If you have any questions about applying for a Direct consolidation loan through the Direct Loan Program, call the Loan Consolidation Center at 800.557.7392. The Center is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (EST). The staff at the center are able to answer your questions about the loan consolidation process or provide you with further assistance.

APPLY OVER THE PHONE if you only have borrowed Direct loans. Call the Loan Consolidation Center at 800.557.7392. (Note that if you entered Hampshire beginning in Fall 1995 or after, your federal student loans have been Direct loans.) Choose the option to speak with a customer service representative (option #4). State that you borrowed Direct loans only and that you want to apply over the phone. You will be asked some basic personal information. A promissory note will then be sent to you to sign. Sign and return the promissory note as soon as possible.

APPLY ONLINE at http://www.loanconsolidation.ed.gov/ (click on Borrower Services). If you have a federal PIN number you are able to sign the promissory note electronically. This is the fastest way to process your Direct consolidation loan. If you do not have a PIN number, you may complete the application online and then print out the promissory note or request to have a promissory note sent to you to sign and return. You may also request a PIN number at this same site.

APPLY USING A PAPER APPLICATION FORM. You may call the Loan Consolidation Center at 800.557.7392 to request a paper application (option #1). You may also print a copy at http://www.loanconsolidation.ed.gov/.

Note that if you have Stafford and/or Perkins loans to consolidate with your Direct loans, or you want to list an ineligible education loan, you need to apply either online or by paper.