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University Finance and Administration

Exit Counseling

Exit counseling is a loan counseling session that provides loan repayment, grace period, billing options information, and collects updated borrower information. These online sessions inform you, the borrower, of the rights and responsibilities that are rightfully yours as a federal loan recipient. 

Whether you are a graduating senior, moving on to graduate school at Rutgers or another institution, leaving the university, dropping below half-time attendance, or taking a leave of absence, you are required to complete a mandatory exit counseling session for each of the federal loans you received. If you received both a Federal Direct Loan and a Federal Perkins Student Loan, you will be required to complete two separate online exit interviews. 

Penalties

If you do not complete the exit counseling requirement within 30 days of your notification, a hold(s) may be placed on your records. The hold(s) will only be removed upon completion of the exit counseling process. 

If you have already completed your exit counseling and need your hold removed, please contact the exits team (include RUID and type of loan[s]). 

Complete Your Exit Counseling

Have the following documents/information available:

  • Social Security card/number
  • Driver's license
  • Names, addresses, and telephone numbers of three references
  • Heartland Key or Account Number (find this on your disclosure statements or contact Educational Computer Systems Inc. [ECSI])
  • Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID (username and password) 

Accordion Content

  • Step 1: Visit the ECSI website.   

    Step 2: Register and create a new profile.   
    Click here if you need help creating your profile. 

    Step 3: Connect your Rutgers account with your Heartland Key. 

    Step 4: Once you log in, click the tab that says, “View Account.” Then, click the “Documents” tab. You will see a “Review and Sign” tab with an arrow pointing right. Click it. 

    Step 5: Complete exit counseling. 

    Please contact ECSI or call 888-549-3274 for assistance with completing your Perkins Loan exit counseling. 

  • Step 1: Visit the StudentLoans website.   
    This website helps to verify your federal student loan information. It also offers loan verification and shows if you have Direct Loans and/or Perkins Loans. 

    Step 2: Under the Undergraduate Students tab, click "Complete Exit Counseling." 

    Step 3: Log into your account using your FSA ID or email address and password. 

    Step 4: Click the “Start” button to begin exit counseling. 

    Please contact the Student Loan Support Center if you need help with completing your Federal Direct Loan exit counseling. 

Remember to complete both exit counseling sessions if you have both Perkins and Direct Loans.