Publication Date: June 2, 2008

Bulletin ID: DLB-08-13

Summary: Entrance Counseling for Direct PLUS Loans for Graduate and Professional Student

Dear Direct Loan Colleague:

Final regulations that were published on November 1, 2007 (72 FR 61960) require entrance counseling for first-time graduate and professional student Direct PLUS Loan borrowers. Effective July 1, 2008, schools must ensure that entrance counseling is conducted before making the first disbursement of a Direct PLUS Loan to a graduate or professional student who has not received a prior PLUS loan through the Direct Loan Program or the Federal Family Education Loan Program.

Note: Parent Direct PLUS Loan borrowers do not have to complete entrance counseling. In addition, exit counseling is not required for any Direct PLUS Loan borrower.

The attached document entitled "Direct PLUS Loan Entrance Counseling for Graduate and Professional Students" will assist schools in evaluating the operational impact of the new counseling requirement.

If you have questions about the information contained in this bulletin, please contact the COD School Relations Center at 800/848-0978 or by e-mail at CODSupport@acs-inc.com.

Thank you for your ongoing partnership in the Direct Loan Program.

Sincerely,

William Leith
Acting General Manager, Application, Operations and Delivery Services

Attachments/Enclosures:

Direct PLUS Loan Entrance Counseling for Graduate and Professional Students in PDF Format, 124KB, 4 pages

Posted 06/03/08 to www.NASFAA.org. Please submit Web Site questions or comments to Web@NASFAA.org