Federal Parent Loan (PLUS)
The PLUS loan is available for the parents (natural or adoptive parent, any step-parent whose information is on the FAFSA) of dependent undergraduate students only. The FAFSA is required, and the student must be enrolled in at least 6 hours.
Loan Features:
- The maximum amount of the PLUS loan is TCU’s cost of attendance minus other financial aid.
- When making loan applications please make sure to apply for the loan amount needed for the full academic year (fall and spring). Funds are split evenly between semesters ensuring optimum aid eligibility.
- Interest accrues upon disbursement, but repayment can be deferred until the student stops attending; the parent borrower can request this repayment option during the online application.
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Fixed Interest Rates for Federal Parent Loan (PLUS) First disbursed on or after July 1, 2024, and before July 1, 2025 9.08% First disbursed on or after July 1, 2023, and before July 1, 2024 8.05% Loan Origination Fees for Federal Parent Loan (PLUS) First disbursed on or after Oct. 1, 2020 4.228%
Not sure the PLUS Loan is the right choice?
How to apply for the PLUS Loan
Application Instructions
Visit studentaid.gov
1. Select the Parent tab
- Under Popular Topics choose "Apply for a Parent PLUS Loan"
2. Click on "Log in To Start"
- To sign in, use parent FSA ID and password assigned when FAFSA was completed.
- If you do not have an FSA ID, choose "Create an Account" and follow the directions.
- DO NOT sign in with the student's username and password. The Parent PLUS Loan will not fund with the student showing as the borrower.
- Answer each section
- Select Texas Christian University in the school section.
- Enter the student information and submit.
3. First-time Federal PLUS borrowers
- Go to tab at top of page, "Complete Aid Process"
- Complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN)
- Choose MPN for Parents - MPNs are generally good for ten years.
For assistance, call 1-800-557-7394
PLUS Counseling can be completed at any time to help PLUS borrowers understand the costs and obligations that come with borrowing a PLUS Loan, and make careful decisions about taking on student loan debt.
PLUS Counseling is required when the U.S. Department of Education has informed you that you must complete PLUS Counseling.
What if my credit isn't good enough and I am denied a PLUS Loan?
- You may add an endorser (like a cosigner) to your PLUS Loan. An endorser is a credit-worthy person who will sign the loan with the parent borrower and take on equal liability for the PLUS Loan debt.
- You may appeal the denied decision with the US Department of Education.
- If you do not add an endorser, appeal or have an appeal approved, the student can be eligible for an additional $4000 ($5,000 Jr./Sr.) Direct Unsubsidized Loan.