Entrance counseling will include:

• Information regarding the seriousness and importance of the loan repayment obligation. Although the lender may send payment coupons or billing statements as a convenience to the borrower not receiving these items does not relieve the borrower of his or her obligation to make payments. Additionally, the loan must be repaid even if the borrower does not finish the program, can not obtain employment after graduating, or is dissatisfied with the school’s programs or other services.
• The need-based and non-need-based stat and local aid programs, school aid programs, and other private aid programs that are available.
• A description of the consequences of default, including adverse credit reports, federal offset, and litigation. In addition, charges may be imposed for delinquency or default, such as the lender’s or guarantor’s collection expenses (including attorney fees). A defaulter is no longer eligible for any deferment provisions, even if he or she would otherwise qualify.
• An explanation of the Master Promissory Note (MPN).
• A sample monthly repayment schedule.
• A review of the terms and conditions of the loan.
• Information regarding the student’s obligation to keep the lender informed about address changes, changes in enrollment (such as graduating, changing schools, dropping below half-time, or withdrawing from school), changes in name, or in Social Security Number.
• A review of deferments, forbearance, and cancellation options.
• A review of borrower’s rights and responsibilities.
• Information regarding the importance of keeping loan records.

Exit counseling will include::

• A review from entrance counseling, such as the consequences of default and the importance of the repayment obligation, the use of the MPN, and the obligation to repay even if the borrower does not finish the program, can not obtain employment after graduating, or is dissatisfied with the school’s programs or other services.
• An average anticipated monthly repayment amount, including a sample loan repayment schedule based on the borrower’s total indebtedness.
• A reminder that the lender is not required to send the repayment schedule until the grace period.
• A review of repayment options, such as the standard, extended, graduated, and income-contingent/income-sensitive plans and information on the pro’s and con’s of loan consolidation.
• A discussion of debt management strategies.
• A review of deferments, forbearance, and cancellation options.
• Information on the availability of loan information on the National Student Loan Database System and the availability of the FSA Ombudsman’s Office.
• A review of borrower rights and responsibilities.
• A review of the borrower’s personal and contact information to ensure that it is up-to-date.

Expression College for Digital Arts awards students the maximum allowed by federal regulations. If your award does not cover your entire tuition balance you can either:

• Pay the difference prior to the first day of classes.
• Apply for a private educational loan. A credit check is required. Applying with a cosigner is often necessary and can result in a lower interest rate on the loan. There is one educational loan that Ex'pression works with:
  

• Sallie Mae Smart Option Student Loan
  URL: http://www.salliemae.com
  Phone: 800.695.3317

In order to be considered an independent student you must answer "Yes" to at least one of the seven questions below (asked in Step 3 of the FAFSA):

• 1) Will you be 24 years old by December 31st of the current academic year?
• 2) Will you be working on a master's program during the current academic year?
• 3) As of today, are you married? "Yes" if you are separated but not divorced)
• 4) Do you have children who receive more than half of their support from you?
• 5) Do you have dependents (other than your children or spouse) who live with you and who receive more than half their support from you, now and through the end of the current academic year?
• 6) Are you an orphan or ward of the court or were you a ward of the court until age 18?
• 7) Are you a veteran of the U.S. armed forces?

The following must be in your financial aid file to consider it complete:

• FAFSA or Renewal Application
• Financial Aid forms packet
• Entrance counseling forms (First-time borrowers at Expression)
• Signed promissory notes (Stafford and PLUS Loans)
• Signed awards letter
• PLUS information sheet (PLUS loan borrowers only)

If the Department of Education selects your application for verification you must also have:

• Completed Verification Worksheet
• Copies of your Federal tax return from last year
• Copies of your parent's Federal tax return from last year (dependent students)

You can send all other financial aid documents to:

Expression College for Digital Arts
Attn: Financial Aid Office
6601 Shellmound Street
Emeryville, CA 94608

If you have any further questions about financial aid you can email us at: .