Gateway Loan Request Instructions | GCTC

Affording College

Gateway Loan Request Instructions

If you choose to borrow a student loan for the upcoming year, you must request it through your student self-service. There will be a link labeled FA Loan Request. See pictures below. If you decide later you need an additional amount, the Additional Loan Request link is on the Student Center panel.

student self service center link screen shot

As you consider whether to borrow or how much you would like to borrow for the Fall 2023 and Spring 2024, please consider the following facts:

  1. As the name implies, this is a loan that must be repaid. Please consider borrowing only the amount you need to meet your educationally related expenses. The less you borrow while a student, the less you will have to repay when you are no longer in school. You should keep in mind the earning potential for your chosen major. Please note the estimated repayment chart below.

    how much will you really pay each month?

    Federal Direct Loan Repayment
    Amount Borrowed Estimated Monthly Payment at 2.75%
    $5,000 $50
    $10,00 $95
    $15000 $143
    $20,000 $191
    $25,000 $239
    $30,000 $286
    $35,000 $334
    $40,000 $382
    *Information obtained from KHEAA Publication Adults Returning to School 2021

  2. Any amount you borrow will be split evenly between Fall and Spring. If you request $1,000, you will receive $500 less fees in the Fall and $500 less fees in the Spring. Please consider this information as you decide how much to request.
  3. The Loan Request link will allow every student to request up to $10,500. PLEASE NOTE THAT NOT EVERY STUDENT IS ELIGIBLE FOR THIS AMOUNT. The chart below will show you the maximum annual loan amount for students by dependency status and grade level. In addition, a student who is receiving state or federal grants, federal work study, scholarships, third party payments, etc., may receive a lesser amount than the chart indicates. Each student has an estimated Cost of Attendance and his or her total aid cannot exceed that amount.
    Maximum annual loan amount
    Dependency Status Freshman (0-29Hours Earned) Sophomore (30 or more Hours Earned)
    Independent Student $9,500 $10,500
    Dependent Student $5,500 $6,500

Direct Loan information

You have been awarded a Federal Direct Loan. In order to take advantage of this loan, you should follow the instructions below.

Complete the Entrance Interview Online

Be sure to have your US Department of Education FSA ID available

  • Go to https://studentaid.gov/entrance-counseling/
  • Under the Heading “I am an Undergraduate Student” click on Log In To Start.
  • Enter your FSAID and password (the one you used to complete your FAFSA).
  • Verify your personal information.
  • Follow the online instructions.
  • Print the confirmation page for your records.

Steps to Signing Your Master Promissory Note Electronically

Be sure to have your US Department of Education FSA ID available.

  • Log on to: https://studentaid.gov/mpn/
  • Under the tab for “I’m an Undergraduate Student” click on Start.
  • Enter your identifying information.
  • Verify your personal information.
  • Follow the online instructions to successfully complete the eSign process.
  • Print and retain a copy of your MPN for your records.

If you decide to request a Student Loan, you can do this logging on to Student Self-service from Mypath and clicking on the Loan Request link or email us at GW-Fin-AidCommons@kctcs.edu.

Once your response is received, we will know how to act on your application and move forward accordingly.