Steps to Follow for the Federal Direct Loan Program
In order to borrow funds to attend SCC you will need to complete the following steps.
Student Aid Steps
If you are a first-time borrower through SCC, you will need to complete the following steps. Otherwise, jump to Self-Service Steps.
- Go to studentaid.gov
- Log in with your FSA ID Username and Password
- From the menu on the top of the screen, hover over Loans and Grants.
- Click on Loan Entrance Counseling
- Start under "I am an Undergraduate Student"
- Once you complete the Counseling, hover over Loan and Grants again
- Click on Master Promissory Note (MPN)
- Start under "I am an Undergraduate Student"
Self-Service Steps
- Go to MyPath and login
- Select Student Self-Service
- From the home screen, click on Financial Aid
- Ensure that the aid year says 2023-2024 (if it doesn't, click on change)
- Select Accept/Decline from the menu on the left side of the screen
- Review the amount you want to borrow
- Keep in mind that the amount you accept will be divided between the Fall and Spring semesters.
- Select Edit (A), and then under Award Decision, select Accept or Decline (B)
- To reduce the loan, select Accept (B)/Reduce (C)/Enter new amount (D)
- Submit
More Information
Know your annual limits* and plan ahead:
| Grade Level | Dependency Status | Subsidized Limit | Unsubsidized Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freshman | Dependent | $3,500 | $2,000 |
| Freshman | Independent | $3,500 | $6,000 |
| Sophomore** | Dependent | $4,500 | $2,000 |
| Sophomore** | Independent | $4,500 | $6,000 |
*Annual limits are affected by your EFC, budget, etc.
**You become a Sophomore student not on your second year but after you have successfully
completed 30 credit hours.
Know your lifetime limits towards an Undergraduate degree (that includes a Bachelor degree):
| Dependency Status | Subsidized Maximum | Total Loans |
|---|---|---|
| Dependent | $23,000 | $31,000 |
| Independent | $23,000 | $57,500 |
Keep track of your debt and avoid defaulting on your loans. The consequences of
defaulting may impact your finances, damage your credit rating, affect your ability
to buy/sell assets, cause withholds on your Federal tax refunds, wages garnished,
cause additional cost charges due to the collection process, etc. Always reach out
to your Loan Servicer for help on an affordable repayment option.
It is important to understand your Student Loans. For detailed information concerning Federal Student Loans, go to Types of Financial Aid.
