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Federal Graduate Plus Loans

To be eligible, a graduate student must:

  • Be admitted into a graduate degree-seeking program
  • Be registered at least half-time (5 credits)
  • For the 2024-2025 academic year:  Complete a 2024-2025 FAFSA application
  • Not be in default on any federal student loans
  • Not be in overpayment of any type of federal aid
  • Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress
  • Pass a credit check run by the Department of Education

Fees and Interest Rate Information:

  • Interest rates for Direct Loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2024, and before July 1, 2025 is 9.08%.
  • Loan fees are deducted proportionately from each loan disbursement, so the amount you receive is less than the amount you accept.The fee amount for the Federal Graduate PLUS Loans first disbursed between October 1, 2020 and before October 1, 2024 is 4.228%.
  • For additional information regarding loan fees and interest rates, please go to studentaid.gov.

To apply for the Federal Graduate PLUS Loan:

  • Fill out the Federal PLUS Loan Application at studentaid.gov.
  • First-time borrowers or those requiring an endorser must complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN) at studentaid.gov.
  • First-time borrowers must complete a Graduate Entrance Counseling session at studentaid.gov.

APPLY FOR A federal GRADUATE PLUS LOAN


Options if the Federal Graduate PLUS Loan credit check is denied:

  • The borrower can apply for the loan with an endorser (credit-worthy co-signer). The U.S. Department of Education will send you instructions on how to apply with an endorser.
  • Appeal to the U.S. Department of Education if there are extenuating circumstances. The U.S. Department of Education will send you instructions on how to appeal the credit denial.

Borrowers with an adverse credit history, including those who are initially denied and then approved on appeal or with an endorser:

  • Must complete a “PLUS Counseling” session before funds can be disbursed to the tuition account. This is separate from the Entrance Counseling requirement for all first-time Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized and/or Graduate PLUS Loan borrowers.
  • PLUS Counseling is valid for 180 days

Repayment of Federal Graduate PLUS Loans:

  • This is a loan that must be repaid, including any interest accrued. 
  • Interest begins to accrue after the first disbursement of the loan
  • Repayment begins 6 months after you drop below half-time enrollment
  • The Department of Education is the lender, but payment will be made to a servicer appointed by the Department.
  • Loan history and servicer contact information is found by logging into studentaid.gov.
  • Information on repayment plans, consolidation, deferment, and loan simulation, etc. is found at studentaid.ed.gov.

If you do not wish to apply online for the Federal Graduate PLUS Loan, please contact our office at (801) 581-6211 for information

Last Updated: 8/15/24