PLUS Loans for Graduate Students

Graduate students may apply for a Federal Direct PLUS Loan to help pay for education expenses not covered by other financial aid.

In order for a graduate student 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). Here are some things to keep in mind about Direct PLUS Loans:

Graduate PLUS Loans: Key Facts

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:

1. 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.
2. Documenting to the satisfaction of the U.S. Department of Education that there are extenuating circumstances relating to your adverse credit history. Find more information about the appeal process.

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 8.94% for loans disbursed between July 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026.

If you are eligible for a Direct PLUS Loan, you will be required to sign a PLUS Master Promissory Note agreeing to the terms of the loan. Graduate or professional students who haven't previously received a PLUS loan will also be required to complete entrance counseling.