About Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan

If you have a dependent in college, you may be eligible for college loans through the Federal Direct Parent PLUS Program (PLUS). Before you apply for PLUS, examine your child’s eligibility for grants, work-study programs or loans with competitive interest rates.

You don’t have to demonstrate financial need to take out a PLUS loan, but a credit check is required. If you are denied a PLUS loan due to poor credit, the student may be eligible for additional Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loan funds. If a PLUS loan is denied, contact the college’s financial aid office and ask about additional unsubsidized funds for the student.

For more information about PLUS loans, including cost information and how to apply, visit the Federal Direct Parent PLUS Program, or see Direct PLUS Loan Basics for Parents.