Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans

Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans

Eligible Student Borrowers

An graduate or professional student may borrow a Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan to finance all or any portion of the cost of attendance after all other financial aid has been deducted.

In order to qualify for a Graduate PLUS Loan, a FAFSA must be submitted. A credit check is required for the Graduate PLUS Loan.

Approved applicants may borrow up to the cost of attendance (tuition, fees, room, board, books, travel expenses, and miscellaneous expenses) minus all financial aid that they are receiving.

Standard repayment is 10 years and begins 60 days after the loan is fully disbursed. Repayment plans based on income and other flexible payment plans are available at https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/repayment. Repayment may be deferred (with interest accruing) until after the student graduates or ceases to be enrolled at least half-time. Interest-only payments are available during this period of deferment.

Rates & Fees

For 2024-2025:

The Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan has a fixed interest rate of 9.08% for loans disbursed July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025. This loan also has an up-front fee, referred to as an "origination fee." The origination fee for loans disbursed on or after October 1, 2024 and before October 1, 2025 is 4.228%.

For 2023-2024:  

The Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan has a fixed interest rate of 7.54% for loans disbursed July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024. This loan also has an up-front fee, referred to as an "origination fee." The origination fee for loans disbursed on or after October 1, 2023 and before October 1, 2024 is 4.228%.

Application Process

Eligible graduate and professional students can apply and complete the credit check at  studentaid.gov. To get started with your Grad PLUS Loan application: 

  • Sign in with your student FSA ID 
  • Hover over "Apply for Aid"
  • Select Apply for Grad PLUS Loan under "Apply for PLUS Loan"

Upon submission of the PLUS Loan application, the Office of Financial Aid Services will be notified within 24 hours.

If Approved:

If the application was approved, the loan will be added to the student's account within 7-10 days.

Approved applicants must complete the Master Promissory Note (MPN) for Grad PLUS Loan borrowers to finalize ability to borrow the loan. To complete your MPN: