Selecting a Lender
Choosing a student loan lender is an important decision. To assist first-time borrowers in making the decision, we recommend the lenders listed on this page because they have demonstrated their commitment to provide quality service and products to students. If you previously borrowed Stafford Loans, we recommend that you continue to borrow from the same lender in order to manage your student loan debt most efficiently.
 		About our Lender Partners
These are our Lending Partners as selected through a competitive process following a Request For Proposal (RFP) process through the FIU Purchasing and Procurement Office.

We encourage you to research these Lenders when deciding who you will borrow through. The Lenders were selected on the basis of best service in processing, lowest cost and customer service.

If you wish to use a Lender not on our Lending Partner list, through PantherSoft, please complete an Administrative Request with the name of your Lender. In order to expedite the processing of your loan, please request your Lender to submit by mail or by fax a Stafford Loan Certification form to the Financial Aid Office.
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When you are determining your student loan lender, three prominent components will guide your decision: cost, convenience, and service.
  • How much will the loan cost you in terms of interest and fees? How much can you save if you consistently pay promptly?
  • How easy is it for you to apply for the loan or get the information you need when you need it?
  • Can you count on reliable service worthy of your trust and confidence? Does the lender sell your loans or will you be able to contact the same lender from the time you borrow the money until you have made the last payment?

Student loans are meant to help you reach your education goals. Wise decisions about borrowing money and paying it back can help you establish a good credit reputation.
Applying for a Stafford Loan at Florida International University
  • Student completes the FAFSA and submits it to the federal processor (By Internet 2 weeks or paper application 4 weeks to process) www.fafsa.ed.gov
  • Student receives a Student Aid Report (SAR) and all schools listed on the FAFSA receive an Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR) from the federal processor.
  • FIU school code is 009635
  • School uses the ISIR to award the student's financial aid, including Stafford loans (Subsidized and Unsubsidized)
  • Financial Aid Office sends e-mail notifying existing students of financial aid award, including Stafford loans. Students access Panthersoft using Panther ID and Password to access online award by clicking on the “Finances” link, ”View My Financial Aid Award” and selecting the appropriate academic year. New FIU students will receive a letter that provides directions for accessing their online award.
  • To accept or decline your Stafford loans, check the select box under the “Accept” or “Decline” column when viewing your financial aid award online
  • If you are a first time borrower of Stafford Loans (subsidized or unsubsidized) at FIU , you must select a lender, “Lender Selection” and complete the “Entrance Interview Information”. These links can be found below the online awards section. (Your award will not be processed if the required documentation is not completed.)
  • Lender mails Master Promissory Note (MPN) to first time FIU borrowers or student can complete an electronically signed MPN by visiting your lender’s website by clicking on the logo or web address found on this web page.
  • Student completes MPN and returns it to lender or successfully e-signs their MPN online.
  • Financial Aid Office receives disbursement electronically from lender and disburses it to student's account
  • All money owed to FIU is deducted first and the student receives the remainder in a refund check.

Click on the lender logo or web address to research additional information and electronically sign your Stafford Master Promissory Note (MPN).
Lender Code Key Features