Direct PLUS Loans for graduate or professional students
The William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program is the U.S. Department of Education's federal student loan program. The U.S. Department of Education is the lender under this program. Eligible graduate and professional school students may use the Direct PLUS Loan to fund their education. Direct PLUS loans are also called Grad PLUS loans when a graduate or professional student is the borrower.
Important updates
One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OB3) impact on borrowers. Learn about the impacts to current and future federal direct loan borrowers due to the Big Beautiful Bill Act. As federal regulations, policies, and procedures are still pending from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, federal grants and loan offers may be adjusted. Federal systems and vendor software updates are pending; amounts may be adjusted once specifications are finalized and institutional systems are updated. Students will be notified promptly if adjustments are required. Read more about OB3.
Grad PLUS borrowing requirements, loan limits and interest rates
In addition to interest on the loan, Grad PLUS borrowers must pay fees on the total loan amount. Called the "loan fee," it is a percentage of the loan amount deducted proportionally each time a loan disbursement is made. The loan fee percentage varies, based on when the loan is first disbursed.
Grad PLUS Loans offer a fixed interest rate. Interest starts to accrue from the date the first disbursement is made until the loan is fully repaid. The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships maintains a table of current interest rates for federal loans.
The maximum Grad PLUS Loan amount that can be borrowed is the University's cost of attendance minus any other financial assistance the student receives. For example, if the student budget (tuition, fees, books and supplies and room and board) is $19,600 and the student was offered $18,500 in other financial aid/scholarships, graduate/professional student could borrow up to $1,100 from the Grad PLUS loan.
The Financial Aid Offer Letter identifies the student budget and all available financial aid/scholarships. Students may view their most recent Financial Aid Offer Letter via MyNEVADA.
To receive Grad PLUS Loans, borrowers must meet eligibility requirements:
Have a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file
Not possess an adverse credit history
Meet the eligibility requirements for federal financial aid
Be a graduate or professional student enrolled at least half-time
All federal aid programs start with the submission of your annual FAFSA form. Please visit studentaid.gov to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
Grad PLUS loans may be requested online through studentaid.gov. The graduate and/or professional student will use their FSA ID username, email, or mobile phone and associated password.
The Master Promissory Note is a legal document that explains the terms and conditions of your loan and where you agree to repay your loan(s), including any fees or interests to the U.S. Department of Education.
You may sign your Master Promissory Note through Federal Student Aid, an office of the U.S. Department of Education.
The U.S. Department of Education will check your credit history to determine your eligibility for a Direct PLUS Loan. If the loan is approved, parent borrowers receive a "Disclosure Notice" via email from the Direct Loan Servicing Center, which identifies approximate dates for the electronic disbursement of funds.
If the loan is denied because of a credit check, you may still be eligible to receive a Direct PLUS loan.
If the loan is denied because of a credit check, you may still be eligible to receive a Direct Parent PLUS Loan if you meet additional requirements. For more information on these requirements, please visit studentaid.gov/appeal-credit.
Disbursement of Direct PLUS Loan funds
Once your Direct Parent PLUS Loan is approved, the Direct Loan Servicing Center will electronically disburse the funds to the University once it has been originated. The total loan for the term, minus fees, is disbursed each semester. The funds are used to pay all outstanding obligations to the University.
When funds are received, our office reconfirms the graduate/professional student's eligibility, including Satisfactory Academic Progress. If the student is eligible and registered in the appropriate number of credits, the funds are credited to the student's account. Per federal regulations, funds cannot be disbursed earlier than 10 days prior to the start of classes each semester.
Credit Requirements by Enrollment Funding Status
Enrollment Funding Status
Undergraduate or Teaching Certificate
Graduate (must be-graduate-level courses) *GA/TA's are not exempt*
Full-time
12 or more credits
9 or more credits
3/4 time
9-11 credits
7-8 credits
1/2 time
6-8 credits
5-6 credits
Our office notifies students in writing each time loan funds are disbursed into their account. Students are encouraged to utilize MyNEVADA to check on the status of their financial aid.
After all institutional charges are paid, any remaining funds are issued to the borrower by the Cashier’s Office to the address listed in MyNEVADA. Note: Parent PLUS loan refunds will be sent to the mailing address indicated on the PLUS loan application if the parent indicated that residual funds are to be returned to the parent. You can reach out to the Cashier’s Office by emailing cashiersoffice@unr.edu or calling (775) 784-6915.
Direct PLUS loan denials
The U.S. Department of Education will notify the student borrower if they are denied the Federal Direct Grad PLUS Loan. If denied, the borrower may still have other options available.
Option 1: A credit-worthy co-signer can endorse the borrower’s Direct Grad PLUS Loan. If approved, the borrower must complete the Federal Direct PLUS Loan Entrance Counseling before loan disbursement. For more information, visit obtain an endorser.
Option 2: The borrower may appeal the denial through the U.S. Department of Education. If approved, the borrower must complete the Federal Direct PLUS Loan Entrance Counseling before loan disbursement. For more information, visit appeal a denied Direct PLUS Loan.
