If you're about to take out a federal student loan, the federal government requires you to complete Entrance Counseling. The objective of counseling is to help you understand the intricacies of borrowing money and how you can begin to lay the groundwork for a sound financial future. Some schools allow you to complete this counseling online, while others require you to set up an in-person meeting. Check with your financial aid office, and if you can pursue online counseling, start by reviewing the material in the Loan Repayment and Money Management Tips sections. Then, click on Entrance Interview at the top.

When you're ready to leave school, you're required to complete Exit Counseling - another opportunity to make sure you understand the basic principles of repayment and how it can help you build and maintain a good credit history. If your financial aid office allows online counseling, once again review the material in the Loan Repayment and Money Management Tips sections. Then, click on Exit Interview at the top.