The Catholic University of America

Financial Aid >Apply for Aid >New Borrower

- New Borrower's Checklist -

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1. A FAFSA form:

A paper version of the FAFSA form is available in our office, but we recommend you complete the online application. A Pre-Application Worksheet is available (on our website under Forms) to review questions before you sit down to complete the FAFSA form online. For more information regarding the FAFSA form, please visit www.fafsa.ed.gov or call 1-800-4-FED-AID.

♦ Obtain your PIN at www.pin.ed.gov so you can electronically sign your FAFSA

♦ Complete the online application at www.fafsa.ed.gov

2007-2008 Form for Fall 2007, Spring 2008, & Summer 2008.

2008-2009 Form for Fall 2008, Spring 2009, & Summer 2009.

2. An Award Letter:

A Financial Aid Award Letter notification will be sent to you after you have been admitted into the University and our office receives your FAFSA information. (beginning mid-March).

♦ Review your Financial Aid Award

♦ Complete a Spending Plan Worksheet and Planning Worksheet to determine need.
♦ Notify the Financial Aid Office of all Accepted/Adjusted/Declined award

as indicated by the Award Letter Process.

3. A Stafford Loan Application/MPN:

Although the terms and guidelines for the Federal Stafford Loan are regulated by the federal government, repayment benefits may vary from lender to lender. For more information contact your lender directly.


♦ Review our Lender List

♦ Choose a lender of your choice

♦ Complete the Stafford Loan Application online at the lender's website



4. An Entrance Counseling/Interview Session:

The Entrance Interview Counseling Session is required for all CUA first-time Stafford Loan borrowers.

♦ Review your Rights and Responsibilities as a borrower

♦ Complete the online Entrance Interview/Counseling form

5. A Grad PLUS Loan Application and/Or A Commercial Loan Application:

A Federal Grad PLUS Loan and a Private Commercial Loan is available to borrow in addition to the Federal Stafford Loan. The Federal Grad PLUS loan has a fixed interest rate of 8.5% but there is a mandatory 3% origination fee. The Private Comercial Loan has a variable interest rate but most lenders offer a 0% origination fee.

Note while the terms of the Grad PLUS loan are regulated by the federal governement, the terms, and approval criteria for the Commercial Loan vary from lender to lender. It is a good idea to review your credit report and verify it is accurate before applying for a loan. For more information contact your lender directly.

♦ Review our list of Preferred Lenders

♦ Choose a lender of your choice

♦ Complete the Loan Application(s) online at the lender's website


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Our office may request additional documentation from you to complete the financial aid process.

You will be notified by mail and/or email so make sure your contact information is

current and correct in the University's system.