Columbia State Community College participates in the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP) which consists of Federal Stafford Loans that are made through commercial lenders and guaranteed by the federal government. Please review the step-by-step procedures below in order to receive a federal student loan at Columbia State. Be sure to read the information based upon your student status: First-time Borrowers, Returning Borrowers or Graduating/Exiting Students.
First-time Borrowers
If you have not previously attended Columbia State or never completed the Student Stafford Loan process, then you are considered a first-time borrower. The following steps must be completed in-order for the financial aid office to process your request for a student loan. Please keep a copy of your loan request form, entrance counseling confirmation page and master promissory note as a record of completing the student loan process. It will also help you keep track of how much you are borrowing each year and through which lender. The entire process will take approximately 2 weeks. During periods of high volume (Fall & Spring registration) the process will take longer.
Step 1: Complete the Student Stafford Loan Request Form. (2008-2009 form)
Be sure to read the request form. We have provided useful information about the student loan process and your rights/responsibilities as a student borrower. It is important to only borrow what you NEED to cover your educational expenses. If you need help in determining your loan amount, please contact our office.
Step 2: Complete Entrance Loan Counseling
Columbia State's entrance loan counseling is provided by Mapping Your Future. Once you complete the online counseling, we will be notified electronically. Be sure to print your confirmation page and retain it for your records.
Step 3: E-Sign a Master Promissory Note (MPN)
Columbia State utilizes TSAC's Esign process. Be sure to select the same lender on your MPN that you listed on the Student Stafford Loan Request form.
Returning Borrowers
If you have recently borrowed a Student Stafford Loan at Columbia State, then you are considered a returning borrower. A returning borrower should have already completed entrance counseling and signed a master promissory note with their lender. Please keep a copy of your loan request form for your records. The entire process will take approximately 2 weeks. During periods of high volume (Fall & Spring registration) the process will take longer.
Step 1: Complete the Student Stafford Loan Request Form. (2008-2009 form)
Be sure to read the request form. We have provided useful information about the student loan process and your rights/responsibilities as a student borrower. It is important to only borrow what you NEED to cover your educational expenses. If you need help in determining your loan amount, please contact our office.
Graduating/Exiting Student
If you are graduating, exiting/withdrawing or have dropped below half-time (6 credit hours) and while in school received student loan funds at Columbia State Community College, then you are required to complete the Exit Loan Counseling process.
Step 1: Complete Exit Loan Counseling
Columbia State's exit loan counseling is provided by Mapping Your Future. Once you complete the online counseling, we will be notified electronically. Be sure to print your confirmation page and retain it for your records
NOTE: Graduates are required to do exist counseling the semester they are graduating. Borrowers are required to do exit counseling upon withdrawing or dropping below the half-time status (six credit hours).