Entrance Counseling

Entrance Counseling is designed to inform you of the rights and responsibilities associated with being a student loan borrower. It is a federal requirement that students complete Entrance Counseling before Federal Direct Unsubsidized and Graduate PLUS Loan funds can disburse to their student account. You can complete this requirement electronically at http://www.studentaid.gov/.

If you are also receiving BU need-based loans from Student Financial Services (SFS) for the first time, you are required to meet with a SFS staff member. It is recommended that you complete the federal Entrance Counseling before attending a session.

During your individual or group Entrance Counseling session, you will:

• Be given a Loan Borrowing Summary detailing prior and current education debt, provided on request
• Learn about the terms of the BU loans you were awarded
• Sign your BU promissory note(s) and be given copies for your records, provided on request
• Receive budgeting tips
• Be given the opportunity to ask questions about Direct Loans and BU loans

Further details will be sent to you after the beginning of your first year classes.

Helpful Links:

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Direct Loan Borrower Entrance Counseling Guide

Signing Your Direct Loan Electronic Master Promissory Note

If you would like to sign up for an individual session, please call SFS at (617) 358-6550.

After completing your Entrance Counseling session, it is also a federal requirement that you attend Exit Counseling when you take a leave-of-absence, transfer, withdraw, register less than half time or graduate.  Always inform SFS of any changes to your registration. At that time, you will be advised of all the requirements regarding debt management and repayment.