Federal Stafford Loans

Applying for the Loan

1) Accept Your Loan in Axess

• If the loan is included in your award you can accept it in AXESS. Under the Student Center tab, in the Finances section, select "Accept/Decline Awards." You can accept the maximum amount, specify a lower amount, or decline the loan.
• If you do not have the loan included in your award, submit a request to financialaid@stanford.edu.
• If you have not applied for financial aid, complete the Applying for Aid process.

2) Complete Your Master Promissory Note

• If you completed an MPN in a prior year at Stanford you do not need to take any further steps for your loan to be disbursed.
• First-time Stanford borrowers will receive an email from Sallie Mae within three business days of accepting your loan in Axess. If you do not receive an email from Sallie Mae, check for your promissory note at OpenNet. You will be directed to chose a lender, complete the loan counseling requirement, and complete an MPN, review Information for First-Time Stanford Borrowers. Using an electronic signature on the MPN is faster, but you may choose to print and mail a paper note to NELA. For questions about the online application contact NELA at (800)979-4441.

3) Receiving Your Loan Funds

Loans are generally divided evenly over the three quarters of the academic year. If your promissory note is complete, your loan funds will be applied to your University bill a few days prior to the beginning of each quarter. If the quarter has already begun, you can monitor your loan disbursements in AXESS.