How do I get a student loan? Where do I start?

College is a big step in this adventure called life. Right now you likely have more questions than answers. The first step is selecting a school. Visiting college/university websites is a good start.

To view estimated on-campus budgets for dependent students with North Dakota residency at each college, university, and technical school in North Dakota and some schools in Minnesota, Montana, South Dakota, and Wyoming, check out the 2009-10 Regional College Information (PDF 566KB) publication.

Take time to talk to your high school counselor or call North Dakota College Access Network (NDCAN) at 800-554-2717, which is a free service administered by Bank of North Dakota. It doesn’t matter if you are going to college in North Dakota or somewhere else, NDCAN can help you with information on colleges and answer financial aid or student loan questions.

What forms do I fill out?

Apply for admission to your college by completing the admission application form and paying the application fee.

Arrange for housing by completing the on-campus housing application and paying the deposit by the deadline date.

Fill out financial aid forms. Detailed steps are outlined below:

You, the student, should

Register for a Personal Identification Number (PIN) at www.pin.ed.gov so you can sign your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You also may apply for your PIN as you fill out your FAFSA (see #2). Both you and a parent should register for separate PINs.  Go to www.fafsa.gov to access the FAFSA and complete as soon as possible after January 1. Sign online with your PINs. Once the FAFSA is processed, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR). Check for accuracy and make changes if needed.  Accept or decline the financial aid offer you receive through a financial aid award letter that you receive from your school. If you have accepted a student loan as part of your financial aid award, you must complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN). This is your promise to repay the loan. It may be signed online using your PIN.  If you need additional funding to cover school costs, you may apply for a Dakota Education Alternative Loan (DEAL) online at mystudentloanonline.nd.gov. Call NDCAN at 800-554-2717 if you have questions.

The college should:

Electronically receive the results of your FAFSA and determine grant or loan eligibility. Contact you for additional information if needed. Notify you about your financial aid eligibility through a financial aid award letter. Send you a bill listing charges and the financial aid you accepted.

Watch for and meet deadlines on all forms.

Student Loans

Federal and alternative student loans are available to you and your family. Loans must be paid back. To learn more about student loans available to you, visit Loan Types.

Checklist & Tips!

• Select a college or technical school.
  Explore and visit colleges, as many as you can. Decide which school is right for you.
• Check out scholarship opportunities.    
  Ask your high school counselor, college admissions counselor or check school websites for opportunities.
• Learn to manage your money.
  Click the following link for information on financial literacy.
• Apply for admission. 
  Apply to your colleges of choice in the fall of your senior year.
• Apply for financial aid early.
  Complete the FAFSA and tax forms in January of your senior year. Tax information is needed for the FAFSA. Respond to any award letters you receive from your college of choice.
• Apply for housing.
  After being accepted by a school, apply for student housing if you plan to live on campus.
• Keep a file.
  Make copies of your applications, FAFSA, tax records, and other forms, and keep them in a file. You may need them again.
• Questions?
  Call 800-554-2717 or contact us through our Contact Us form for financing options and guidance through the student loan process.