Graduate PLUS Loans

Loan basics

Loan criteria

PLUS loans are available if you are a graduate and professional student. Regardless of the borrower, the terms of the loan are the same.

Graduate and professional students must complete the following documents:

• Apply for student financial assistance with the university and meet the required eligibility requirements, 
• Complete the Grad PLUS Origination Form for the appropriate academic year,
• Complete both a master promissory note and entrance counseling session.

Loan interest information

Interest on these loans accrues from the moment of disbursement and throughout the entire life of the loan. The loan origination fee will be deducted from your disbursements by the government before the funds are issued.

Amount you can borrow

The Federal Direct PLUS loan is a non-need-based loan that requires a credit check. The annual loan limit is your cost of attendance minus any other aid they are receiving. There is no aggregate cap on this loan program.

Repaying your loan

• Repayment begins six months following your graduation/dropping below half-time enrollment. However, you have the option of deferring repayment while you are enrolled as at least a half-time student.
• During the deferment period, no payment will be due.
• After the deferment period expires, you have a 10-year standard repayment term, with the option of extension in the cases of financial hardship or large loan balance.
• These loans also allow for specific deferments, or time periods when the lender will temporarily suspend all collection activity on your loan.
• If you require a temporary postponement or partial reduction in monthly payment and are not eligible for a deferment, you may request a forbearance.