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Office of Financial Aid

Federal Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)

Federal Direct PLUS Loans are non–need–based loans for parents of students. Under this program, parents can borrow up to the total cost of education minus their student’s expected financial aid. Repayment begins 60 days after disbursement. Request forms can be obtained from the Financial Aid Office or printed from this Web site. Students must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) before a parent applies for a PLUS Loan.


In order to process the application, the parent completing the application must also complete a Master Promissory Note. Once the application and promissory note have been completed, the Financial Aid Office will request a credit check from the U.S. Department of Education. If the credit check is approved, the loan will be applied to the student's account.

If credit is denied, questions regarding the appeal process or questions regarding the reason for the denial should be directed to the U.S. Department of Education at (800) 557-7394 between 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. (ET), Monday through Friday. Telecommunication Device for the Deaf (TDD) number is (877) 461-7010.

There are three options if a PLUS is denied.

  • Cancel the PLUS request through the Financial Aid Office by email or in writing and have the student complete a request for an additional Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan. This option is only available if you do not choose to obtain an endorser or fix your credit.
  • Or, take steps to appeal or correct any errors or omissions and/or make arrangements with creditors to bring delinquent accounts current. Then contact U.S. Department of Education at (800) 557-7394 so they can update their records to reflect current credit history.
  • Or obtain an endorser, a person who agrees to repay your Federal Direct PLUS Loan if you do not. Contact the Financial Aid Office for an Endorser Addendum. Complete and return the addendum to U.S. Department of Education, P.O. Box 5691, Montgomery, AL 36103-5691.

Additional information is found at: