PLUS Loan application process
PARENTS must complete the application as the Borrower. Credit decisions are good for 180 days. If credit approval has expired, a new PLUS Loan application will be required.
Complete the Parent PLUS Loan application process through Federal Student Aid by following the step-by-step process outlined below.
GRADUATE STUDENTS may apply for the Graduate PLUS Loan in one of two ways:
1: Log into MyAwards and “Accept” the Graduate PLUS Loan to initiate the credit check.
2: Complete the Graduate PLUS Loan application process through Federal Student Aid by following the step-by-step process outlined below.
Credit decisions are good for 180 days. If credit approval has expired, a new PLUS Loan application will be required.
- Log in to the Federal Student Aid portal using your own FSA ID.
- The Federal PIN is no longer used. Students, parents, and borrowers are now required to use an FSA ID, made up of a username and password, to access certain U.S. Department of Education websites.
- Your FSA ID is used to confirm your identity when accessing your financial and loan information and electronically signing your federal student aid documents.
- If you have not yet set up your FSA ID and/or need to replace an existing Federal PIN, please visit the FSA ID website before visiting the Federal Student Aid website.
- Click on the link that reads “Request a Direct PLUS Loan.”
- Read the small print and then click on the "Graduate or Professional Student" or "Parent PLUS” link at the bottom of the page.
- Be sure to select the correct loan period when you complete the PLUS application.
- Full academic year with summer sessions: June 2026 to June 2027
- Full academic year without summer sessions: September 2026 to June 2027
- Summer sessions only: June 2026 to September 2026
- In the Information section:
PARENTS:
- Choose your principal repayment deferment option. It will cost you less overall if you choose not to defer principal repayments.
- Choose the Other Charges option: If you authorize, PLUS funds will be used to pay any existing charges on your student’s account.
- Choose a Credit Balance option. Most parents choose “The Student” because this is the most efficient way to get funds to where they are needed. If you choose “Me,” any refund will be issued via paper check and mailed to you (the parent) at the address on your PLUS application.
GRADUATE STUDENTS:
- Enter a specific amount in the Loan Amount Requested section:
- If you choose to borrow the maximum, the full offered amount in MyAwards will be accepted at the time the application is processed.
- If you do not wish to borrow the maximum, indicate the amount you would like to borrow on the application.
- If you do not indicate the maximum or enter an amount, your application will be delayed.
- If you choose to borrow the maximum, the full offered amount in MyAwards will be accepted at the time the application is processed.
- Continue through the application. You will see your approval status immediately.
- If you are approved, click on the “Complete an MPN” link and follow the directions. Take some time to read all the small print, as it contains important information about interest, fees, your repayment obligation, and your borrower rights.
- If you are not approved, you will be presented with some options:
- Appeal the decision. Decisions may be appealed by calling Applicant Services at (800) 557-7394.
- Secure an endorser. If you have decided to pursue an endorser, the endorser will complete the “Endorse Direct PLUS Loan” section at studentaid.gov. The endorser will need their own federal PIN to sign the endorser addendum.
- Undecided. No action will be taken by the school. Note: If you change your mind about how to proceed after you have submitted your response, please let us know through Contact An Expert. The case you submit should include your name and contact information, as well as your or your student’s name and Student ID number.
Federal loan updates
Learn how the One Big Beautiful Bill, or OBBB, Act affects your federal loan borrowing. Visit Changes to federal student loans.