Welcome to Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA). NOVA participates in the Federal Family Educational Stafford Loan Program (FFELP). We are pleased that our partners in this student loan program offer superb borrower benefits. Please read the following information to determine the step you need to take to complete your Stafford loan application.

Lender Selection Statement

Northern Virginia Community College has selected lenders that we are confident provide a high level of service and loan benefits to our student borrowers. Our selection was based on the following considerations: borrower benefits including zero origination and default (guarantee) fees, repayment incentives which reduce the overall loan balance, responsive customer service, and easy to use electronic processes from application to disbursement of funds. Students may choose any lender that participates in the Federal Stafford Loan program and we will accommodate the borrower's choice.

We are confident that our selection of lenders are of the highest quality and reputation and offer outstanding service and loan benefits to our students.

If you wish to select a lender is that does not appear on our selection list, please visit the campus financial aid office. You will receive assistance in completing the application procedures which includes completing a loan promissory note and electronic loan entrance interview.

Federal Stafford Loan (Subsidized and Unsubsidized) Application Instructions

Federal Stafford Loans are available to students who have submitted a FAFSA and in an eligible major. Your must be a U.S. citizen or national, a U.S. permanent resident, or eligible non-citizen. You must be enrolled or plan to enroll at least half-time. You must not be in default on any education loan or owe a refund on an education grant.

• Review your Award Notification. Determine the amount that you want to borrow for the fall and spring semesters based on your educational plans. If you want to borrow more or less than the amount on your award letter, please enter the amount as you complete your online loan application.
• Click on the Register button as a new student and follow the directions to create a new account or click on Log in button using your User ID and password as a prior borrower. Follow all promts as directed.
• IMPORTANT: First-time borrowers need to complete Loan Entrance Counseling as stipulated by Federal regulations) to receive federal loan funds. A break in enrollment 12 months or more months requires complettion of a new eMPN.
• On the OpenNet site, click on the pushbutton Start the Application Process. Note: Returning borrowers will click on the pushbutton Start a Loan. Follow all prompts as directed. Complete all required application information, including 2 adult references and click submit.
• Electronically sign the Master Promissory Note (MPN).
• Once the application is complete, you will navigate to a Final Instructions page which you can print for your records.
• NOVA's College Financial Aid Office will be notified when you have completed the loan application and entrance interview. Please allow time for this to take place. Then, log on to NOVA's Student Information System, NovaConnect, and navigate to Self Service > Student Center > View Financial Aid. Click on the appropriate term to see your 'Anticipated Financial Aid. ' Anticipated Financial Aid that covers your charges in full will hold your classes.

Register/Login