Direct Graduate PLUS Loans

The Federal Direct PLUS Loan for Graduate Students allows students to borrow funds beyond the limits of the Federal Direct Loan Program.

Eligibility

The Grad/PLUS Direct Loan requires that the student borrower:

• Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
• Be enrolled a minimum of half-time status and maintain academic progress.
• Applicants must have their maximum eligibility in the Direct Loan Program before PLUS loan funds are applied
• Complete Entrance Loan Counseling and a Direct PLUS Master Promissory Note (MPN) before receiving funds.

PLUS Credit Counseling is also available to help students and parents understand the obligations associated with borrowing a PLUS loan and assist them in making careful decisions about taking on student loan debt.

PLUS Credit Counseling is required if the U.S. Department of Education has informed you that you have an adverse credit history and you have:

• Obtained an endorser or
• Documented extenuating circumstances to the satisfaction of the U.S. Department of Education

PLUS Credit Counseling can be completed voluntarily at any time. If PLUS Credit Counseling is completed voluntarily and you are determined to have an adverse credit history by the U.S. Department of Education within 30 days of PLUS Credit Counseling completion, your PLUS Credit Counseling requirement will be considered to be fulfilled.

More information about Graduate PLUS loans can be found on the Federal Student Aid website.