Augusta Metro Federal Credit Union

Make College a Reality
Get Your Student Loan
from Augusta Metro FCU

You know the value of a college education.

Getting a college degree is a worthwhile goal. College graduates make an average of one million dollars more than those without college degrees (www.studentloanfacts.org). But the cost of a college education can be overwhelming for both students and parents. That's why Augusta Metro Federal Credit Union offers Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP) loans. If you or another family member plans to attend a university, technical college, or any specialized training program, Augusta Metro Federal Credit Union can help you with the funding you need to pursue your dreams.

FFELP offers loans for students and parents.

Stafford Loans

The subsidized Federal Stafford Loan is based on financial need. The government pays the interest while you are in school.
The unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan is not based on need but family income is a determining factor. You pay all the interest, although you can have the payments deferred until after graduation.

PLUS (Parental Loan for Undergraduate Students) Loans

Creditworthy parents of dependent undergraduate students can apply for this loan, which is not based on need.

How to Obtain a Federal Student Loan

1. Complete a FAFSA
Before you begin applying for a Stafford and/or PLUS Loan, you must first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) . It must be completed for each academic year that you request federal aid. FAFSA's for the upcoming academic year are available online ( http://www.fafsa.ed.gov ) on or after January 2. Contact your school for their application deadline.

2. Receive your SAR
Once your FAFSA is processed, a Student Aid Report (SAR) is created. If you completed your FAFSA online, allow 1-2 weeks for you and your school to receive the SAR electronically. Paper FAFSA's take 6-8 weeks to process.

3. Receive your Award Letter
Your school(s) use data from your SAR to determine your financial aid award for the current academic year and send you an award letter by e-mail or US Mail. (If your letter mentions the William D. Ford Direct Lending Program , contact your school for the appropriate promissory note.)

4. Complete a Stafford Master Promissory Note
Complete and print the Stafford Master Promissory Note (MPN) and the Addendum to Stafford MPN to get your loan at Augusta Metro Federal Credit Union. While you must complete the FASFA process to apply for aid each academic year, this Master Promissory Note will be used by the credit union to process all of your loans over multiple academic years at the same school. Be sure to indicate your FULL school name (no abbreviations) and school code (if known), city and state in the upper right-hand corner of the Master Promissory Note. Return it to the address below so we can complete the processing for you.

Augusta Metro Federal Credit Union
Attn: Beth Joyner
PO Box 213089
Augusta, GA 30917-3089

5. If Needed, Complete a PLUS Master Promissory Note
Parents can complete and print the PLUS Loan Master Promissory Note and Addendum to PLUS MPN. The Plus Loan Master Promissory Note will be used for all of your loans over multiple academic years at the same school. Be sure to indicate your child's school name (no abbreviations) and school code (if known), city and state in the upper right hand corner of the Master Promissory Note. Return it to the address below so we can complete the processing for you.

Augusta Metro Federal Credit Union
Attn: Beth Joyner
PO Box 213089
Augusta, GA 30917-3089

6. Your School will Receive the Funds
Both Stafford and PLUS Loans are guaranteed and serviced by Great Lakes Educational Loan Services, Inc. (Great Lakes). When Great Lakes receives the Master Promissory Note from the credit union and School Certification Form from the school indicating the loan amount and disbursement dates, funds will be sent to the school.

7. Access Your Loan Account Online
You can check the status of your loan, view your account information and make payments from your bank account 24/7 at www.mygreatlakes.com . After you log in, choose My Loans, then Internet Borrower Inquiry Service to get started. This site offers a variety of tools for calculating the cost of your loan. It's your resource to forms, a glossary of financial aid terms, contact information, and lots of other information to help you manage your loans.

8. Call These Toll-free Numbers for Loan Inquiries

• Contact BEFORE your loan is disbursed to the school:
Great Lakes Educational Loan Services, Inc. at 1-800-236-6600

• Contact AFTER your loan is disbursed to the school:
Great Lakes Educational Loan Services, Inc. at 1-800-236-4300