3 simple steps to college access

1. Fill out FAFSA – Determine your need for financial aid by filling out and submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is available online at www.fafsa.ed.gov, from our partner - ESF, your high school guidance counselor, your college financial aid office, or at your local library. Filling out the FAFSA online will speed up your loan process. If you need assistance filling out the FAFSA, the counselors at ESF will be happy to assist. You may call ESF toll free at 800.986.4322.
   
   
2. Show Me the Money – A Student Aid Report (SAR) will be sent to you and the colleges you indicate on the FAFSA, and the schools will use these results to determine your financial need. Once you've been accepted for admission and the financial aid office at the school of your choice has determined your financial aid eligibility, you'll receive a financial aid award letter detailing the types of awards for which you are eligible. Student loans may be a part of your award package.
   
   
3. Choose Mechanics Bank/ESF – If you are eligible for and need a Stafford Loan, choose Mechanics Bank/Education Services Foundation. Simply indicate on your award notice or notify your school that you have chosen Mechanics Bank/Education Services Foundation - Lender Code 833575 as your lender.

Each school determines the method by which loans will be processed. You will need to complete a Stafford Loan Master Promissory Note (MPN) which is a legal document that must be signed to obtain a loan. It will include information about your interest rate, deferment and cancellation provisions and other information. It's very important to read and understand this document because by signing it you promise to repay the loan.

If your school directs you to your lender to complete a Stafford Master Promissory Note, you may access our Stafford Master Promissory Note in two ways:

	click here to complete the MPN online.
	click here for a blank MPN which you may print out, complete, sign and mail to us at:

Mechanics Bank/ESF
Student Loan Division
P. O. Drawer 55909
Jackson MS 39296-5909

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