PLUS Loans for Graduate Students

The Grad PLUS Loan program ends July 1, 2026. Graduate students that begin their graduate program in the summer 2026, fall 2026 or beyond, are no longer eligible for this type of loan.

Legacy Provision

Graduate students who are currently enrolled and borrowed any type of federal student loan before July 1, 2026 while in their graduate program may be considered.

Students with an existing Direct Loan in their current degree program may continue borrowing under current limits (up to cost of attendance) for up to 3 years (2026-2027, 2027-2028, 2028-2029) or until program completion, whichever is sooner. A Legacy Provision will end if the student takes a fall or spring semester off or withdraws for any reason including illness or personal.

For a graduate student to apply for a Federal Direct PLUS Loan, the student must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to UTA (federal school code 003656).

Graduate PLUS Loans: Key Facts

The U.S. Department of Education is your lender.

You must not have an adverse credit history.

If you have an adverse credit history, you may still receive a Direct PLUS Loan through one of these two options:

1. Obtaining an endorser who does not have an adverse credit history. An endorser is someone who agrees to repay the Direct PLUS Loan if you do not repay it.
2. Documenting to the satisfaction of the U.S. Department of Education that there are extenuating circumstances relating to your adverse credit history. Find more information about the appeal process.

The maximum loan amount is the cost of attendance (determined by the UTA Office of Financial Aid) minus any other financial aid received.

The interest rate on Direct PLUS Loans is 8.94% for loans disbursed between July 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026, and starts accruing at time of disbursement.

If you are eligible for a Direct PLUS Loan, you will be required to sign a PLUS Master Promissory Note agreeing to the terms of the loan. Graduate or professional students who haven't previously received a PLUS loan will also be required to complete entrance counseling.