Know what to expect from your financial aid if you take time away or finish your degree.
Whether you’re planning to take a leave of absence from Occidental or preparing for graduation, it’s important to understand how these changes affect your financial aid and student loan responsibilities. This page outlines what happens to your aid while you're away, how to reapply when you return, and the exit counseling steps needed to manage your loans after graduation.
Taking a Leave of Absence
If you take a leave of absence or withdraw from Occidental, the Office of Financial Aid will be notified automatically by the Registrar. Your financial aid file will be placed on hold until your return.
Reapplying for Aid After a Leave
To receive aid when you return, you must reapply for financial aid by March 2 of the academic year in which you plan to enroll. Example: If you plan to return for the 2026–27 academic year, submit your financial aid application by March 2, 2026.
Student Loans During a Leave
If you received student loans while enrolled, Occidental is required to notify the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) that you are no longer enrolled. Unless you enroll at another college at least half-time (6 units), your loans will enter repayment status during your time away. Even if your leave is temporary, you are responsible for any required payments while you’re not enrolled.
Required Exit Counseling
Federal law requires that you complete exit counseling when you leave school. If you have multiple types of loans, you may need to complete counseling for each program:
Federal Direct Loans (Subsidized/Unsubsidized):
Complete exit counseling at studentaid.gov.
Occidental Low Interest or No Interest Loans:
Counseling is provided through Occidental’s Student Business Services Office.
You must complete your exit counseling to avoid a hold on your academic records (including transcripts).
After You Graduate
As you prepare to graduate from Occidental, you’ll need to complete financial aid requirements that support your successful transition into repayment.
Student Loan Exit Counseling
All borrowers must complete exit counseling to review repayment terms and loan responsibilities. You’ll need to complete separate sessions for different types of loans.
Federal Direct Loans
Serviced by the U.S. Department of Education, these loans are managed by third-party servicers. Common servicers include:
Don’t remember your servicer? Log into your account on studentaid.gov account or call (800) 433-3243.
Perkins, Occidental Low Interest, and No Interest Loans
Repayment for these loans is managed by Occidental’s Student Business Services Office in partnership with Heartland ECSI.