Student Loan Entrance and Exit Counseling

Student Loan Entrance Counseling

The Federal Government requires that students complete student loan entrance counseling prior to obtaining a Federal Direct Loan. The entrance counseling will explain the Direct Loan obligation you agree to meet as a condition for receiving a federal Direct Loan. You can complete this requirement online and follow the directions at the site. You will need your FAFSA PIN. If you do not have your PIN #, you can request a duplicate PIN. It is only necessary to complete loan entrance counseling one time during your attendance at Dickinson College.

Student Loan Exit Counseling

The Federal Government requires that all students who have borrowed a Federal Subsidized or Unsubsidized Stafford loan (known as FFEL)* or Federal Subsidized or Unsubsidized Direct loan* complete student loan exit counseling prior to graduating or ceasing at least half-time attendance. Exit counseling helps you understand your rights and responsibilities as a student loan borrower and provides useful tips and information to help you manage your loans. You are obligated to repay your loans even in the event that you do not complete your program of study or do not complete the program. You can complete this requirement online and follow the directions at the site. You will need your FAFSA PIN. If you do not have your PIN#, you can request a duplicate PIN .

* Alert *
Some of you may have student loans from both the FFEL program (i.e. Stafford loan) and the Direct loan program. If so, you may be required to send loan payments to several loan servicers. (A loan servicer is someone who manages the loan for the lender. AES (American Education Services) is an example of a loan servicer.) If you consolidate your federal student loans with the Direct Loan Program, you may avoid this problem. A Consolidation Loan allows you to combine one or more of your federal education loans (Stafford, Direct and Perkins) into a new loan that offers you several advantages such as one monthly payment, flexible repayment options, and reduced monthly payments. See "Loan Consolidation" below.

Helpful Links:

Borrower Grace Periods

For additional information or to make name and address changes:

Direct Loan Servicing Center
800-557-7394

American Education Services (AES)
Stafford FFEL loans
800-692-7392

Dickinson College
Financial Aid Office
Email 717-245-1308