Direct PLUS Loans

What is Direct PLUS Loans?

Direct PLUS Loans are unsubsidized loans for the parents of dependent students and for graduate/professional students. PLUS Loans help pay for education expenses up to the cost of attendance minus all other financial assistance. Interest is charged during all periods.

The school applies PLUS loan funds toward your child's educational costs such as tuition, fees, and room and board.  If any loan funds remain after school charges are paid, you will receive the remaining amount from the school, unless you authorized the school to release the funds to your child. Any funds you or your child receives must be used to pay the child's educational expenses.

Program Requirements

To qualify for this program, you must:
 

A)    Be a parent of a dependent postsecondary student who is working toward a postsecondary degree or certificate; and

B)    Not have an adverse credit history.

 

There are other requirements.  For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid Resources page.

 

Application Details

What is the application process for Direct PLUS Loans?

If your child's school participates in the Direct Loan program, you can obtain a Direct PLUS Loan application from your child's school. To apply for a FFEL PLUS Loan, you can get an application through your child's school, from a lender that participates in the FFEL program, or from the guaranty agency in your state.

Note: Although it's not a requirement, you are strongly encouraged to have your dependent child file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see if he or she may be eligible for other student loans or grants. The student can use FAFSA on the Web, to apply (the faster and easier way), or he or she can get a paper FAFSA from his or her high school, local library, postsecondary school, or by calling the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243). TTY users for the hearing impaired can call 847-688-2567.