Loans

There are many options for funding an education, including federal and alternative loans, and payment plans.

Below you’ll find more information on these options, as well as links for completing the application processes. You should always be sure to take advantage of all your federal options before applying for alternative loans.

Federal Student and Parent Loans

Does your package include a Direct Federal Stafford Loan? If you have never had a Federal Stafford Loan, you can complete the required Entrance Counseling and Master Promissory Note online – your loan cannot be processed until you have completed both of these items. You will need your FSA ID to complete the Federal Direct Stafford Loan.

First-time Federal Perkins and Nursing Loan borrowers need to complete entrance counseling and a master promissory note. Here’s how:

  1. Log on to ECSI’s website.
  2. Provide your Social Security Number, last name, and date of birth.
  3. Provide your FSA ID when requested on the Student Authentication Network page.
  4. Most pages require that you accept the terms by checking a box at the bottom of those pages.
  5. You must provide complete reference information for yourself, next of kin, and two additional references. Failure to complete all lines accurately will keep this loan from disbursing to your account.
  6. PROMISSORY NOTE – Read completely. Electronically sign at the bottom of the promissory note page. The electronic signature includes a check-off box plus your full legal name.

Previous borrowers of the Federal Perkins and Nursing Loans have completed a Master Promissory Note (MPN), which is applicable for all future borrowing.

Direct Federal PLUS Loan parent borrowers may complete the online Master Promissory Note (MPN) here. Note: A denial of the Direct Federal Parent PLUS Loan qualifies a student for additional unsubsidized Stafford Loan funds ($4,000 for first- and second-year students; $5,000 for third- through fifth-year students). The denial must be applied for and received every year before the Stafford funds can be certified.

After exhausting all your federal loan options, you may also apply for a variety of alternative or private student loans to cover costs. Because credit approvals are typically good for 90 days, you should apply no earlier than 90 days prior to the start of the semester. For students who have previously borrowed an alternative student loan, we recommend you renew your application with your current lender. 

Other financing options to cover the cost of attendance include the Tuition Payment Plan.

Your FSA ID can give you access to the National Student Loan Data System, where you can check status of your previous loans.

Alternative or Private Students Loans

Borrowing money to finance your education can be a wise investment in your future. You should always borrow from the federal student loan programs before you apply for alternative or private loans. Federal loans, such as the Direct Federal Stafford or Direct Federal PLUS loans, usually offer lower interest rates and an overall lower cost of borrowing.

Private loans can be used for all education related expenses. You can borrow up to the cost of attendance less any other financial aid. Private loans typically allow students to apply for a loan with a creditworthy cosigner, such as parents or other relative, which can increase a student’s chance of being approved and obtaining a better interest rate.

For more information on private loans and a list of products available in the marketplace today, please visit FinAid.org.

Providing the link for FinAid.org on this site does not imply endorsement. Neither Hartwick College nor any of its employees receive benefits from any of the lenders included on FinAid.org.

Additionally, Hartwick College does not engage in nor support any of the following practices:

  • Revenue-sharing arrangement with any lender;
  • Receiving gifts from any lender, any guarantor, or any loan servicer;
  • Engaging in contracting arrangements providing financial benefits from any lender or affiliate of a lender;
  • Directing borrowers to any particular lenders, or practices related to refusing or delaying loan certifications;
  • Offering any funds for private loans;
  • Providing call center or financial aid office staff assistance to lenders;
  • Providing advisory board compensation.
Back To Top