Before receiving federal student loans or graduating, it's important to understand your responsibilities as a borrower. Both are administered by Federal Student Aid (FSA) through the U.S. Department of Education at studentaid.gov.

  • Entrance counseling is required before you receive your first loan.
  • Exit counseling is required when you graduate, leave school, or drop below half-time enrollment.

These sessions help you understand how student loans work, how interest accrues, your repayment options, and how to avoid default. Review the FAQs below for more guidance on completing each step.

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Frequently Asked Questions

If you have not previously received a Direct Loan, the Federal Government requires you to complete entrance counseling to ensure that you understand the responsibilities and obligations you are assuming.

If you are completing entrance counseling to borrow a loan as an undergraduate student, then the entrance counseling will fulfill counseling requirements for Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans.

If you are completing entrance counseling to borrow a loan as a graduate or professional student, the entrance counseling will fulfill counseling requirements for Direct Subsidized Loans, Direct Unsubsidized Loans, and Direct PLUS Loans.

Exit counseling provides important information to prepare you to repay your federal student loan(s).

If you have received a subsidized, unsubsidized or PLUS loan under the Direct Loan Program or the FFEL Program, you must complete exit counseling each time you:

  • Drop below half-time enrollment
  • Graduate
  • Leave school

Students who received a TEACH Grant and are graduating from their program of study or withdrawing from school must complete TEACH Grant Exit Counseling.

TEACH Grant Exit Counseling provides information about fulfilling the TEACH Grant service obligation and explains the terms and conditions that will apply if the TEACH Grant is converted to a Direct Unsubsidized Loan.

You must complete exit counseling when you:

  • Graduate; or
  • Withdraw from the school where you received your TEACH Grant

  • Verified FSA ID
  • School Name
  • Details on your income, financial aid, and living expenses

For both entrance and exit loans, the entire counseling process must be completed in a single session. Most people complete counseling in 20-30 minutes.

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Entrance counseling is completed before receiving funds; exit counseling is required when leaving school or dropping below half-time.