Grad PLUS Loans

Eligibility requirements

• You must be a graduate or professional degree student.
• You must be enrolled at least half-time at an eligible school in a program leading to a degree or certificate.
• You must meet the criteria listed under the legacy provision below.

Legacy provision

Graduate students may continue to borrow the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan for up to 3 additional years if they meet BOTH of the following criteria:

1. You are enrolled in the same credential program in 2026-27 that you were enrolled in prior to July 1, 2026.
2. You borrowed a federal student loan for that specific program before July 1, 2026.

Graduate students who change programs, start a new degree, or take a break in enrollment after July 1, 2026 will lose eligibility.

Application process

• Make sure you have already completed your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• Complete the separate PLUS application at studentaid.gov.
  • Your approval requires a credit check for adverse credit history. If you are denied, it is possible to appeal the credit decision or to find someone without adverse credit history that can "endorse" the loan to allow you to borrow.
• Complete the PLUS Loan Master Promissory Note (MPN) at studentaid.gov. 
  • A second MPN will be required if the previous MPN required an endorser or has otherwise become inactive.
• The PLUS application must be completed each year that you wish to borrow.
• Your application includes loan amount options: maximum (allows awarding up to your cost of attendance not covered by other aid) and specific loan request amounts.
• Revisions to your initial application (if you wish to reduce or increase the amount of loan funds) may be made by submitting a Student Loan Revision form at spu.edu/forms.

Repayment

• Interest accrual begins when funds are disbursed.
• Repayment is deferred while the student is enrolled at least half-time and for an additional six months after ceasing to be enrolled at least half-time.
• Contact your direct loan servicer for information about paying the accruing interest early.

Questions?

Find more information about PLUS loans or contact us at loans@spu.edu.