Fill out a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form online. The link to the website is provided in the Resources section. Be sure to go to the government site because some other websites charge for this service.
Wait to allow time for processing your student loan. If you used a personal identification number (PIN) to sign your application online, wait a week to check on your student loan status. If you printed, signed and mailed your signature page, wait at least two weeks to check on your student loan status.
Check the status of your FAFSA application. After you have allowed time for processing your student loan application, click on the FAFSA Follow-Up link provided in the Resources to go to the website to find your student loan status.
Click the “Next” button.
Fill out the requested information. Enter your Social Security Number, last name, first name, date of birth and year of your application. Then, click Submit.
Review your student loan status. The status of your student loan displays next to “Current Status,” and the date that your student loan application was processed (if applicable) appears next to “Date Processed.”
Retrieve your awards letter. Once your student loan application has been processed, an awards letter will be sent to your college or university’s financial aid office. The awards letter outlines the student loans for which you are eligible.
Talk with a financial aid loan officer. Colleges and universities have financial aid loan officers that work in the financial aid office of the school. Tell the financial aid loan officer how much money you want to take out in student loans and from which sources listed on your awards letter. The financial aid loan officer will process the student loans for you.
Wait for your college or university to receive the payment. There is nothing more that you need to do. Start attending classes. If you took out a student loan in excess of the amount needed for tuition, you will receive an excess check after you have attended classes for a couple of weeks.