Loan Application Procedures

The University of Pittsburgh participates in the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program exclusively for the Federal Subsidized/Unsubsidized and Federal Graduate PLUS Loans.  More information concerning the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan program can be found online at www.StudentAid.gov. Below are the loan procedures for both new and continuing student loan borrowers.

Securing the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan For New Borrowers

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

  1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.StudentAid.gov with the University of Pittsburgh's school code, 008815.
  2. Log into your account at www.StudentAid.gov with your FSA ID.
  3. Click on the link "Complete Aid Process".
  4. 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.
  5. After completing the Entrance Counseling, you can click on "Complete Master Promissory Note" and select Subsidized/Unsubsidized MPN.  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 Unsubsidized Loan for you for the full academic term for the maximum eligible amount.  You will need to log into your my.pitt.edu portal to accept, reduce or decline your unsubsidized loan.

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 after  the 2010-2011 academic year.

  1. Complete all the steps required for securing the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan.
  2. Log into your account at www.StudentAid.gov with your FSA ID.
  3. Click on "Apply for Aid" and choose the "Apply for Grad PLUS loan" option.  Follow the steps to complete the application.
    • The Department of Education will provide the results of the credit check immediately.  This credit check is valid for 90 days.
    • If credit approved, you will be given instructions for completing the Master Promissory Note.
    • If credit is denied, you will be given the option to appeal the credit decision or obtaining an endorser.
  4. The school will receive notification of your approved application on a weekly basis.  Please check your financial aid record via my.pitt.edu to verify that your Graduate PLUS loan has been processed within 5-7 days of the initial application.

Securing the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan For Continuing Borrowers

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

  1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.StudentAid.gov with the University of Pittsburgh's school code, 008815.
  2. The University of Pittsburgh School of Law will automatically process the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan for you for the full academic term for the maximum eligible amount.  You will need to log into your my.pitt.edu portal to accept, reduce or decline your unsubsidized loan.

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 after the 2010-2011 academic year without need of a co-signer.  If you borrowed the Graduate PLUS Loan after the 2010-2011 academic year with a co-signer, please follow the procedure for a NEW Graduate PLUS Loan borrower.

  1. Complete all the steps required for securing the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan.
  2. Log into your account at www.StudentAid.gov with your FSA ID.
  3. CClick on "Apply for Aid" and choose the "Apply for Grad PLUS loan" option.  Follow the steps to complete the application.
    • The Department of Education will provide the results of the credit check immediately.  This credit check is valid for 90 days.
    • If credit approved, you will be given instructions for completing the Master Promissory Note if needed.
    • If credit is denied, you will be given the option to appeal the credit decision or obtaining an endorser.
  4. The school will receive notification of your approved application on a weekly basis.  Please check your financial aid record via my.pitt.edu to verify that your Graduate PLUS loan has been processed within 5-7 days of the initial application.

Federal Loan Processing Timeline

The University of Pitsburgh will begin processing the student loans beginning in mid-to-late June.  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.StudentAid.gov by logging into "Your Account".