Parent PLUS Loans are for parents who wish to borrow to help pay for their student's education.
Parent PLUS Loans are federal loans available to parents who want to help pay for their student's educational expenses.
- You must complete the FAFSA before applying for a Parent PLUS Loan.
- Parent PLUS Loan applicants are subject to a credit check.
- Parents may borrow up to the student's cost of attendance minus other financial aid received. Beginning July 1, 2026, new parent borrowers are limited to $20,000 per student per year and a lifetime maximum of $65,000 per student.
- Repayment typically begins within 60 days of the loan being fully disbursed. Parents may request a deferment during the application process. If approved, payments can be postponed while the student is enrolled at least half-time and for six months after the student graduates, leaves school, or drops below half-time enrollment.
- Parent PLUS Loans are unsubsidized. Borrowers are responsible for paying all accrued interest.
The U.S. Department of Education funds Parent PLUS Loans. Parents who wish to apply must complete the application through StudentAid.gov. Students accept approved Parent PLUS Loans through SkyLink.
View current interest rates and loan origination fees
If a parent is denied a Parent PLUS Loan, a dependent student may qualify for additional unsubsidized Direct Loan funding. Loan origination fees are deducted from the loan at disbursement and are subject to change.