Graduate Federal PLUS Loans

About the Loan

Graduate Federal PLUS Loans are for graduate/professional students. Borrowers can use Graduate PLUS Loans to help meet the cost of attendance or cover a student's expected family contribution (the amount of money the government expects the parents and student to provide each year for the student's education).

Interest Rate and Fees

  • The interest rate is fixed at 7.9%.
  • The origination fee reduction will be applied to principle balance after 12 consecutive payments have been made on account.

Loan Amount

With a PLUS loan, you can borrow up to the cost of attendance minus any other financial aid awarded.

Application for Loans

Eligibility Requirements

  • A student who has a valid FAFSA on file;
  • A student who has completed the Master Promissory note at https://studentloans.gov;
  • A student whose enrolled at least half time;
  • A student with good credit history;
    • Or a co-borrower with strong credit,
    • Or supporting documentation along with a statement on extenuating circumstances.

Offer of Loans

All students planning to receive a direct loan must be enrolled half-time and will need to complete a Master Promissory Note and complete Entrance Counseling at www.studentloans.gov.  To complete these requirements, students will need a Department of Education PIN (the same PIN used for the FAFSA) to e-sign their electronic MPN.  They will also need their social security number, date of birth, driver’s license number, and two personal references (full name, address, and telephone numbers) to complete their MPN. The University of Houston will electronically verify with the Department of Education that these steps have been completed before funds are released.  

Once you are notified via email, accept any loan awards offered to you in your myUH self-service account. If you don't need the loans you are awarded, you can reduce or decline them. 

Disbursement of Loans

Disbursement dates are set by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and will begin after January 14, 2013. Once you have completed your MPN, you may check back with our office regarding disbursement after January 14.

Once the loan has been disbursed, the funds will be applied to your account to cover charges. If a credit balance is created, funds will be refunded to your Higher One account preference.

Maintenance of Loans

In order to maintain eligibility, students must be enrolled at least half-time at the time of disbursement and meet all Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements.

Loan Repayment

  • Repayment begins after the loan has disbursed fully for that academic year.
    • A request for deferment can be submitted for payment to begin upon dropping below half time.
  • Borrower will have up to 10 years to repay the loan.
  • There is no grace period.

Please review the William D. Ford Direct Loan Program for additional information on Repayment Plans.