Federal Direct PLUS Loan (Parent PLUS)
The Parent PLUS Loan enables parents who do not have an adverse credit history to borrow funds to help pay the educational expenses of each dependent undergraduate student enrolled at least half-time.
The loan carries a fixed interest rate, and an origination fee is deducted proportionately from each loan disbursement. Credit checks are required to determine loan approval. If the loan is denied, the parent borrower will be notified once the application is completed.
Repayment begins 60 days after the final loan disbursement for the period of enrollment, or borrowers may choose to defer repayment until six months after the student ceases half-time enrollment.
Parents may borrow up to the student’s full Cost of Attendance (COA), minus any other financial aid or direct resources received.
Parent PLUS Loan Changes
Effective July 1, 2026, new federal rules will change how much parents can borrow through the Parent PLUS Loan program and how those loans are repaid.
New Borrowing Limits (Starting July 1, 2026)
- $20,000 per student, per year
- $65,000 per student, lifetime maximum
Plan Carefully: Borrowing the annual maximum each year can cause parents to hit the lifetime limit before a student completes a four-year degree.
Repayment Changes
- Parent PLUS loans borrowed on or after July 1, 2026 can only be repaid under a new tiered standard repayment plan
- Fixed monthly payments for a 10-25 year repayment term, based on loan balance
- If you have existing Parent PLUS loans and borrow a new one after July 1, 2026, all Parent PLUS loans must use this repayment plan
How to Apply for a PLUS Loan
To apply, parents must complete both of the following online applications:
PLUS loan applications are now open for the 2025–2026 academic year. PLUS loan applications for the 2026-2027 academic year will be open in late April or early May.Credit checks remain valid for six months—if you apply prior to July 1, you may need to reapply mid-year.
Annual Student Loan Acknowledgment
Each year you accept a new federal student loan, you are required to complete an Annual Student Loan Acknowledgment. This step ensures that you understand how your loans affect your financial future.
What am I acknowledging?
- If this is your first time accepting a federal student loan, you are acknowledging that you understand your responsibility to repay your loan.
- If you have existing federal student loans, you are acknowledging that you understand how much you owe and how much more you can borrow.
Who should complete this?
- Borrowers accepting a Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loan, a PLUS Loan for graduate/professional students, or a PLUS Loan for parents.
How long will it take?
- Most borrowers complete the acknowledgment in less than 10 minutes.
Graduate PLUS Loan
The Graduate PLUS Loan is being eliminated starting July 1, 2026, unless a student qualifies for a limited exception. Borrowers must complete the FAFSA, the PLUS application request, be enrolled at least half-time (5 credits for graduate programs) in a degree or eligible certificate program, and pass a credit check at the time of application.
Once approved, students must complete both Entrance Counseling and a Master Promissory Note (MPN). For full details, visit the Federal Student Aid PLUS Loan page.
PLUS Loan Interest Rate
| First Disbursement On or After | And Disbursed Before | Fixed Interest Rate |
|---|---|---|
| July 1, 2025 | July 1, 2026 | 8.94% |
For more information, see: Direct Loan Basics for Parents (ADA PDF) .
View Your Federal Loan History
Parents and students can view their federal loan history anytime through Studentaid.gov. Use your Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID and password — the same credentials used to complete the FAFSA. For assistance, contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-433-3243.
Need Assistance or Have Questions?
Contact Student Financial Services
📧 financialaid@csupueblo.edu
☎ 719-549-2753 | 📍 Administration Building, Room 203
