Federal Graduate PLUS Loan

The Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan Program is available to graduate students who are enrolled at least half time* in an eligible program. Students must meet all general eligibility requirements for federal student aid and are required to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

*At least half-time enrollment is defined as six to eleven credit hours per semester.

The Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan Program allows students to borrow up to the cost of attendance minus financial aid (including federal Stafford loans).  Loan approval requires a credit check and entrance counseling. The annual interest rate is fixed at 7.90%.

Loan repayment typically begins 60 days after the loan has been disbursed.  If you contact your lender, a deferment option may be available to allow payments to begin after graduation as long as you maintain at least half-time enrollment status.

Students are encouraged to apply for full-year loans (fall and spring) to avoid multiple applications throughout the academic year.

Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan Application Steps

For step by step instructions on how to apply for a Graduate PLUS loan, visit our Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan application page.

Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan as a Financing Option

Students are encouraged to utilize their full Stafford loan limit before applying for a Graduate PLUS Loan.  Stafford loans have a lower interest rate than Graduate PLUS loans and are not required to be repaid until after the student has graduated, as long as they maintain half-time enrollment status.