Understand the Federal Student Loan Process

Your award letter from your college/university will typically include a list of the financial aid you qualify for, such as grants, scholarships, work-study and federal loans.

Application Process

If you qualify for federal student loans, such as Federal Stafford Loans or PLUS loans, your school will provide instructions on how to apply and may even provide the application(s)/Master Promissory Note (MPN) if you decide to accept a loan.

If an application is not included and you wish to apply for a federal student loan, you can:

• Complete a Federal Stafford Loan application online if your school supplies you with a URL link.
  
  
• Download an application. (PDF)
  
  
• Request a paper application through the mail.

Choose a Lender

If you are attending a FFELP school, you will need to choose a lender before completing your loan application.

Eligibility Confirmation

After receiving your application, your college/university will need to certify the loan, which means they will confirm your eligibility for the loan and set the loan period as well as the disbursement dates.

Funds Disbursement

Iowa Student Loan will send the certified loan funds directly to your school on the date it requests. Your college/university will then apply the loan amount to your student account.