Application Instructions
If you’re borrowing money for the time at SFCC, follow the steps below to complete your loan application. If you have transfer credits that you believe make you a second-year student, you must complete our second-year certification form instead.
Step 1: Complete Financial Aid Loan Request form
New to award year 2026-2027: Federal Direct Loan funding will not be initially awarded; you must complete a Financial Aid Loan Request form to be awarded eligible loan aid.
Step 2: Entrance Counseling
Since this is your first time receiving a Direct Loan, the Federal Government requires you to complete entrance counseling. This process helps to ensure that you understand the responsibilities and obligations you assume by taking out a loan.
Step 3: Master Promissory Note
The subsidized/unsubsidized Master Promissory Note (MPN) is a legal document in which you promise to repay your federal student loans and any accrued interest and fees to your lender or loan holder.
Note: There are two MPN forms. One for student loans and a different one for Parent (PLUS) loans. If you’re looking for the Parent (PLUS) MPN form, visit our PLUS Loan page.
You will need:
- Your Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID that you used to complete your FAFSA.
- Federal PIN number.
- Complete address and phone numbers of two references.
Master Promissory Note (MPN) Directions
To complete the Master Promissory Note (MPN), which contains the terms and conditions for your loan, follow the directions listed below. Print this document and follow the detailed directions. (below is the “+” information for this section)
Step 1
- Visit studentaid.gov/mpn
- Click on "Log in to start” button on the “I’m an Undergraduate Student” section. Complete new MPN"
- Click on the "Subsidized/Unsubsidized" bullet. Click "Continue" Review and correct (if applicable) your contact information on screen
- Read and click on "Proceed to eMPN Login" click on “Continue”
Step 2
- Enter SSN and first two letters of your last name
- Enter your date of birth, PIN number, and click "Submit"
Step 3
- Check box "I agree to use an electronic PIN..." click "Continue"
Step 4
- Enter borrower information and Washington State, click "Continue"
- Select school carefully by scrolling down the list selecting from the associated schools list or “Search for a school”. Press “+ Add” click "Continue"
- Click "Continue" or modify information as needed
Step 5
- Type in all borrower information and reference information
- Review to make sure all information is complete. Click "Continue"
Step 6
- Review “Agreements” as you scroll down. Modify if needed
- Check box "I have reviewed..." Click "Continue"
- Complete for the review as you scroll process clicking “Continue” for the next four pages
Step 7
- Modify if needed or click "Submit Signature"
Step 8
- Review and click "Continue" or edit as necessary
- Review “Promises” information. Check box to certify “Signature”
- Enter your information in the “Sign and Submit” section. Click “Submit”
- Wait for Promissory Note to open
- It may be minimized to the bottom of screen if it does not open automatically
- Once it is open, scroll down and review
- Write down your 3-digit MPN Confirmation Code
- Print MPN here if you want a copy
- Click the button at the bottom to close the window
Step 9
- Enter your 3-digit MPN code. Click "Continue"
- Click "Submit Note". Click "Done" (end MPN directions)
Step 4: Exit Counseling
The Department of Education requires that you complete ‘exit counseling’ to reinforce the details of your loan and your commitment to repay, post completing your schooling and/or attending at least half time (6 or more credits).
What Can I Expect After My Application is Complete?
When your loan application is completed, the Financial Aid Office will process your loan request. If approved, you will receive a revised Financial Aid Notification containing the loan amount.
- This information can also be found in your ctcLink Student Center.
- Your student loans are entered in 'Offered' status. You must log in to your ctcLink Student Center to accept or decline them. The amount of loans you accept will be added to your overall loan indebtedness under your current Master Promissory Note (your agreement to repay).
- By accepting loan disbursements, you acknowledge understanding and receipt of loan money.
Your Direct Loan Servicer will send you a disclosure that includes the disbursement dates.
- In most cases, loan proceeds are disbursed by the quarter; the total loan amount is divided into equal disbursements.
- First time borrowers in their first quarter of their program will experience a 30-day delay before their first disbursement. This will be for loan funds only and does not include grants.
One-quarter-only loans will be disbursed in two parts; the second half at mid-quarter.