Direct Parent PLUS Denial Information

If your parent is denied for a Direct Parent PLUS loan, you have three options that you may pursue.

1.     The student may receive additional Direct Unsubsidized Stafford loan funds. 

To accept their additional Direct Unsubsidized Stafford loans, the student must:

• Email the Financial Aid Office at aid@siena.edu and state you would like to receive additional Direct Unsubsidized Stafford loans funds based on the PLUS denial. 
• Once the Financial Aid Office confirms that your Direct PLUS loan was denied, the loan will be added to your account.

The amount that a student is eligible for in additional Direct Unsubsidized Stafford loan funds is determined by their class year.

• Freshman – Eligible for up to $4,000 in additional funds
• Sophomore- Eligible for up to $4,000 in additional funds
• Junior & Senior – Eligible for up to $5,000 in additional funds

If the student decides to pursue this option, they will not be eligible for a  Direct PLUS loans this school year.

2.     Appeal your credit decision with the U.S. Department of Education if you believe there was an error on your credit report.

You may pursue this option by visiting www.studentloans.gov where you completed your credit check or by calling 1-800-557-7394 (Federal Loan Origination Center) To appeal your credit decision online:

• Login to www.studentloans.gov using the parent borrower’s information (SSN & FAFSA PIN).
• Select the “Appeal Credit Decision” link under the PLUS Process section on the left side menu
• Follow the instructions provided to complete the appeal process. After completing your appeal online, you should receive a call from a representative at the Federal Loan Origination Center within 3 business days to discuss your appeal. If you do not receive a call, you may contact the Federal Loan Origination Center at 1-800-557-7394 to discuss the status of your appeal.

If your appeal is approved, you must submit a Direct Parent PLUS Loan Information Form to the Financial Aid Office so your loan can be processed. This form can be downloaded online at www.siena.edu/financialaid/forms.

3.     Reapply with an endorser (co-signer) at www.studentloans.gov.

To apply for an endorser (co-signer):

• Login to www.studentloans.gov using the borrower’s information (SSN & FAFSA PIN).
• Select the “Endorse PLUS Loan” link under the PLUS Process section on the left side menu
• Follow the instructions provided to complete the endorser process. You will need your Loan Reference Number to complete the endorser process. This number was provided during your orginal credit check. If you do not have your number, you may contact the Federal Loan Origination Center at 1-800-557-7394.

If your loan is approved with an endorser, you must submit a Direct Parent PLUS Loan Information Form to the Financial Aid Office so your loan can be processed. This form can be downloaded online at www.siena.edu/financialaid/forms.