Applying for a Loan

The Student Loan Application Process

If you wish to apply for a Stafford Loan, you will need to complete the the Master Promissory Note (initial loans only) and also the Federal Stafford Loan Data Sheet. You can either complete the Loan Data Sheet online (links below) or through the mail. The online process is listed below and is faster. If you choose to complete the process through the mail instead of online, you will need to return the completed Master Promissory Note (MPN) and Loan Data Sheet to the Columbia College Financial Aid Office. (Nationwide/extended campus students: Please return your MPN and Student Loan Data Sheet to your respective campus.)

The Financial Aid Office will then certify your loan eligibility and transmit this information to the guarantor once we receive your information electronically or through the mail. This process begins as soon as your financial aid file is complete.

The loan funds are then sent to Columbia College. All first-time freshman borrowers will receive their first disbursement 30 days after the loan period begins. Columbia College applies the loan funds to your college charges.

If you're eligible and wish to borrow additional loan funds during the same academic year, simply complete a new Student Loan Data Sheet.

Next year you will not need to complete a MPN; you will only need to complete a new Student Loan Data Sheet to apply for all subsequent loans as long as you stay at Columbia College and with the same lender.

Applying Online

You are now ready to apply online for a student or parent loan. Just click on the link below that applies to your situation. If you have any questions, just contact your local Financial Aid Office.