• Federal Direct Loans are low-interest loans for students and parents to help pay for the cost of a student's education after high school.
  • The lender is the U.S. Department of Education (the Department), but... the entity you deal with, your loan servicer, can be a private business. 
  • Visit www.studentaid.gov for more information about types of Federal Direct Loans.
  • For Parent loans, at Cuesta we require a student to borrow the maximum amount they are eligible for first, and if a parent loan is approved it will be applied second. To apply please visit www.studentaid.gov

How to Request a Loan...

  1. Submit a FAFSA
  2. Complete Your File
  3. Complete the Following Steps According to Your Status. Only fill out one form, if you have questions please call us! 805-546-3143

First-time Borrowers

(You have never taken out a Federal Direct Loan before) 

Continuing Borrowers 

(You have already taken out a Federal Direct Loan at Cuesta or another institution)

  • Do entrance counseling at www.studentaid.gov
  • Sign a "Master Promissory Note" (MPN) at www.studentaid.gov
  • Complete the Student Loan Workshop and at the end of the workshop you can fill out the electronic Direct Loan Request Form. 
  •  (if you need to modify a recently submitted form, please call us so we can delete it. If it has been processed you will need to fill out a Direct Loan Modification, see below. 
  • You will be required to upload a copy of your photo ID as well as proof of your loan workshop completion. 
  • Do entrance counseling at www.studentaid.gov (optional)
  • Sign a "Master Promissory Note" (MPN) at www.studentaid.gov (if needed)
  • Complete the electronic Direct Loan Request Form.  (if you need to modify a recently submitted form, please call us so we can delete it. If it has been processed you will need to fill out a Direct Loan Modification, see below. 
  • You will be required to upload a copy of your photo ID.

 

 

  • If you need to modify your loan to decrease (If it has already been processed or within 30 days of disbursement) or increase it, complete the electronic Direct Loan Modification Form
  • Student loans are a serious commitment, you are required to pay them back even if you drop out, do not complete your education, or are unsatisfied with the education you receive.
  • You are not required to borrow the maximum amounts.

 

Having trouble repaying your loan(s), help is available!
Find out more about repaying your loans!

Here is more info about loan payment options.

 

   


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