How to Apply for a Student Loan
First-Time Borrowers
New borrowers and students who have not borrowed within the last year
ATTENTION: If you are completing this process for the 2025-2026 academic year, please wait until after June 1, 2025 to complete your application as well as the applicable documents below.
After being admitted to the college and submitting your FAFSA, you will receive award information from the Financial Aid office. Please complete the applicable steps below to process a student loan.
- Complete and return the Student Loan Amount Request Form.
- You are required to complete Entrance Counseling. You will be required to sign in using your student FSA ID.
- All students are required to sign a Federal Master Promissory Note (MPN) and complete the Entrance Counseling (EC.) You will be required to sign in using your student FSA ID.
Returning Borrowers
If you have borrowed at UVA Wise within the last year
ATTENTION: If you are completing this process for the 2025-2026 academic year, please wait until after June 1, 2025 to complete your application as well as the applicable documents below.
- Complete and return the Student Loan Amount Request Form.
Parent Borrowers (a PLUS Loan)
ATTENTION: If you are completing this process for the 2025-2026 academic year, please wait until after July 1, 2025 to complete your application as well as the applicable documents below.
- Complete the PLUS Request Process. Sign in with a parent’s FSA ID.
- If your loan is approved, sign your Master Promissory Note (MPN) with parent’s FSA ID.
- Complete and return the PLUS Loan Amount Request Form.
- If your PLUS loan is denied, please contact the Office of Financial Aid for additional loan information.
Private Loans
Many banks and financial institutions offer private student loans to help cover educational costs. Since rates, terms, and conditions can differ, we recommend comparing several options before making a decision.
If you choose to apply, you will need to work directly with the lender of your choice to complete their application process. Once approved, the Office of Financial Aid will certify the loan, ensuring it does not exceed your cost of attendance for the current academic year. The loan will then be processed once the funds are received. You can use this tool , to see what lenders students at UVA Wise have used before to compare your options.
Federal Direct And Parent Plus Loans
Federal Direct and PLUS loans are serviced by various loan companies on behalf of the U.S. Department of Education. Loan information online may be accessed online. NSLDS Student Access provides information on student loans and grant data.
Loan Entrance Counseling And Master Promissory Notes
Federal Direct Loans
Students receiving first-time Federal Direct Loans must complete Entrance Counseling and sign the Master Promissory Note (MPN) prior to the disbursement of loan funds. Entrance Counseling and MPNs are completed online.
Exit Counseling
Exit Counseling is required of any student who received a student loan(s) and/or Federal TEACH Grant while attending the University of Virginia’s College at Wise. EXIT Counseling is designed to assist students with understanding their rights and responsibilities that applies to their loan or Federal TEACH Grant award.
Please note: Students who do not complete EXIT Counseling will have their official transcript and diploma placed on hold until this requirement is completed. After EXIT Counseling has been completed, the exit counseling hold will be removed from the student’s record.
When To Complete Exit Counseling
A student must complete EXIT Counseling upon:
- Withdrawing
- Dropping below half-time enrollment
- Graduating from their program of study at UVA Wise
Graduating students, TEACH Grant recipients, students who withdraw, and students who drop below half-time enrollment will receive an EXIT Counseling requirement notice via email for Federal Direct loans.
Federal Direct loan borrowers will receive repayment information directly from their Loan Servicer during their 6 month grace period.
