1. Complete a FAFSA
Before you begin applying for a Stafford and/or PLUS Loan, you must first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It must be completed for each academic year that you request federal aid. FAFSAs for the upcoming academic year are available online (www.fafsa.ed.gov) on or after January 2. Contact your school for their application deadline.

2. Receive your SAR
Once your FAFSA is processed, a Student Aid Report (SAR) is created. If you completed your FAFSA online, allow 1-2 weeks for you and your school to receive the SAR electronically. Paper FAFSAs take 6-8 weeks to process.

3. Receive your Award Letter
Your school(s) use data from your SAR to determine your financial aid award for the current academic year and send you an award letter by e-mail or US Mail. (If your letter mentions the William D. Ford Direct Lending Program, contact your school for the appropriate promissory note.)

4. Complete a Stafford Master Promissory Note

• FASTLoans, the quick and easy way to electronically sign your Master Promissory Note (MPN) for a Federal Stafford Loan.

5. If Needed, Complete a PLUS Master Promissory Note

• FASTLoans, the quick and easy way to electronically sign your PLUS Master Promissory Note (MPN) for a Federal Stafford Loan. Also, for graduate school.

6. Your School will Receive the Funds
Stafford, Parent PLUS and Grad/PLUS Loans are guaranteed and serviced by Great Lakes. When Great Lakes receives the Master Promissory Note from the credit union and School Certification Form from the school indicating the loan amount and disbursement dates, funds will be sent to the school.

7. Access Your Loan Account Online
You can check the status of your loan, view your account information and make payments from your bank account 24/7 at www.mygreatlakes.org. Choose ”Borrowers” and then log in to access Internet Borrower Inquiry Service. This site offers a variety of tools for calculating the cost of your loan. It’s your resource to forms, a glossary of financial aid terms, contact information, and lots of other information to help you manage your loans.

8. Call These Toll-free Numbers for Loan Inquiries
Contact BEFORE your loan is disbursed to the school:
- Great Lakes at 1-800-366-0032

Contact AFTER your loan is disbursed to the school:
- Great Lakes at 1-800-236-4300