When I try to register for a User ID, I get a message saying that the information I have entered doesn’t match ASA’s records. What does this mean?

This message means one of two things. Either you have an existing ASA Direct Registration ID and Password on file or the name, social security number, or date of birth you entered when creating a new registration did not match the information from a previous loan you have with ASA.

First, if you think you may have used ASA Direct before, click on the “Forgot my User ID/Password” link on the main login page. Enter your Social Security Number and date of birth. If the system has an ASA Direct registration on file for you, the next screen will prompt you for the answer to your secret question and will give you the chance to reset your password.

If you know you have never used ASA Direct before, try registering again and be careful when entering your first name, date of birth, and social security number. If you continue to receive this message, contact a loan information associate at 800.999.9080 for further assistance.

I don’t see the loan(s) my school said they had started for me. Where do I access this information?

When you first log in to ASA Direct, all of your past and present loans on file with ASA will be displayed in the center of the page. Loans that have been certified (or approved) by your school will be located under the heading “School Certified Loans”

Each of your loans and their basic information will be listed there. Look to the “Status Information and Action” section of each loan to see what you need to do, if anything, in order to bring it to completion. If, for instance, you need to update your MPN, a link will appear in this section reading “Please click here to update your MPN.”

What is an MPN and why do I need to update it in order to sign it?

If your school tells you to go to ASA Direct to update or Electronically Sign (“e-Sign”) your MPN, there is information missing that only you can provide (such as your driver’s license number or the names of two references that must be included on the MPN).

What is e-Sign? What am I signing?

e-Sign is short for “Electronic Signature”, and is a means ASA provides its borrowers for signing the Master Promissory Note (or MPN) online. Your Master Promissory Note is a promise you make as the borrower to pay back your loan. Each student loan must have a master promissory note associated with it. As it can be inconvenient and time consuming to fill out a paper MPN, sign it, and mail it back to your school or lender, the e-Sign process allows you to read the document online and “sign” it online. For more information on e-Sign, see the All About e-Sign section of this site.

I know I have to complete Entrance Counseling before I can apply for my loan or e-Sign my Master Promissory Note. What should I do?

Contact your school’s Financial Aid Office to ensure that you have completed all necessary entrance counseling and that you are ready to apply for your loan or sign your MPN.

I’m trying to apply for a loan, and when I select my school a message appears that says that my school doesn’t “participate?” What does this mean and what can I do?

This message indicates that your school does not wish for its students to apply online for the type of loan you are attempting to apply for. Please contact your school’s financial aid office to ensure that you are following the proper protocol for requesting a loan.

Who can apply for a Grad PLUS Loan?

Graduate and professional-degree students enrolled at least half time in eligible programs can apply for Grad PLUS loans.

How do I see my previous loans guaranteed by ASA?

All past loans that you have taken out where ASA was the guarantor will appear on the first page you see when you log in. They will be listed in chronological order, from newest to oldest.

If I start applying for a loan and have to end my session in the middle of doing so, what will happen to the information I’ve already entered?

For security reasons, and in order to keep you from creating duplicate loans, your loan information will only be saved once you have reached the end of the loan application process, before you e-Sign your MPN. ASA will not retain any of the loan information you entered prior to clicking “Save” after the review page.