How to Apply for a Sallie Mae Student Loan: A Step-by-Step Guide

Applying for a Sallie Mae student loan takes less than 10 minutes. We recommend applying for loans prior to starting your program but you can still apply once you've started if needed. The online application walks you through six straightforward sections: Personal Info, Loan Info, Add Cosigner, Finalize, and Submit. This guide explains exactly what to expect at each step — and what to have ready before you start.

Before You Begin: What You'll Need

Gather these items before starting your application so you can move through it without stopping:

Tip: You can save your progress at any point and return later — Sallie Mae will send you a text with a link to pick up where you left off.

Step 1: Intro — Get Oriented

When you land on the Sallie Mae application, you'll see three tabs at the top:

• Apply — Start your application here.
• Prep — Reviews everything you'll need before you begin (the list above).
• FAQs — Answers common questions like why Sallie Mae asks for personal info, who can be a cosigner, and whether you can save and come back.

Click "Get started" (or "All set, let's do this!") to begin. If you already have an account, you can log in to continue a previous application.

Step 2: Personal Info — Tell Us About You

This section has two parts.

Part A: Who's Applying?

First, select your role:

• Student — You're attending school or plan to soon.
• Cosigner — You're sharing financial responsibility with a student.

Then confirm whether you have a Social Security Number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

Part B: Your Details

Next, fill in your basic information:

• First name, middle initial (optional), last name, suffix (optional)
• Email address
• Phone number (must be a U.S. number)

Then provide your citizenship status (U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident Alien, or Non-U.S. Citizen), followed by:

• Date of birth
• Social Security or Administrative ID number (entered twice to verify)
• Home address (street address, city, state, ZIP)

Why does Sallie Mae need this? Federal law requires lenders to verify your identity when you apply for a loan. This includes your name, address, and date of birth. Sallie Mae may also request a copy of your driver's license or other ID.

Click Continue when your personal info is complete.

Step 3: Loan Info — Tell Us About Your Studies

This section figures out the right loan for you based on your program type and how much you need to borrow.

Part A: What Program Are You In?
Choose the option that matches your situation:

After selecting your program type, you'll choose your specific degree and enter your school's state and name. Our school is listed under TEACHNOW INC

For Certificate applicants the degree should be Certificate.

For Master's applicants the degree should be Master's.

The specialty for both will be Education.

Part B: How Much Do You Want to Borrow?

You'll enter:

1. Academic period — Should align as closely as possible to your start and end dates of the program.

2. Start date, end date, and expected graduation date

3. Cost of Attendance (COA) — Sallie Mae may pre-fill an estimate based on your school. You can adjust it. This should reflect the cost of your tuition or less.

4. Financial aid amount — Moreland University does not accept financial aid for our programs.

Sallie Mae then calculates your financial need (COA minus financial aid) and suggests that as your loan amount. You can use that figure or enter your own.

Click Continue to move on.

Step 4: Add Cosigner — Should You Apply With Someone Else?

A cosigner is an adult (often a parent, guardian, relative, or trusted friend) who agrees to share financial responsibility for the loan. Nearly 90% of approved undergraduate borrowers applied with a cosigner.

Why add a cosigner?

• May increase your chances of approval

• Can help you get a lower interest rate

• Required if you haven't had enough time to build your own credit history

Who qualifies as a cosigner?

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. Permanent Resident Alien

• Must be of legal age (majority) in their state

Your Options:

• Yes, I'll apply with a cosigner

  • After you select this, choose how Sallie Mae will send your cosigner their access code so they can complete their portion:

  • Email the code to you (default)

  • Text the code to your phone

  • Email your cosigner directly

  • Your cosigner can complete their part while with you, or do it later once they receive the code.

• No, I'll apply individually

  • You can proceed without a cosigner. Just know that a strong credit history makes approval more likely.

  • Click Continue when done.

Step 5: Finalize — A Few Last Details

Almost there. This section has two parts.

Part A: Employment Information

Provide your current employment status and total annual income. Options include: Employed, Self-employed, Retired, Not currently employed, and others.

• Your total annual income should include earnings from:

• Your most recent W-2(s)

• Social Security and investments

• Annuity, pension, interest, dividends

• Rental income, workers' compensation, public assistance

• Separate maintenance income and tips

Note: You are not required to include alimony, child support, or separate maintenance income if you don't want it considered.

Also provide your work phone number (must be a U.S. number).

Part B: Review Your Application

Before submitting, Sallie Mae shows you a full summary of everything you've entered:

• Your personal info (name, email, phone, SSN, address, employment status)

• Your loan info (program, academic period, loan amount, cosigner selection)

• Your school info (school name, major, academic year)

Everything is editable — look for the "edit" or "make changes" links next to each section. Review carefully, then click Continue.

Step 6: Submit — Read, Agree, and Submit

You're at the finish line. This step requires you to review and agree to three documents before submitting.

Documents You'll Review:

1. Electronic Delivery Consent: Agrees to receive communications electronically (rather than by mail). Read it, then proceed.

2. Loan Application and Solicitation Disclosure: A federal document providing basic information about the loan — including rates, fees, and loan cost examples based on the Smart Option Student Loan. You can View/Download this document.

3. Privacy Notice: Explains how Sallie Mae uses your personal information. You can View/Download this document.

When You Click "Agree and Submit," You Confirm That:

• The information in your application is true and complete to the best of your knowledge.

• Sallie Mae may obtain your consumer credit report in connection with this application.

• Sallie Mae may release your information to your school.

• Your cosigner will be prompted to complete their portion.

• For payment information, visit www.SallieMae.com/allocation.

You'll also have the option to receive status updates on your application via text/email — just select Yes or No.

Click "Agree and Submit" — and you're done!

What Happens After You Submit?

After you and your cosigner submit, Sallie Mae will review your application and typically provide a credit decision quickly. If approved, you'll find out your interest rate and be able to choose the repayment option that works best for you.

Application Quick Reference

Questions during the application? Use the "Chat With Us" button or click "Call us" at the top of any screen — Sallie Mae's team is available to help. You can also request assistance from your program advisor or admissions representative.