Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loans

Eligibility

A parent applying for a Federal PLUS loan must be the natural, adoptive, or step-parent of a dependent undergraduate student. Parents must also have an acceptable credit history, or be able to apply with an eligible co-signer.

Students must:

  • Not be in default on a federal student loan;
  • Be maintaining Satisfactory Academic Progress for Financial Aid purposes; and,
  • Be a U.S. Citizen, or eligible non-citizen.
  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA);
  • Complete the verification review process, if required;
  • Be enrolled at least half-time in an eligible program of study;

A credit check will be performed during the application process. If the parent has adverse credit history, he/she may still receive a Direct PLUS Loan by obtaining an endorser who does not have an adverse credit history and completing PLUS Counseling on https://studentaid.gov.

If a parent borrower is unable to secure a PLUS loan, the undergraduate dependent student may be eligible for additional loans. Additional loans awarded due to a PLUS loan credit denial are not guaranteed to replace a PLUS loan award dollar-for-dollar.