Manage Your Student Loans
Federal Student Loans
Starting Out
You need to complete two steps with the US Department of Education before you can start to borrow from a federal student loan program. Log in with your FSA ID and Password.
Keeping Track
Loans can add up while you’re in school. Make smart decisions about how much you borrow and look up your federal loan balances at least once each semester. Log in with your FSA ID and Password.
Paying Back
Learn how you can effectively manage your student loan repayment once you graduate or stop attending full-time. Repayment plan options are described in the online exit loan counseling module. Log in with your FSA ID and Password.
Private Educational Loans
Starting Out
If you need more money to fund your education than the Federal Direct Loans covers, you might consider a private educational loan. The “Other Loan Options" amount on your financial aid award is the maximum amount you can borrow from a private lender. Borrow less if you can find other ways to raise the money you need to meet your expenses. A loan costs more because you’ll be charged interest in addition to the amount you borrow when it’s time to pay it back.
First you need to select the lender. When you apply, there are several steps to complete before your loan funds are sent to the school, such as credit approval, co-signer signatures, self-certification, and school certification. Be sure to watch for any messages from your lender or the school asking you to complete a step in the application process.
Keeping Track
Obtain your credit report to review your private student loan indebtedness. You're entitled to one free copy of your credit report every 12 months from each of the three nationwide credit reporting companies. Order online from https://www.annualcreditreport.com, the only authorized website for free credit reports, or call 877-322-8228.
Paying Back
Be sure to keep your contact information up-to-date with your lender so you can receive all the important information about loan repayment requirements. If at any time you have trouble making your monthly payments, be proactive and ask your lender if you qualify for any temporary relief until you can get back on track. You’ll be more likely to stay in good standing as long as you are making progress with your loan repayment. And when you have your student loans paid off, be sure to celebrate your accomplishment!
Information on Federal Direct Loan Exit Counseling
Student Loan Advocacy
If you are having issues with your student loan lender or servicer, the Student Loan Advocate with the Minnesota Department of Commerce is here to help. To file a complaint, please visit our web page.
