The Catholic University of America

Financial Aid >Student Loan Process

-Student Loan Process -

CUA has transitioned into a Direct Lending School as of the 2009-2010 academic year. Funds for the Federal Stafford and Graduate PLUS Loan programs are received directly from the US Treasury. CUA no longer uses banks or guaranty agencies to service these loan programs.

To apply for Federal Student Loans, please follow the steps below:

1. Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

2. Accept your Financial Aid Award via the CUA student services portal on Cardinal Station.

Your award is made available to you after CUA receives the results of your FAFSA. You will

be notified by email when your award is ready.

3. Complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN) for Stafford Loans and PLUS Loans.

4. Complete Direct Loan Entrance Counseling.

When these steps have been completed and CUA has received confirmation, funds will be disbursed in equal halves to your student account at the beginning of each semester.

The Office of Student Accounts will then review your account charges (tuition, fees, health insurance, etc.) and financial aid disbursements (loans, scholarships, etc). If the amount of financial aid disbursed exceeds your current charges, a refund of the remainder is authorized. This refund is typically what is used for living expenses.

Refunds are issued by the Office of Student Accounts and can be Directly Deposited into your bank account, picked up at the Student Accounts Office, or mailed to you.

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