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 2023-2024 academic year, please wait until after June 1, 2023 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.

  1. Complete and return the Student Loan Amount Request Form.
  2. You are required to complete Entrance Counseling. You will be required to sign in using your student FSA ID.
  3. All students are required to sign a Federal Master Promissory Note (MPN). 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 2023-2024 academic year, please wait until after June 1, 2023 to complete your application as well as the applicable documents below.

  1. Complete and return the Student Loan Amount Request Form.

Parent Borrowers (a PLUS Loan)

ATTENTION: If you are completing this process for the 2023-2024 academic year, please wait until after July 1, 2023 to complete your application as well as the applicable documents below.

  1. Complete the PLUS Request Process. Sign in with a parent’s FSA ID.
  2. If your loan is approved, sign your Master Promissory Note (MPN) with parent’s FSA ID
  3. Complete and return the PLUS Loan Amount Request Form.
  4. If your PLUS loan is denied, please contact the Office of Financial Aid for additional loan information.

Private Loans

Many banks offer private student loans. Rates and conditions vary, so it is wise to review several banks’ programs. Please contact the lender of your choice for instructions about applying. The Office of Financial Aid will certify the loan and it will be processed upon receipt of the funds. We can only certify loans for the total cost of attendance for the current academic year.

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.

ENTRANCE Counseling is provided online.

Master Promissory Note is provided online.

EXIT Counseling is provided online.

Where To Seek Assistance For Financial Aid  

U.S. Department of Education Ombudsman Office

The Ombudsman Office is a final resource after the individuals look for help through other customer service avenues.  Before contacting the Ombudsman, borrowers concerned about student loans should contact their loan holder or visit the Ombudsman website for further information.  Current students should contact their financial aid office first.  The easiest way to contact the Ombudsman is to file an online assistance request through the Office’s website.  The Federal Student Aid Ombudsman Group is a neutral, informal, and confidential resource to help resolve disputes about federal student aid.

U.S. Department of Education
FSA Ombudsman
830 First Street, NE
Fourth Floor
Washington, DC 20202-5144
Toll Free Phone: 1-877-557-2575