Parent and Graduate PLUS Loans

Graduate students and parents of dependent age undergraduates can apply for PLUS loans to help pay for the cost of attending USF. The annual limit is the student's Cost of Attendance, as shown in myUSF Student Self Service, minus any estimated or accepted financial aid.

  • Available to the parent of a dependent age undergraduate student enrolled at least half-time (6 units) and to graduate/professional students enrolled at least half-time (3 units).
  • A credit check is required. 
    • Please note: If you have your account on a credit freeze, please contact Transunion and Equifax to lift the hold for two weeks before you apply.
  • The student must complete a FAFSA each academic year. 
  • Must reapply for the Plus loan for any future academic years. 

Steps to Apply

  1. Create or locate your FSA ID Username and Password. 
  2. Filling out the Direct PLUS Loan application
    • Specify the amount you would like to borrow or select that you want to borrow the "max amount". If you select an undecided amount, the maximum amount will be processed by the Financial Aid Office. Please contact our office if you would like to reduce the loan amount.
    • Select which semester or academic year you want to use the loan for. You will have the option of selecting to use the loan for one semester or for the entire academic year.
  3. Finish and submit the application and proceed to review the credit decision result. You will be notified immediately if your credit is approved or denied to borrow from the Direct PLUS Loan.

Note: It will take 1-2 business days for the Financial Aid Office to receive and Direct PLUS Loan application.

Steps After You Apply

Read the results page carefully for next steps.

If approved, complete the Master Promissory Note and Entrance Counseling. The credit decision is only valid for 6 months after the date of the application. If you would like to increase the loan after the 6 months, you must reapply. 

If denied, the applicant must decide how to move forward. If a dependent student would like to request the additional unsubsidized loan and the parent selected options 1,2, or 4, the parent must submit a signed statement to the financial aid office indicating they will not pursue an Endorser or Appeal the credit decision. 

  1. I want to obtain an endorser.
    • This option requires the applicant to find a credit-worthy cosigner to complete an Electronic Endorser Addendum. The endorser will determine the amount of the loan. Only the endorser can increase the loan amount by completing a new addendum within the 6 months the credit decision is still active. 
    • Applicant must complete PLUS Credit Counseling
    • Applicant must complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN)
    • After all steps are completed, the student or applicant must notify the financial aid office that the requirements have been met to proceed with processing the loan.
  2. I want to provide documentation of extenuating circumstances.
    • This option requires the applicant to Appeal Credit Decision
    • If approved the applicant must complete Plus Credit Counseling
    • The applicant must complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN)
    • After all steps are completed, the student or applicant must notify the financial aid office that the requirements have been met to proceed with processing the loan.
  3. I do not want to pursue a Direct Plus Loan at this time.
    • An undergraduate dependent student may be eligible for an additional $4,000 of Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan. To request the additional loan, the student must notify the financial aid office via their Don's email account or signed statement. 
  4. Undecided.
    • No action is taken.

FAQ's

  • Can both parents apply for a plus loan in the same year? Yes,  if the parents would like to split the responsibility of financing, they may apply using separate applications.  
  • More FAQ's