Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is the data I send over the Internet secure?
2. Which Web browser should I use?
3. What is the recommended connection speed?
4. What do I need before I begin?
5. What is e-signature and how does it work?
6. What happens once I apply for a Federal Stafford Loan?
7. What happens once I apply for a Federal PLUS Loan?
8. Do I need to apply for my federal loan and my private loan separately?
9. What if my school participates in the federal direct lending program?
10. What does the message "Contact your financial aid office" or "Not available" mean?

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Before you begin your application, be prepared with the following information:

• The beginning and ending dates of the student's enrollment period,
• The student's anticipated graduation date
• The student's enrollment status (i.e., at least half time or less than half time)
• The name of the student's school and program of study,
• Driver's license number
• The loan amount you are requesting
• The name, addresses, and phone numbers of two references at different U.S. addresses
• If you are applying for a residency loan, you will also need the date your residency ends

To e-sign your Federal Stafford or PLUS Loan application, you will also need your FSA PIN and your My Account login and password.
Get your FSA PIN.

E-signature is a secure, electronic process you can use to sign your loan applications. If you choose to e-sign, you will not have to sign and return a paper copy of your application. This can speed up processing time, and you may receive your disbursement quicker.

You can e-sign Federal Stafford and PLUS Loans.

You must be registered for and signed into My Account to e-sign your loans.

Only complete applications may be e-signed; you will not be able to e-sign your application until all missing data has been provided.

To e-sign Federal Stafford and PLUS Loans:
You will need your Federal Student Aid (FSA) PIN. This is the same PIN you use to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). During the e-signature process, you will be redirected to the Student Authentication Network – a secure Web site that will verify your identity using your FSA PIN. Get your FSA PIN.

If you choose NOT to e-sign:
If you choose not to e-sign at the end of the online application process, if you apply over the phone, or if your school initiates your application, you may return later to e-sign. To do so, log into My Account. You will be able to access applications and e-sign through My Account.

You will be given the opportunity to print, sign, and return a paper copy of your application at the end of the online application process. If you choose not to e-sign or print your application, Access Group will print your application and mail it to you for review and signature. You will receive a letter with your application that explains your options to e-sign or to sign and return your paper application.

After you submit your online application, you will receive an e-mail confirming that we have received your application.

Once we receive your signed and dated application, and your school has certified your loan request, processing is generally completed within 4 to 6 business days. The funds will be scheduled for disbursement based on dates established by your school. When you finish your application, you will be informed as to whether you need to download and print a Master Promissory Note (MPN) form or if we have one on file for you already.

If this is your first time borrowing the Federal Stafford Loan through Access Group, or if your school requires you to sign a new Federal Stafford Loan Master Promissory Note (MPN) every year, you will be able to e-sign your application or download and print your MPN when you finish applying. This is the fastest method of getting your loan processed with Access Group. If you choose to e-sign, you will need your FSA PIN. If you choose to download and print your MPN, you should sign and date it, and then return it according to the instructions provided. Note: This is a PDF file. You must have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed to read/print this file.

If you have already borrowed a Federal Stafford Loan through Access Group, you probably already have a Federal Stafford Loan - Master Promissory Note (MPN) on file. If your school does not require you to complete a new MPN with each loan request, you will not need to e-sign or sign any papers when you finish. Access Group will simply send a request to your school to certify your loan request.

If you apply for a Federal PLUS Loan, we will check your application for credit worthiness while you apply. In most cases by the time you reach the end of your application, we will be able to tell you if your loan has been approved or if an endorser is required.

If your loan is approved, you will be given the option to e-sign at the end of the application process. If this is your first time borrowing the Federal PLUS Loan through Access Group, or if your school requires you to sign a new Federal PLUS Loan Master Promissory Note (PLUS MPN) every year, you will be able to e-sign your application or download and print your PLUS MPN when you finish applying. This is the fastest method of getting your loan processed with Access Group. If you choose to e-sign, you will need your FSA PIN. If you choose to download and print your PLUS MPN, you should sign and date it, and then return it according to the instructions provided. Note: This is a PDF file. You must have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed to read/print this file.

If you have already borrowed a Federal PLUS Loan through Access Group, you probably already have a Federal PLUS Loan - Master Promissory Note (PLUS MPN) on file. If your school does not require you to complete a new PLUS MPN with each loan request, you will not need to esign or sign any papers when you finish. Access Group will simply send a request to your school to certify your loan request.

If you are required to apply with an endorser, we will mail an endorser application to you. If you choose not to e-sign, your PLUS MPN will also be mailed to you at this time.

Once we receive your signed and dated application, and your school has certified your loan request, processing is generally completed within 4 to 6 business days. The funds will be scheduled for disbursement based on dates established by your school. When you finish your application, you will be informed as to whether you need to download and print a Master Promissory Note (PLUS MPN) form or if we have one on file for you already.

Note: Missing data items from your application (e.g., your driver's license number or references) will delay the application process. Please return your preprinted application, complete with signatures, as soon as possible to avoid delays in the application process.

Yes. Federal applications can be submitted via paper, web, or phone at 800-282-1550.

To apply for Access Group private student loans in association with CampusDoor, call 866-930-1543 or apply online.

This message can mean one of the following things:

• The school you indicated has requested that students not use Easy Loan Application to apply
• The school you indicated participates in the Federal Direct Lending program and you are therefore not eligible for Federal Stafford Loans through Access Group
• The academic year beginning and/or ending date is not valid for the loans for which you wish to apply