Counseling and Assessments

TOP 7 Things to Manage Your Student Loans 

1. Attend Senior Day Informational Sessions
   A Financial Aid representative will be available at Senior Day sessions to provide information, answer questions and address any concerns you may have regarding the Exit Counseling process.
   
2. Identify Your Loan Servicer(s)
   If you borrowed a subsidized, unsubsidized or PLUS loan, the Department of Education assigned a loan servicer to assist you in successfully managing your student loans. To identify your loan servicer(s), please log into the Federal Student Aid website. The loan servicer will assist you with information regarding your loan, repayment, and available options if payment is unavailable.
3. View the Total Amount BorrowedTo view the total student loan amounts borrowed from the federal government, log into the Federal Student Aid website. You should understand that your total indebtedness will be calculated as principal plus interest. If you have borrowed a private loan you should contact the lender directly.
4. Calculate an Estimated Monthly Payment
   We recommend you using the Repayment Estimator/Calculator on the Federal Student Aid website or contact your loan servicer(s) as identified in step #2. Utilize this information to assist you in determining how much new debt to make and the time frame you may want to choose in making new debt. Even though you have a six-month grace period, this information can help you in your financial decision making.
5. Identify/Choose a Repayment Plan
   There are several repayment plans. You will be required to choose a repayment plan when completing online EXIT Counseling. Study and decide on the repayment plan that fits your financial objectives.Repayment Plans:Traditional (Standard, Graduated or Extended)
   Income-Driven (Pay as you Earn, Income Based (IBR)
   Income Contingent (ICR).

   Also, learn about forbearance, deferment, and loan forgiveness. This can help you understand what options are available. If you have questions, please contact your loan servicer. To review the repayment options, visit Federal Student Aid at or FedLoan Servicing.

6. COMPLETE the Direct Loan EXIT COUNSELING
   All Federal Student Loan borrowers are required to complete exit counseling once you have received your spring loan disbursement. You can complete this process at least 30-45 days (or earlier) prior to graduating. Students will not be cleared for graduation until the EXIT Counseling is complete.This process can be completed online at the Federal Student Aid website. You must log in using your FSA user name and password. Federal Perkins Loans borrowers must also complete the EXIT process. Please see Ms. Rhonda Creighton in the Office of Business and Finance for more details.
7.  Schedule an appointment with AIE to conduct a Financial Coaching Session
   This process is FREE, Schedule your appointment! Obtain the benefits of this Financial Literacy/Debt Management Portal. AIE offers crucial information regarding life after college, repayment plans, money management and much, much more.You should begin reviewing information, completing the Financial/Money Management Coaching session and receiving vital information which will help you plan, prepare and hopefully prosper as you move to the next chapter in your education or workforce career. Remember, even after graduation you can continue to utilize AIE to obtain important information which is vital form of resource. You will be able to speak directly with a AIE representative.Remember, student loans must be repaid AND repaid with interest.

   DO NOT DEFAULT ON YOUR LOAN(S)!

   Always provide the Financial Aid Office and your Loan Servicer with any changes to your mailing address.