Supporting Statement

Information Collection for the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program

Federal Direct Stafford/Ford Loan and Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford/Ford Loan Master 

Promissory Note

OMB No. 1845-0007

A. Justification 

1. Explain the circumstances that make the collection of information necessary. Identify any legal or 

administrative requirements that necessitate the collection. Attach a copy of the appropriate section 

of each statute and regulation mandating or authorizing the collection of information.

Section 455(i) of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (the HEA) requires the U.S. Department 

of Education (the Department) to develop, print, and distribute a standard promissory note to schools 

that participate in the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program. Since the 1999-2000 

program year, the standard promissory note for Federal Direct Stafford/Ford (Direct Subsidized) Loans 

and Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford/Ford (Direct Unsubsidized) Loans has been the Master 

Promissory Note (MPN) that was developed by the Department in accordance with §432(m)(1)(D) of 

the HEA. The Direct Loan Program regulations require a borrower to complete an MPN before receiving 

a Direct Subsidized or Direct Unsubsidized loan (see 34 CFR 685.201(a)(2)).

The Department is requesting a revision of the currently approved collection. The proposed changes 

include the following:

 Updating information about the interest rate for Direct PLUS Loans to reflect recent 

changes made by the Bipartisan Student Loan Certainty Act of 2013.

 Adding information about the time limit on eligibility for Direct Subsidized Loans that was 

included as part of the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (Public Law 112-

141).

 Adding information about the new Pay As You Earn repayment plan that was established by 

final regulations published on November 1, 2012 (77 FR 66088).

 Expanding the descriptions of the Income-Based and Income-Contingent repayment plans 

to provide more detailed information about these plans.

 Removing information about the no-longer-available up-front interest rebate repayment 

incentive.

 Replacing the single “Repaying Your Loans Chart” at the end of the Borrower’s Rights and 

Responsibilities Statement that accompanies the MPN with four separate charts. The single 

chart in the currently approved forms covers only the Standard, Graduated, Extended, and 

Income-Contingent repayment plans, and for the Extended plan it provides sample payment 

amounts only for the Extended-Fixed payment option. The proposed revised MPN will 

include a single chart covering the Standard, Graduated, and Extended plans, with sample 

payment amounts for both the Extended-Fixed and Extended-Graduated payment options, 

plus three new charts that provide sample payment amounts for the Income-Based, Pay As 

You Earn, and Income-Contingent repayment plans.
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1845-0007

 In various places, revising language to present information more clearly and concisely.

2. Indicate how, by whom, and for what purpose the information is to be used. Except for a new 

collection, indicate the actual use the agency has made of the information received from the current 

collection.

The Department will continue to use the information collected on the MPN to process and service 

Direct Subsidized and Direct Unsubsidized loans made to student borrowers. The MPN serves as the 

borrower’s legally binding promise to repay all loan amounts disbursed under the MPN.

3. Describe whether, and to what extent, the collection of information involves the use of 

automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or forms of 

information technology, e.g. permitting electronic submission of responses, and the basis for the 

decision of adopting this means of collection. Also describe any consideration given to using 

technology to reduce burden.

The Department makes maximum use of available information technology to process MPNs. Schools 

electronically receive data provided by the student on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid 

(FAFSA) and create loan records based on the FAFSA data and additional data provided by the school. 

This process allows most of the information requested in Section A of the MPN (Borrower Information) 

to be preprinted, thus reducing burden on borrowers.

Beginning with loans made during the 2001-2002 program year, the Department has offered borrowers 

the option of completing the MPN through an entirely electronic process, using a personal identification 

number (PIN) provided by the Department. The Department will continue to offer this option with the 

revised MPN. The electronic process uses an HTML (hypertext markup language) version of the paper 

MPN and stores the HTML version as the authoritative copy of the MPN. The text and data elements on 

the HTML version are identical to the text and data elements on the paper MPN.

Since the introduction of the electronic MPN option, the percentage of MPNs that are completed 

electronically has steadily increased. Currently, approximately 98% of Direct Loan MPNs are completed 

electronically.

4. Describe efforts to identify duplication. Show specifically why any similar information already 

available cannot be used or modified for use for the purposes described in Item 2 above.

Except as explained in Item 3, above, there is no information available from other sources that can be 

used for the purposes described in Item 2.

5. If the collection of information impacts small businesses or other small entities (Item 8b of IC Data 

Part 2), describe any methods used to minimize burden.

No small businesses are affected by this information collection.

6. Describe the consequences to Federal program or policy activities if the collection is not conducted 

or is conducted less frequently, as well as any technical or legal obstacles to reducing burden.

