Responsible Borrowing

Completing a Responsible Borrowing Session

If you've borrowed more than $15,500 as a dependent student or $28,000 as an independent student in Federal Direct Loans you'll need to complete a Responsible Borrowing Session each year you continue borrowing from the Federal Direct Loan program.

We'll notify you via your Hawkeye email and your Financial Aid Self-Service if you need to complete a Responsible Borrowing Session.

What’s Involved in the Responsible Borrowing Session?

This session includes activities to help you manage your student loan debt, minimize borrowing, and access tools for finding your Loan Servicer information and total loan balance.

To complete your Responsible Borrowing Session:

1. Watch these short videos:

   • Your Guide to Student Repayment Plans: Learn about repayment options, selecting a plan, and the role of loan servicers.
   • Responsible Borrowing: Understand responsible borrowing, loan repayment, and how to weigh the costs of college against potential income after graduation.

2. Complete the Borrowing Worksheet:

   • If borrowing for Fall 2024, Spring 2025, and/or Summer 2025 complete the 2024–2025 Responsible Borrowing Worksheet [PDF]
   • If borrowing for Fall 2025, Spring 2026, and/or Summer 2026 complete the 2025–2026 Responsible Borrowing Worksheet [PDF]

3. Submit Your Documents: Return your completed worksheet along with any additional printouts requested during the session to the Financial Aid office.