The Catholic University of America

Financial Aid >Apply for Aid >Returning Borrower

- Returning 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 notification will be sent to you sometime late June, after all rankings have been finalized and scholarships have been awaraded.

♦ Review your Financial Aid Award Letter

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

as advised by the Award Letter Process.



3. A Stafford Loan Application/MPN:

You may recall signing an Application/Master Promissory Note (MPN) for the Stafford Loan when you first applied at CUA. This MPN is valid for 10years at CUA, so no new application is necessary. Simply notify our office of the amount you wish to borrow in a Stafford Loan and it will be processed accordingly.



4. A Federal Grad PLUS or A Private 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 Lender List

♦ Choose a lender of your choice

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



5. An Exit Counseling/Interview Session (if graduating):

The Exit Interview Counseling Session is required for all Stafford Loan borrowers who are graduating, dropping below half-time (6creidts) or leaving the Columbus School fo Law.

♦ Review your Rights and Responsibilities as a borrower

♦ Complete the online Exit Interview/Counseling form

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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.