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Entrance Counseling

What is Entrance Counseling?

If you have not previously received a Direct Loan, the Federal Government requires you to complete entrance counseling to ensure that you understand the responsibilities and obligations you are assuming.

If you are completing entrance counseling to borrow a loan as an undergraduate student, then the entrance counseling will fulfill counseling requirements for Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans.

If you are completing entrance counseling to borrow a loan as a graduate or professional student, the entrance counseling will fulfill counseling requirements for Direct Subsidized Loans, Direct Unsubsidized Loans, and Direct PLUS Loans.

The entrance counseling federal requirement MUST be completed before your loan can be disbursed.

Repayment Timeline

Student Loan Repayment Graph

Most students have a grace period after leaving school before loan repayment begins. Below is a general timeline to help you understand when and how repayment starts:

In School - While enrolled at least half-time, federal student loans are typically in deferment, meaning no payments are required.
Interest may accrue on unsubsidized loans, but subsidized loans do not accumulate interest during this time.
Grace Period (6 Months) - After graduation, dropping below half-time enrollment, or leaving school, most federal student loans have a 6-month grace period before repayment begins. 
Loan Repayment Begins - After the grace period ends, payments are required based on the repayment plan you choose.
Options include Standard, Graduated, Extended, or Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) Plans.
Loan Servicer Communication - Before repayment begins, your loan servicer will provide details on payment amounts, due dates, and repayment options. Borrowers should update their contact information and set up an online account with their loan servicer.
Loan Forgiveness & Assistance Options - Some borrowers may qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) or Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) forgiveness. Deferment, forbearance, or consolidation may also be available if you need payment relief.

For more details, visit the Federal Student Aid website or contact your loan servicer.

Estimate Monthly Payment

Payment Estimator for Medical Students 

Federal | Student Aid Loan Simulator 
The Loan Estimator/Simulator helps you manage and track your student loans, estimate monthly payments, and explore repayment options that align with your financial goals. It also allows you to evaluate whether loan consolidation is the right choice for you.

Mar 17, 2025