Without this collection of information, borrowers would not be able to receive Direct Subsidized or 

Direct Unsubsidized loans. The MPN minimizes the frequency of data collection by allowing a borrower 

who has completed an initial MPN to receive subsequent loans for up to 10 years without signing 
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1845-0007

another MPN, if the borrower is attending a school that is authorized to make multiple loans under the 

MPN and chooses to do so. The MPN also reduces burden for borrowers attending schools that are not 

authorized to use the multi-year feature of the MPN (or that choose not to do so), since they may 

receive subsequent loans during the same academic year without having to sign a new MPN.

7. Explain any special circumstances that would cause an information collection to be conducted in a 

manner:

 requiring respondents to report information to the agency more often than quarterly;

 requiring respondents to prepare a written response to a collection of information in fewer 

than 30 days after receipt of it;

 requiring respondents to submit more than an original and two copies of any document;

 requiring respondents to retain records, other than health, medical, government contract, 

grant-in-aid, or tax records for more than three years;

 in connection with a statistical survey, that is not designed to produce valid and reliable 

results than can be generalized to the universe of study;

 requiring the use of a statistical data classification that has not been reviewed and approved 

by OMB;

 that includes a pledge of confidentiality that is not supported by authority established in 

statute or regulation, that is not supported by disclosure and data security policies that are 

consistent with the pledge, or that unnecessarily impedes sharing of data with other agencies 

for compatible confidential use; or

 requiring respondents to submit proprietary trade secrets, or other confidential information 

unless the agency can demonstrate that it has instituted procedures to protect the 

information’s confidentiality to the extent permitted by law.

This information collection does not involve any of the conditions listed in 5 CFR 1320.5(d)(2).

8. If applicable, provide a copy and identify the date and page number of publication in the Federal 

Register of the agency’s notice, required by 5 CFR 1320.8(d), soliciting comments on the information 

collection prior to submission to OMB. Summarize public comments received in response to that 

notice and describe actions taken by the agency in response to these comments. Specifically address 

comments received on cost and hour burden.

Describe efforts to consult with persons outside the agency to obtain their views on the availability of 

data, frequency of collection, the clarity of instruction and record keeping, disclosure, or reporting 

format (if any), and on the data elements to be recorded, disclosed, or reported.

Consultation with representatives of those from whom information is to be obtained or those who 

must compile records should occur at least once every 3 years – even if the collection of information 

activity is the same as in prior periods. There may be circumstances that may preclude consultation 

in a specific situation. These circumstances should be explained.

The Department consulted with schools and other members of the financial aid community in 

developing the original MPN and improving the MPN. 

On August 22, 2013 a notice was published in the Federal Register (78 FR 52169) soliciting comments on 

the revised MPN. The Department received no public comments. However, we have made a number of 

changes to the MPN in response to internal reviews of the MPN by the Department’s federal loan 
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1845-0007

servicers and other Department offices. These are minor changes to wording and formatting for greater 

clarity. We have made no substantive changes to the text of the MPN was posted for public comment 

during the 60-day comment period, nor have we added any new data elements or modified existing 

data elements.

9. Explain any decision to provide any payment or gift to respondents, other than remuneration of 

contractors or grantees.

No payments or gifts will be provided to respondents.

10. Describe any assurance of confidentiality provided to respondents and the basis for the assurance 

in statute, regulation, or agency policy.

The MPN includes a Privacy Act Notice that (1) informs the borrower of the statutory authority for the 

information collection, (2) explains that disclosure of the information is voluntary, but is required in 

order to determine the borrower’s eligibility to receive a loan, and (3) identifies the third parties to 

whom the information may be disclosed, and explains the circumstances under which such disclosures 

may occur.

11. Provide additional justification for any questions of a sensitive nature, such as sexual behavior 

and attitudes, religious beliefs, and other matters that are commonly considered private. The 

justification should include the reasons why the agency considers the questions necessary, the 

specific uses to be made of the information, the explanation to be given to persons from whom the 

information is requested, and any steps to be taken to obtain their consent.

The MPN does not require a borrower to provide any information that would be considered sensitive.

12. Provide estimates of the hour burden of the collection of information. The statement should :

 Indicate the number of respondents, frequency of response, annual hour burden, and an 

explanation of how the burden was estimated. Unless directed to do so, agencies should 

not conduct special surveys to obtain information on which to base hour burden 

estimates. Consultation with a sample (fewer than 10) of potential respondents is 

desirable. If the hour burden on respondents is expected to vary widely because of 

differences in activity, size, or complexity, show the range of estimated hour burden, and 

explain the reasons for the variance. Generally, estimates should not include burden 

hours for customary and usual business practices.

 If this request for approval covers more than one form, provide separate hour burden 

estimates for each form and aggregate the hour burdens in item 16 of IC Data Part 1.

