JASMINE THOMPSON
thompsonjm2@lopers.unk.edu

If you’re a senior like me, you’ve signed on for loans to cover tuition and fees for four years now. But, do you know who they’re through or next steps after graduation? I decided to take the initiative to find out for myself and fellow graduating seniors this spring.

First step to finding out how much you owe in student loans is by visiting www.mygreatlakes.org. Once there, you will need to create an account. Make sure you use a username and password you will remember, you also need to create a four-digit pin number. I suggest using your debit card pin, since it’s something you won’t forget. Or maybe the last four digits of your phone number.

And if you haven’t already memorized your social security number, I suggest you start now. Since most adults can recite it off the top of their heads it’s time you do too, plus you’ll need it to finish your new account process on the Great Lakes site. 

Once logged in, there will be a landing page which six squares providing different buttons and information regarding your loan debt. You can manage your payments if you’re interested in making payments now or you can view the repayment planner, which will provide you with information regarding your anticipated graduation date and when Great Lakes expects you to start paying up.

If you’re graduating in May and have had assistance paying for college through loans, it is recommended that you figure out where they came from now. Most UNK students who have loans are under Great Lakes and they have a great system to help you stay on top of them. Don’t worry about having the monthly payment ready at the beginning of June, because Great Lakes provides you with a six-month grace period after graduation.

This is great considering most of us will be working on finding our first adult job outside of school. Great Lakes gives you time and peace knowing you can save up before cashing out.