All students who borrow a federal Stafford loan are required by federal regulation to complete an entrance and exit loan counseling session.

Entrance Counseling

First-time student borrowers must complete Entrance Counseling prior to loan disbursement.  This brief online session explains important information about borrowing student loans and money management during school.  Entrance Counseling may be completed at https://staffordloanguide.usafunds.org/ Once the session is successfully completed, the student receives a confirmation number, and Nellie Mae notifies LSU electronically. 

Exit Counseling

Exit Counseling must be completed when a borrower ceases to be enrolled at least half-time.  The online session explains what the borrower should expect upon entering loan repayment.  LSU notifies students by email when Exit Counseling must be completed.  For most students, this occurs just prior to graduation.  The session may be completed at https://studentloantransitionguide.usafunds.org/