Entrance Counselling
All students who take out Direct Loans must complete entrance counselling (opens in new window) as part of the loan application process to ensure that you understand the responsibilities and the terms and conditions of your loan.
You'll need your PIN - the same one you used for your FAFSA. Please complete the Entrance Counselling relevant to your situation (undergraduate or postgraduate). The Undergraduate counselling includes information about Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized loans. The Postgraduate counselling includes information about Direct Unsubsidized and PLUS loans.
Save your counselling confirmation for your records. If we have an issue viewing the confirmation on the US Federal systems we may ask you to email us a copy.
We will not be able to proceed with your loan assessment until we have a copy of the counselling confirmation.
Exit Counselling
In accordance with US Department of Education regulations, you must complete exit counselling (opens in new window) before you graduate, drop below half-time attendance, or withdraw/ suspend or complete your studies. This is a condition of your loan terms. The counselling session will help you understand your rights and responsibilities as a student loan borrower and provide useful tips and information to help you manage your loans.
We will prompt you to complete your exit counselling just before your final loan disbursement is scheduled for payment.
You'll need your PIN - the same one you used for your FAFSA and it will take you approximately 30 minutes.
Please notify the US Financial Aid Office (usaloans@abdn.ac.uk) that you have completed the counselling so we can close your file. We can then obtain a report that shows that you have met the US Department of Education's requirements.