Federal Grad PLUS Loan

 

The Grad PLUS Loan (GPLUS) is available to credit-worthy students enrolled at least half-time in a graduate or professional program (students enrolled in the School of Education credential program are ineligible). The loan program is not dependent on income and assets and allows students to borrow the difference between the cost of education and the financial assistance they are scheduled to receive.

It is recommended that students fully exhaust all of their lower interest Federal Direct Stafford Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans before applying for any credit-based loans such as the GradPLUS Loan.

Applying for a Grad PLUS Loan

Step 1: Read the facts to the right for information on accounting for the mandatory federal fees. When you have decided you wish to apply for the PLUS Loan, and know how much you wish to borrow, please login to http://studentloans.gov and choose "Graduate/Professional Students". Then, select "Apply for a PLUS loan".

*To meet the credit worthiness requirements, an applicant cannot be 90 days or more delinquent on the repayment of any debt, the subject of a default determination, bankruptcy discharge, foreclosure, repossession, tax lien, wage garnishment or write off of a Title IV debt during the last five years.

Step 2: Complete your federally required Entrance Counseling for the Grad PLUS Loan by logging into the student portal at studentloans.gov and choosing "Complete Entrance Counseling."

If you obtain an endorser on the loan, or successfully appeal, you will also need to complete the PLUS Counseling.

(Don't Stop Here! Proceed to Step 3 below.)

Step 3: After completion of your entrance counseling, while still on the studentloans.gov website, choose the option to complete PLUS Master Promissory Note which will take you through the credit check process and subsequent signing of your Master Promissory Note (MPN).

*Please Note: When arriving at the Federal Student Aid website, you will be prompted to login with your FSA ID Username and Password. The FSA ID has replaced what was previously the PIN number and you will need to create an FSA ID if you have not done so already.