Important Consideration before applying:
The Federal Direct Grad PLUS Loan program is one of many credit-based educational loan choices for graduate study. You are encouraged to compare the interest rates, credit check requirements, deferment options, terms, and repayment of PLUS Loans with those of private/alternative loans.
The credit check for the PLUS Loan will not be as stringent as that of most private/alternative loans, which often look at debt-to-income ratio. Grad PLUS Loans can be consolidated with other Federal Direct Loans (subsidized/unsubsidized), which allows students to have only one payment after graduation (private/alternative loans cannot be consolidated with federal loans). Interest rates tend to be lower than many private/alternative loans. The Grad PLUS Loan has different requirements regarding deferment during regular and summer terms.
Application Process:
- File a FAFSA and meet all eligibility requirements.
- Review your financial aid offers in Campus Connect. We encourage you to accept the full amount of your Direct Unsubsidized Loan before requesting a PLUS loan because the interest rate will be lower.
- Complete the online Grad PLUS application in Campus Connect: Financial Aid tile > View My Financial Aid > Select the aid year > Accept/Decline Awards > Grad PLUS Online Application.
- Students may borrow up to the full cost of attendance, minus any other financial aid.