Federal Direct Loan Application Process

Step 1: Apply for Financial Aid

Students interested in borrowing a Federal Direct Loan must complete and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the current academic year, to apply for financial aid as well as complete all required steps in the application process at North Seattle College, by the published quarterly deadline for North Seattle College.

Step 2: Apply for a Federal Direct Loan

• Complete the Online Federal Direct Loan Entrance Counseling at https://studentloans.gov. (If you have previously completed the online entrance counseling plan, just wait for the pop-up that will say "you have already completed the entrance counseling," then click "continue.")
• Complete a Federal Direct Loan Master Promissory Note (MPN) online at https://studentloans.gov.
• Complete and submit a North Seattle Direct Loan Application. (Available online at northseattle.edu/financial-aid/forms-guides. Be sure to read all the information on the loan request form before you submit it to the Financial Aid office. You will only be allowed one loan increase per quarter. Loan change forms will only be accepted until the fifth week of the quarter, Fall, Winter, and Spring Quarters. No changes are allowed for Summer Quarter. 

Step 3: Get the Facts

• REPAYMENT:  Federal Direct Loans plus interest must be paid back; therefore, we ask that you strongly consider other options to pay for college first. The Federal Direct Loan Program details, including an overview, tools, and resources for managing repayment, are available online at https://studentloans.gov.
• LOAN LIMITS:  You may not be eligible for the amount you request based on the required federal aid calculations. Your loan eligibility cannot exceed your budgeted cost of attendance minus all other financial assistance you are receiving. There are also annual and lifetime limits on federal loans, for more information, please visit: https://studentaid.gov/help-center/answers/article/how-much-money-can-i-borrow-federal-student-loans
• FINANCIAL EDUCATION:  Financial awareness counseling is available online at https://studentloans.gov.
• INTEREST RATES:  Direct Loan Interest Rates are set by federal law and may change on an annual basis. Find information about federal direct loan interest rates at http://studentaid.ed.gov/about/announcements/interest-rate
• COHORT DEFAULT RATE:  The national cohort default rate for the fiscal year 2019 is 2.3%; North Seattle College’s default rate is 1.2%. More information on cohort default rates can be found online at: https://fsapartners.ed.gov/knowledge-center/topics/default-management/official-cohort-default-rates-schools
• PARENT PLUS LOANS:  North Seattle College does NOT participate in the Parent Plus Loan program.

Important information regarding Loan Eligibility and Disbursements

• You must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credits that apply to the degree or certificate program you are pursuing at North Seattle College. If you drop below 6 eligible credits at any time, you are no longer eligible for loans and you must notify the financial aid office in writing and complete exit counseling immediately at https://studentloans.gov
• You must meet satisfactory academic progress requirements to qualify and remain eligible for loan funds. Please review the Financial Aid Satisfactory Progress Requirements, available online or in print from the financial aid office.
• If you are a first-time student or have requested a one quarter loan, some or all of your funds will be held a minimum of 30 days. Plan to pay your tuition if your do not have enough grant aid to cover your tuition and fees.
• We will always award subsidized loan funds before awarding unsubsidized loan funds. You may not be eligible for the amount you request based on the required federal aid calculations. Your loan eligibility cannot exceed your budgeted cost of attendance minus all other financial assistance you are receiving.

Exit Counseling Requirements

All students who have attended North Seattle College and borrowed a federal loan are required to complete an exit counseling session upon completion of studies. Additionally, exit counseling is required for all students who meet the following criteria:

• Students who have applied for graduation at North.
• Students who complete less than 6 credits at the end of a quarter
• Students who have registered for less than 6 credits for the quarter
• Students who have had their aid cancelled due to unsatisfactory academic progress

Exit counseling is available online at https://studentloans.gov. Exit counseling provides important information you will need as you prepare to repay your federal student loans.