Loan Information and Application

Federal Direct Education Loans

Bennington participates in the Federal Direct student and parent loan programs. See a summary of these programs.

Loan Application Links

The first step for borrowers is filing a FAFSA and other required aid application forms to establish eligibility. Student borrowers and parent borrowers complete nearly all required loan forms online, including:

Completing these online will require a federal (FAFSA) PIN as a signature. Be sure to use Internet Explorer or Firefox as your internet browser.

Other required loan forms:

  • Student Loan Authorization Form
  • Parent or Grad PLUS Loan Authorization Form

Checking Loan Status and Loan History

Federal loan borrowers use the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) website to track loans, from origination through repayment. This Department of Education site displays information on federal loan and grant amounts, outstanding balances, loan statuses, and disbursements. For access, provide a social security number (SSN), the first two digits of the last name, date of birth, and federal (FAFSA) PIN.

If you have questions about you loan history or your rights as a borrower, contact the Financial Aid Office.

Exit Counseling

Loan exit counseling (a FAFSA PIN will be needed for sign-in) is required for students graduating, withdrawing, going on leave, or whose enrollment is dropping below half-time, and who have borrowed:

  • a subsidized or unsubsidized Federal Direct or Federal Stafford Loan;
  • a Federal GradPLUS loan;
  • a Federal TEACH grant

Repaying and Loan Forgiveness

Students graduating, withdrawing, dropping below half-time enrollments, or taking a leave of absence may want to refer to these web resources on loan repayment and forgiveness. Some repayment plans and loan forgiveness plans are available only to borrowers who hold Federal Direct Loans.