Entrance Counseling

All first time Direct Loan borrowers must complete Loan Entrance Counseling and complete a Master Promissory Note to receive federal loan funds.  You can do this online at https://studentaid.gov. Entrance counseling informs first time borrowers on the terms and conditions of the loan and responsibilities in borrowing.  A debt is a serious obligation. Loan borrowers are encouraged to keep all loan records together. 

Important: First time borrowers must wait 30 days after the first day of class before loan funds can be disbursed.

You may access your student loan records on the National Student Loan Data System.

Exit Counseling

Recipients of Federal Direct Loans are required to complete an exit counseling session upon graduation, if dropping below half-time status, (below 6 hours), with enrollment breaks of greater than 45 days, and if officially or unofficially withdrawing from the College.  Students who fall in any of above categories are emailed “exit loan information”, along with their servicer information.  Online exit counseling can be performed at https://studentaid.gov.  If completing the loan exit counseling online you must complete it within 30 days of exiting. During the counseling session borrowers are informed of debt-management strategies, repayment options, conditions for a deferment and forbearance, consolidation, and consequences of defaulting.   Borrowers must contact their servicer with any phone number and address changes, enrollment changes, and if having issues in repaying.

Important: For those graduating, diplomas will not be released until exit counseling is complete.

For questions regarding your borrower rights and responsibilities or the terms and conditions of your loan, please contact the financial aid office, 615-771-7812.

Know your financial aid rights and responsibilities.

The FSA Ombudsman can be contacted if you have exhausted your efforts to resolve issues with your student loan(s).