Your Rights as a Borrower
- You may accept all, some, or none of the student loan funds offered.
- You are entitled to a copy of your promissory note, which outlines the terms and conditions of your student loan, and will receive it before or after the loan is made.
- Before you begin to repay, your loan holder is required to give you a payment schedule and detailed information about interest rates, fees, the balance you owe, and your repayment options.
- You have a right to defer payments for certain defined periods or to request forbearance if you qualify.
- You may be eligible to repay under a graduated or income-based repayment plan.
- For federal student loans and most private student loans, you may prepay in whole or in part at any time without penalty.
Your Responsibilities as a Borrower
- You must notify your school if you want to borrow less than the amount that has been awarded.
- You must repay your student loans on time and in full even if you do not finish your education, get a job, or feel satisfied with the education you received.
- You must notify your loan holder or servicer immediately of any change to your name, address, telephone number, or Social Security number.
- You must make scheduled monthly payments even if you do not receive a bill or coupon booklet.
- First-time Federal Direct loan borrowers must receive entrance counseling before funds can be disbursed.
- Students are required to complete exit counseling when they graduate, withdraw, drop to less than half-time enrollment, or do not return for the next term. Students can access exit counseling online at https://studentloans.gov/.