and have the president, CEO or chancellor sign the page. Save or print the completed application so your institution can keep a copy on record.
Enclose financial statements for the two most recently completed full fiscal years, a copy of the school's state license and a copy of a document from the accrediting agency that grants the institute's accreditation status with the application.
Mail your completed application packet to:
U.S. Department of Education, FSA
Integrated Partner Management
830 First Street, NE
Washington, DC 20202-5402
Print the Program Participating Agreement once your institute is notified of approval. The president, CEO or chancellor must sign the agreement and send two copies to the same address where they sent the application.
Send the school's president, CEO or chancellor and the financial aid administrator to a Fundamentals of Title IV Administration training workshop by the Department of Education within 12 months of the execution of the Program Participation Agreement.