Federal Student Aid - How to Apply
Applications will be accepted from 1 June 2024 onwards for the 2024/25 academic year. We advise that you submit all your documents by mid-August.
See the steps below for the 2023/24 U.S. Student Loan; this will be updated in late May 2024.
Please note that all applicants must complete Steps 1 - 4. PLUS Loan applicants must complete Steps 1 - 6.
How to Apply - Evidence Required
Step 1 - Submit your FAFSA; No evidence required
Step 2 – Download and complete the Cost of Attendance (COA) form suitable for you and the Federal Student Loan Request form (SLRF).
Step 3 - PDF copy of Master Promissory Note (MPN) for Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loans
Step 4 - Screenshot of completed Entrance Counselling
Step 5 - PDF copy Master Promissory Note (MPN) for PLUS Loans
Step 6 - PDF copy of PLUS Loan application letter confirming successful Credit Check
To apply, please send evidence of all relevant steps to student.funding@cssd.ac.uk with ‘USL Your Name’ in the Subject line.
Applications cannot be processed without evidence being received of all relevant steps being completed.
If you have any problems completing any of the steps, please email us with a description of the issue.
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Step 1 - Submit your FAFSA
Submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). THE FAFSA is a U.S. Department of Education form that determines your eligibility for Federal Student Aid. Central’s code is G10089.
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Step 2 - Cost of Attendance (COA) and Student Loan Request Form (SLRF)
The sample COA contains calculations which determine your total loan request amount.
COST AMOUNT Tuition Fees Up to £24,000 for undergraduates; Up to £27,500 for postgraduates Maintenance (living expenses, transportation, etc.) Up to £15,000 for 9-month course; Up to £19,000 for 12-month course
Return flights £1100 x3 £3600 Visa £490*** Immigration Health Charge (£470 per year)* £1410*** Computer and study materials £1500 Additional living expenses £3000 Total (based on an exchange rate of exchange
rate £1 to $1.30)
£49,060 ($63,778) for undergraduates or £56,050 ($72,865) postgraduates Plus Loan Fees (approximation) $1450 Approximate total maximum amount borrowable $65,228 for undergraduates or $74,315 for postgraduates Download the relevant Cost of Attendance (COA) spreadsheet and SLRF by clicking on the links below
The estimated maximum Cost of Attendance (CoA) is re-calculated in the spring of each year. There are different COAs for students on different programmes. Click here for 2023/24 tuition fees. Central strongly encourage students to compare this to their expected outgoings before deciding how much to borrow. If you are able to secure less expensive accommodation or flights, or have access to scholarship funds or savings, etc. you can reduce the amount you borrow.
* Student visa holders are required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS fee) as part of the visa application process. For further information please visit our Visas & immigration webpage. ** Cost of an Annual Student Oyster travel card with a Student Oyster Card.
*** One-off costs can only be included in year 1, therefore continuing students will have a lower COA.
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Step 3 - Complete your MPN
Complete your Master Promissory Note (MPN) for Subsidised/Unsubsidised Loans.
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. Department of Education. It also explains the terms and conditions of your loan(s).
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Step 4 - Complete Entrance Counselling
Entrance Counselling aims to educate you about how the loan process works, managing your education expenses and your rights and responsibilities as a borrower.
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Step 5 - Complete your PLUS Loan application and MPN
Complete PLUS Loan application and Master Promissory Note (MPN) for PLUS Loans (Only required if borrowing a PLUS Loan).
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. Department of Education. It also explains the terms and conditions of your loan(s).
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Step 6 - Submit your PLUS Loan application credit check
Complete Credit Check (Only required if borrowing a PLUS Loan).
PLUS Loan applications are dependent on successfully passing a Credit Check.
Contact student.funding@cssd.ac.uk for more information.