Federal Direct Stafford Loans: Entrance Counseling, Master Promissory Note, and Exit Counseling

Entrance Counseling
The U.S. Department of Education requires first-time borrowers in the Federal Direct Stafford Loan Program to complete an online loan entrance counseling session before loan funds will be credited to your account.

The session provides you with useful tips and tools to develop a budget for managing educational expenses and understand loan responsibilities.

The session takes 20 to 30 minutes to complete.

Start your online loan counseling session now.

AOL Users: You may experience a problem completing entrance counseling on the Web if you have AOL as your service provider. Those with AOL can still complete entrance counseling online by visiting any of the Ball State computer labs or visit our office located in Lucina Hall, room 245.

Master Promissory Note (MPN)
Federal regulations require that first-time Direct Loan borrowers complete an online Master Promissory Note (MPN).  Loan proceeds will not be disbursed until the loan counseling requirement has been met.

If you have borrowed previously, but are a new borrower with the Direct Loans Program, you must also complete an MPN.

Complete your MPN now.

Exit Counseling
If you received money in the Federal Direct Stafford Loan Program while pursuing your degree or if you are leaving the university before completing your degree, you must complete an online exit counseling session upon your departure from Ball State.

The session is to help you understand your rights and responsibilities as a borrower.

The online session will takes just 20 to 30 minutes to complete.

Start your online exit counseling session now.

Learn more
For additional information about exit counseling, go to the Exit Counseling Guide for Direct Loan Borrowers PDF provided by the U.S. Department of Education.