Federal Student Loan Disbursement
After you've filled out the FAFSA and received your Student Aid Report, the next step is to find out your federal student loans disbursement process. In other words, how will you get your money? On this page, you can find out the disbursement process for each of the federal loans.
Stafford Loans
Your lender will usually give you the money in two installments (one during fall semester and one during winter semester). You must use the money to pay for tuition and fees first. If there's any money left over, your school will credit your account or pay you directly, based on its policy.
PLUS Loans
In most cases, your loan is divided into two installments (each one no greater than half the loan amount). For a Direct PLUS Loan, either the government or your parents' lender will send the money to your school. Your parents may also be required to endorse a disbursement check and return it to the school.
Perkins Loans
In general, you will get your money in two installments during the academic year. Your school will either issue a check or credit your account.
next page
Now that you've read about Federal Student Loan Disbursement, learn about Private Loans in the next section.