How Do You Complete Entrance Counseling?
Learn how to complete entrance counseling on StudentAid.gov, who must do it, and why it is different from signing the Master Promissory Note.
To complete entrance counseling, sign in to StudentAid.gov and finish the required counseling module for your federal student-loan type. Entrance counseling teaches borrowing responsibilities before loan disbursement. It is separate from the Master Promissory Note, so completing counseling alone may not finish every loan requirement your school needs.
Entrance counseling versus MPN
Entrance counseling
Explains borrowing responsibilities
Does not sign the loan agreement
Master Promissory Note
Legal promise to repay
Does not replace counseling
School certification
School confirms aid eligibility
May depend on school timeline
Financial aid checklist
Shows all missing tasks
Can include school-specific requirements
Disbursement
Loan funds release process
Can wait on incomplete tasks
Your school may still need time to process completion
StudentAid.gov can record completion, but schools may need time to receive or process the record. Check your financial aid portal if a deadline is close.
Complete counseling
- 1Sign in to StudentAid.gov.
- 2Choose the correct entrance counseling option for your borrower type.
- 3Review loan responsibilities, interest, repayment, and default information.
- 4Finish all required questions or acknowledgments.
- 5Confirm completion and check your school financial aid checklist for remaining tasks.
FAQ
Is entrance counseling the same as the Master Promissory Note?
No. Entrance counseling is a learning module about borrowing responsibilities. The Master Promissory Note is the legal promise to repay the loan.
How long does entrance counseling take?
Federal Student Aid modules commonly take about 20 to 30 minutes, but timing can vary by borrower and school requirements.
Will my school see that I completed entrance counseling?
StudentAid.gov sends completion information, but school processing times vary. Follow up with your financial aid office if a deadline is close.
Sources & method
We reviewed these references while writing this answer. Figures are estimates — confirm safety-critical work with a professional. Last updated June 7, 2026.