In order for a parent 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). The student must also be a dependent undergraduate student.
Here are some things to keep in mind about Direct PLUS Loans:
- 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:
- 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 (the endorser cannot be the child on whose behalf you are borrowing).
- Documenting to the satisfaction of the U.S. Department of Education that there are extenuating circumstances relating to your adverse credit history.
- If you have an adverse credit history, you may still receive a Direct PLUS Loan through one of these two options:
- 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 9.083% for loans disbursed between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025.
- The interest rate on Direct PLUS Loans is 8.05% for loans disbursed between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024.
- A Direct PLUS Loan cannot be transferred to the child; the parent is the borrower and is legally responsible for repaying the loan.
- If you are eligible for a Direct PLUS Loan, you will be required to sign a Master Promissory Note agreeing to the terms of the loan.
Parents can complete an application for a Parent PLUS Loan online at StudentAid.gov.