Student Loan Quick Tips
1. Return Loan Funds if You Don’t Need Them!
If your refund check was higher than you anticipated, or if you wish to return loan funds for any other reason, please contact the FAO to make arrangements. Loan reductions made through the aid office within 120 days of the disbursement date will result in cancellation of interest and loan fees.
2. You Can Request Additional Loan Funds Later…
If you find yourself low on funds and you did not borrow your maximum eligibility, you may submit a request for additional funds during the year. Consider your needs carefully and borrow the minimum amount you need. Also, take this opportunity to check your budget and explore options for minimizing your spending. Please contact the FAO to discuss your loan eligibility and to request a Direct Loan Request Form.
3. Keep Track of Your Loan Data Online:
1. Through the Federal Student Aid website, you may view your federal loan data and use the Financial Aid Counseling Tool, FACT. 
FACT uses your loan information from NSLDS to provide an estimate of your initial monthly payments; repayment plan eligibility; repayment plan cost comparison, including the total interest you would pay based on each plan
2. The National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) is the Department of Education’s central database for student aid. 
You may view and download your federal loan data, including amounts, interest balances, loan status, disbursement and loan servicer contact information.
3. $ALT allows you to keep track of all of your debt in one place to see how your student loans, car payments, credit cards, and other debt impacts your finances. 
You may import your NSLDS report to your $ALT account to view your loan servicer, outstanding balances, interest rates and repayment plan options.
*This article originally appeared in the August 2015 Smart Bucks Newsletter from the Office of Financial Aid
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