Entrance and Exit Counseling and Promissory Note - We Will Assist You!

Before starting college, don’t forget to do your homework on education loans. Blue Ridge CTC helps qualified students complete the Entrance Counseling, Exit Counseling, and Promissory Note process, a federal requirement for all loan applicants.

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Entrance And Exit Counseling & Promissory Note

Entrance Counseling

Entrance Counseling is a federal requirement for all Direct Stafford Loan recipients. The funds for your loan will not be disbursed until you have completed the counseling. Entrance Counseling provides you with information about:

  • Your rights and responsibilities as a borrower
  • Interest rates, expenses, repayment plans, and other important details about borrowing
  • Who to contact with questions

To Complete Your Online Entrance Counseling:

  • Go to https://studentaid.gov/
  • Under “Complete Aid Process” select “Complete Entrance Counseling.” (Note: You will need your FSA User ID and Password to access the Master Promissory Note. 
  • Begin the Quiz. (Please read very carefully. You will not be able to go to the next step until the current page has been completed)
  • At the end of the quiz, read your rights and responsibilities and click “Submit”.
  • Click “Print this Page” to print your confirmation page then click “EXIT”. Your confirmation will be electronically submitted to our office by the federal government.

When you graduate or withdraw and become less than a half-time student (half time = 6 credit hours) you will be required to complete Exit Counseling, also located on https://studentaid.gov.

Your confirmation will be electronically submitted to our office within 1-2 business days by the federal government.


Master Promissory Note

The Master Promissory Note (MPN) is a legal document in which you promise to repay your loan(s) and any accrued interest and fees to the U.S. Dept. of Education. It also explains the terms and conditions of your loan(s); for instance, it will include information on how interest is calculated and what deferment and cancellation provisions are available to you.

How to Sign your Master Promissory Note:

  • Go to https://studentaid.gov/
  • Under “Complete Aid Process” select “Complete Master Promissory Note.” 
  • Sign in using the requested information
  • You will be required to provide current contact information for yourself and two references who do not live in your residence. (Complete Address, City, State, Zip, Phone Number, and Email)
  • Please read the complete MPN before you submit, it is a binding contract in which you agree to all terms and conditions of repayment and use of funds.

Exit Counseling

Exit Counseling is a requirement that is established after you go below half-time status (6 credits). As soon as you go below half-time status, you enter a six month grace period, as applicable. If you have not re-enrolled in classes for at least half-time at the end of your grace period, you will become responsible to begin repayment on your Direct Stafford Loans. Exit Counseling provides you with information about:

  • Reminding you of your rights and responsibilities as a borrower of student loans
  • Budgeting tips
  • Repayment plan options

To Complete Your Exit Counseling:

  • Go to https://studentaid.gov/
  • Select “Log In” 
  • Select “Complete Loan Counseling”
  • Select “Start” next to “Exit Counseling”
  • Add Blue Ridge as a school to notify on the left-hand side. Make sure to select “Notify This School” – it will show Blue Ridge Community and Technical College on the right hand side after you have selected it properly. (hint: once the school is listed at the top you should click “continue”)
  • Begin the counseling session. It is important to note there are 5 steps. You must answer questions on each page before moving on.
  • After submitting your Exit Counseling, Blue Ridge CTC will be electronically notified within 1-2 business days. If there is an Exit Counseling hold on your account, it will be removed after we have received electronic confirmation of the completion.

***If there are unsatisfied requirements showing on your BRIDGE account, please follow the steps necessary in order to receive your financial aid. If this information is not completed and received, your financial aid will not be processed.


How to Complete Exit Counseling
Grace Counseling Outreach and Default Prevention Outreach

You are not alone when it comes to student loans. Blue Ridge Community and Technical College has partnered with Inceptia, a division of National Student Loan Program (NSLP), to provide you with FREE assistance on your Federal student loan obligations to ensure successful, and comfortable, loan repayment. Inceptia’s friendly customer representatives may reach out to you during your grace period to answer questions you have about your loan obligation and/or repayment options. They may also contact you if your loan(s) become delinquent. Inceptia is not a collection agency. We’ve partnered with them to help you explore a wide variety of possibilities such as alternative repayment plans, deferment, consolidation, discharge, forgiveness, and forbearance options. Inceptia will stay in touch with you via phone calls, letters, and/or emails to help you find answers to your questions and solutions to your issues.

For additional resources including information on repayment options, please visit Inceptia’s Federal Student Loan Overview website at Inceptia.org/FAQ.

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