Federal Graduate PLUS Loan

Students enrolled at least half time (4.5 credit hours) in a graduate program of study are eligible to borrow a Federal Graduate PLUS loan. The Graduate PLUS loan is a great alternative to private loan borrowing, offering graduate students some loan benefits that private loans may not offer.

**Be sure to factor in the loan origination fee when requesting the loan amount. See link below**

Also – If you request the maximum amount to be processed on the loan request, more than likely it will result in a refund. This can differ from student to student and is based off individual charges, aid, etc.  If you do not need a refund, please only request the gross loan amount needed (You will need to factor in the loan origination fee as stated on below link)

Please click here for current loan interest rates and loan origination fees.

New Grad PLUS Loan borrowers, please complete the following steps:

1. Go to: https://studentaid.gov
2. Log In with FSA ID
3. Click on Graduate/Professional Students
4. Apply for a PLUS Loan (Completion notification will be sent to Financial Aid electronically)
   • Please select the desired loan period.  It will automatically default for the full year (fall/spring) if not changed.
     •  If not completed correctly, you will be asked to complete a new loan application with the correct information.
     • Be sure to also request the correct amount desired depending upon the loan period you are requesting for.  Students are billed per semester.
5. Complete Entrance Counseling (Completion notification will be sent to Financial Aid electronically)
6. Complete Loan Agreement for a PLUS Loan (MPN) (Completion notification will be sent to Financial Aid electronically)

Click here for an additional checklist for endorsed Parent PLUS Loans.

Eligibility is determined by many factors.  It is possible that you can apply for the loan, but not be eligible for the loan.  We will update you once the loan request is sent to us for processing if not eligible.

A credit check is associated with the Graduate PLUS loan application process. The Department of Education will perform the credit check to determine credit status.  If denied due to adverse credit, the Department of Education will give you instructions on how to apply for the loan with an endorser if you are able.  Please visit https://studentaid.gov for additional information on this process.

Returning Grad PLUS Loan borrowers, please complete the following steps:

1. Go to: https://studentaid.gov
2. Log In with FSA ID
3. Click on Graduate/Professional Student
4. Apply for a PLUS Loan (Completion notification will be sent to Financial Aid electronically)
   • Please select the desired loan period.  It will automatically default for the full year (fall/spring) if not changed.
     •  If not completed correctly, you will be asked to complete a new loan application with the correct information.
     • Be sure to also request the correct amount desired depending upon the loan period you are requesting for.  Students are billed per semester.

Click here for an additional checklist for endorsed Parent PLUS Loans.

Eligibility is determined by many factors.  It is possible that you can apply for the loan, but not be eligible for the loan.  We will update you once the loan request is sent to us for processing if not eligible.

A credit check is associated with the Graduate PLUS loan application process. The Department of Education will perform the credit check to determine credit status.  If denied due to adverse credit, the Department of Education will give you instructions on how to apply for the loan with an endorser if you are able.  Please visit https://studentaid.gov for additional information on this process.

Your loan will be placed into deferment while you are enrolled at least half-time and for an additional six months after you cease to be enrolled at least half-time. The interest will accrue on the loan during the deferment. You may choose to pay the accrued interest or allow the interest to capitalize when the deferment period ends. Your loan servicer will notify you when your first payment is due. Loan servicer information can be found online: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/repayment/servicers

For a loan repayment calculator, click here.