Loan Application Procedures

Beginning with the 2010-2011 academic year, the University of Pittsburgh began participation in the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program exclusively for the Federal Stafford and Federal Grad PLUS Loans.  More information concerning the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan program can be found online at http://www.studentloans.gov/. Below are the loan procedures for both new and continuing student loan borrowers.

Securing the Federal Direct Stafford Loan For New Borrowers

A new borrower is a student that has not borrowed and received funds from the Direct Stafford Loan during the 2010-2011 academic year.

1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.ed.gov with the University of Pittsburgh's school code, 008815.
2. Log into "Manage My Direct Loan" at www.studentloans.gov with the PIN from your FAFSA.
3. Click on "Complete Entrance Counseling" and follow the directions for completing the counseling for a graduate/professional student.  Please note, when choosing the school, you will choose University of Pittsburgh.
4. After completing the Entrance Counseling, you can click on "You can submit a Master Promissory Note" or from the home page, you can click on "Complete a Master Promissory Note".
5. You will be given three types of Master Promissory Notes to complete, The Federal Direct Stafford Loan is the "Subsidized/Unsubsidized" Master Promissory Note.  Please note, when choosing a school,  you will choose University of Pittsburgh.

The University of Pittsburgh School of Law will automatically process the Federal Direct Stafford Loan for you for the full academic term for the maximum eligible amount.  If you want less than the maximum, you should contact the Law School Financial Aid Office in writing with the lower request amount.

Securing the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan for New Borrowers

A new Graduate PLUS Loan borrower has not borrowed or received funds from the Direct Graduate PLUS Loan program during the 2010-2011 academic year.

1. Complete all the steps required for securing the Federal Direct Stafford Loan.
2. Log into "Manage My Direct Loan" at www.studentloans.gov with the PIN from your FAFSA.
3. Click on "Complete Master Promissory Note" and choose the Grad PLUS loan option.
4. Complete the Pitt Law 2011-2012 Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan Request form and submit it to the Law School Financial Aid Office.
   • This form authorizes the University of Pittsburgh to submit your information to the U.S. Department of Education for credit review for the Grad PLUS loan.
   • This form will also allow Pitt Law to process the Grad PLUS loan for you if credit approved.
   • Please note, the "Request PLUS Loan" and "Start PLUS Application Process" are inactive for the University of Pittsburgh on the www.studentloans.gov website.

Securing the Federal Direct Stafford Loan For Continuing Borrowers

A continuing borrower is a student that has borrowed and received funds from the Direct Stafford Loan during the 2010-2011 academic year.

1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.ed.gov with the University of Pittsburgh's school code, 008815.
2. The University of Pittsburgh School of Law will automatically process the Federal Direct Stafford Loan for you for the full academic term for the maximum eligible amount.  If you want less than the maximum, you should contact the Law School Financial Aid Office in writing with the lower request amount.
3. Complete all the steps required for securing the Federal Direct Stafford Loan.
4. Complete the Pitt Law 2011-2012 Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan Request form and submit it to the Law School Financial Aid Office.

Securing the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan for Continuing Borrowers

A continuing Graduate PLUS Loan borrower has borrowed or received funds from the Direct Graduate PLUS Loan program during the 2010-2011 academic year without need of a co-signer.  If you borrowed the Graduate PLUS Loan during the 2010-2011 academic year with a co-signer, please follow the procedure for a NEW Graduate PLUS Loan borrower.

1. This form authorizes the University of Pittsburgh to submit your information to the U.S. Department of Education for credit review for the Grad PLUS loan.
2. This form will also allow Pitt Law to process the Grad PLUS loan for you if credit approved.

Federal Loan Processing Timeline

The University of Pitsburgh will begin processing the federal Stafford Loan beginning in mid-to-late June and the federal Grad PLUS Loan in July.  You can always check the status of your loan through the my.pitt.edu portal or through the U.S. Department of Education at www.dl.ed.gov by logging into "Your Account".