All loans require that you sign a promissory note. This note is signed by the borrower when taking out a loan. By signing the promissory note, the borrower promises to repay the loan. The promissory note also includes important language about your rights and responsibilities as a borrower.

Federal and Cornell University loans require a Master Promissory Note (MPN). You sign the MPN once, the first time you borrow. This will allow you to borrow more from the same loan source while you are in school, without having to sign a promissory note each year.

Go to the following links to sign the promissory note electronically for your:

• William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Subsidized or Unsubsidized)
• Cornell University Loan
• Federal Direct PLUS Loan

Entrance Counseling

If you decide to take out a Federal Direct Loan as a part of your educational investment, managing the debt you incur is a major responsibility. To ensure that you understand this responsibility and the obligation you are assuming, the Federal Government requires you to participate in loan counseling, called “Entrance Counseling,” prior to receiving a direct loan.

You can conduct your Entrance Counseling session online. You must have a student FAFSA ID to complete the process. Entrance counseling is required before your loan can be disbursed. Start your session now.

If you’ve forgotten or need to change your ID, visit the Federal Student Aid ID website.