 Provide estimates of annualized cost to respondents of the hour burdens for collections of 

information, identifying and using appropriate wage rate categories. The cost of 

contracting out or paying outside parties for information collection activities should not 

be included here. Instead, this cost should be included in Item 14.

The Department estimates the total annual number of respondents for this information collection to be 

5,207,137. The estimated time required to complete an MPN is 0.5 hours (30 minutes). Based on one 

response per respondent, this equates to a total estimated annual reporting burden of 2,603,569 hours.
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1845-0007

13. Provide an estimate of the total annual cost burden to respondents or record keepers resulting 

from the collection of information. (Do not include the cost of any hour burden shown in Items 12 

and 14.)

 The cost estimate should be split into two components: (a) a total capital and start-up cost 

component (annualized over its expected useful life); and (b) a total operation and 

maintenance and purchase of services component. The estimates should take into account 

costs associated with generating, maintaining, and disclosing or providing the information. 

Include descriptions of methods used to estimate major cost factors including system and 

technology acquisition, expected useful life of capital equipment, the discount rate(s), and the 

time period over which costs will be incurred. Capital and start-up costs include, among other 

items, preparations for collecting information such as purchasing computers and software; 

monitoring, sampling, drilling and testing equipment; and acquiring and maintaining record 

storage facilities.

 If cost estimates are expected to vary widely, agencies should present ranges of cost burdens 

and explain the reasons for the variance. The cost of contracting out information collection 

services should be a part of this cost burden estimate. In developing cost burden estimates, 

agencies may consult with a sample of respondents (fewer than 10), utilize the 60-day preOMB submission public comment process and use existing economic or regulatory impact 

analysis associated with the rulemaking containing the information collection, as appropriate.

 Generally, estimates should not include purchases of equipment or services, or portions 

thereof, made: (1) prior to October 1, 1995, (2) to achieve regulatory compliance with 

requirements not associated with the information collection, (3) for reasons other than to 

provide information or keep records for the government, or (4) as part of customary and usual 

business or private practices.

Total Annualized Capital/Startup Cost:

Total Annual Costs (O&M):

______

Total Annualized Costs Requested:

There are no annual capital/startup costs to respondents, nor are there any annual costs to respondents

associated with operating or maintaining systems or purchasing services.

The total annual estimated cost burden for this collection is $47,906.00. This estimate was calculated by 

multiplying the estimated number of respondents who do not complete an electronic MPN (104,143) by 

the cost of postage required to return the paper MPN ($0.46). Borrowers who complete the MPN 

electronically incur no postage costs. They may, however, incur minimal costs imposed by Internet 

providers for Internet access. The Department expects that in most cases, any Internet access fees 

charged to borrowers for the time required to complete an MPN electronically would be less than the 

cost of postage.

14. Provide estimates of annualized cost to the Federal government. Also, provide a description of 

the method used to estimate cost, which should include quantification of hours, operational expenses 

(such as equipment, overhead, printing, and support staff), and any other expense that would not 

have been incurred without this collection of information. Agencies also may aggregate cost 

estimates from Items 12, 13, and 14 in a single table.
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1845-0007

The total estimated annual cost to the Federal government for this information collection is $28,172.00. 

This represents costs associated with printing and distributing the paper versions of the MPN. It is not 

possible to provide annualized costs associated with the implementation of the electronic version of the 

MPN. The terms of the Department’s contract with the entity that is responsible for performing this

function (and other functions) does not provide for itemization of costs associated with specific 

functions.

15. Explain the reasons for any program changes or adjustments to #16f of the IC Data Part 1 Form.

The Department is reporting a decrease of 15,970 hours due to a decrease in the number of 

respondents since the previous submission. The previous submission for this collection reported an 

increase in the number of respondents as a result of the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act 

of 2010 (Public Law 111-152), which terminated the authority of lenders to make new FFEL Program 

loans effective July 1, 2010. As a result, all new subsidized/unsubsidized loans made on or after July 1, 

2010 have been made through the Direct Loan Program, and this resulted in an initial increase in the 

number of respondents completing the MPN. However, because in general a borrower only needs to 

complete an MPN once to receive Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans for up to 10 

years, there has been a decrease in the number of respondents since the previous submission.

16. For collections of information whose results will be published, outline plans for tabulation and 

publication. Address any complex analytical techniques that will be used. Provide the time schedule 

for the entire project, including beginning and ending dates of the collection of information, 

completion of report, publication dates, and other actions.

The results of this information collection will not be published.

17. If seeking approval to not display the expiration date for OMB approval of the information 

collection, explain the reasons that display would be inappropriate.

The Department is not seeking this approval.

18. Explain each exception to the certification statement identified in the Certification of Paperwork 

Reduction Act.

The Department is not requesting any exceptions to the “Certification for Paperwork Reduction Act 

Submissions” of OMB Form 83-I.