Deferments and NSLDS

If you have taken out Federal student loans before coming to Aberdeen, and if you are taking out loans in the current year, we will automatically update your enrolment details on the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) to ensure that your repayments are deferred. The information we provide is shared with all of the US Department of Education's servicing agents, who are responsible for administering loan repayments. However, it can take time for loan servicers to update their system so please let us know if they ask you for confirmation of your studies.

If you are not taking out loans for your studies while you are here and need a loan deferment for previous loans, you should email the US Loan Administrators (usaloans@abdn.ac.uk) using our encrypted service zendto.abdn.ac.uk giving your Social Security Number (SSN) and we will add your information to the NSLDS database.

We do not normally complete the paper In School Deferment forms for US Federal Loans as they normally use NSLDS for updates. Private loans will normally need a paper In School Deferment form completed. If you need to have a paper form completed, please email it to usaloans@abdn.ac.uk or hand it in to the Infohub when you arrive on campus to be forwarded to us.

Please note that once you have completed your period of registered or supervised study you cease to be enrolled at least half-time with us. The date when your studies end is not the same as the date when you will graduate and receive your degree. If you are a doctoral student and go on to a extension/ writing-up period, you will continue to be classified as enrolled at least half-time and still be able to defer your loans until your expected submission date. Your completion date will be the date that you submit your thesis.

The National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) is the U.S. Department of Education's national database of information about loans and grants awarded to students under Title IV of the Higher Education Act (HEA) of 1965 (US Federal Loans), as amended. NSLDS provides a centralized, integrated view of Title IV loans and grants during their complete life cycle, from aid approval through disbursement, repayment, deferment, delinquency, and closure.

The University is required to confirm enrolment status as follows on the NSLDS system:

• Students studying full-time will be reported as F, or H if studying at least half-time, and will remain eligible to receive Federal US Loans.
• Students who are studying less than half-time will be reported an L and will be ineligible for Federal US Loans and deferred payment status. Students who have completed their studies but are awaiting the outcome of the exam board will be reported as L.
• Students will be reported as G (graduated) once the exam board confirms the student has completed their studies.
• Students who suspend or withdraw from their studies will be reported as W and will be ineligible for US Federal Loans.
• PG Research students who meet the conditions for an approved Leave of Absence will be reported as A and will be ineligible for Federal US Loans during that time, however, your loans will remain as deferred.
• PG Research students are reported as H when they move into an extension period following their supervised studies. Once your thesis is submitted for assessment, you will be reported as L (less than half-time) and are no longer eligible for loans unless major corrections are required following your viva. Once you are reported to Registry as having sustained your PhD, you will be reported as G (graduated).
• If your mode of attendance is reported as less than half-time, withdrawn or graduated, you will no longer be eligible for any in-school deferment requests. Refer to the Repayment terms (opens in new window) of your loans when the status of your studies changes.

Students and parents have access to their own information on StudentAid.gov

Student borrowers can track and manage their federal student loans and grants online. The site provides disbursement amounts, outstanding balances, and status per federal fund type.

Never share your FSA user ID or password with anyone. Like your user ID and password, your FSA User ID or password is private and personal.

• You will need your FSA user ID and password.
• Log on to StudentAid.gov

The NSLDS site does not summarize non-federal debt, such as:

• Non-federal alternative student loans (lent by a bank)
• Unpaid University of Aberdeen student account debt (i.e. outstanding tuition fees or accommodation fees)

• Private alternative student loans lent through a bank: Contact your loan service provider.
• Unpaid University of Aberdeen student account debt: Access your epayments page - www.abdn.ac.uk/epayments