Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans

Available only to graduate and professional students, the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS loan program is designed to help graduate students with financial need who are unable to meet their expected student contribution or have additional financial need that is not met with other financial aid resources. Loans that are identified as "replacing Expected Family Share" are offered to you as an option to replace the contribution expected from you or your family. Loans that are identified as "replacing need" are offered to you to help meet your financial need.

Who Can Apply

Graduate and professional students enrolled at least half-time in a program leading to a graduate or professional degree and meet the general eligibility requirements for federal student aid.

Annual Loan Limits

How much you can borrow is based on the cost of your education for the academic year, minus any estimated financial aid you receive each academic year.

Credit History Requirements

A credit check will be performed by the U.S. Department of Education. If you have an adverse credit history, you may obtain an endorser or file an appeal with the U.S. Department of Education that there are extenuating circumstances relating to your adverse credit history. 

When Repayment Starts

Loan repayment begins 60 days after the loan is fully disbursed for an academic year. Repayment starts six months after you graduate, leave school, or drop below half-time enrollment. Visit the Federal Student Aid website for repayment and deferment options.

Interest Rates and Loan Fees

Fixed rates are based on first disbursement. Origination fees are fixed annually and subtracted by the Department of Education prior to disbursing the funds to your Zot Account.

Visit the Federal Student Aid Interest Rates page for current interest rates and fees.

Promissory Note

First-time borrowers must complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN). To find out more, visit the U.S. Department of Education.

Entrance Counseling

First-time borrowers must complete an online entrance counseling to ensure that they understand the responsibilities and obligations they are assuming. Learn more about our Entrance Counseling.

Exit Counseling

Exit counseling is required upon your graduation or leaving school. Exit counseling provides important information to prepare you to repay your loan and to review the repayment choices. Learn more about Exit Counseling.