What is it?
Entrance counseling is a federal requirement of any first-time Federal Direct Stafford Student Loan borrower. If you have not previously received a Direct Loan or Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL), 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.
Who can use it?
Students who have not previously received a subsidized/unsubsidized loan or PLUS loan (graduate/professional students only) under the Direct Loan Program or Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program must complete entrance counseling.
Where can I access this service?
Students can complete an online entrance counseling session at studentaid.gov using their FSA ID to log in. Entrance counseling must be completed fully in one session.