If you apply and are notified that you have an adverse credit history, you’ll be given detailed information on options after denial. If you qualify by obtaining an endorser or by appealing the credit decision, you must also complete PLUS Counseling before you can receive a PLUS Loan. Please contact Direct Lending PLUS Credit Appeals at 1-800-557-7394.
When a Federal Parent PLUS or Graduate PLUS loan is denied, the loan will remain active on your account for 90 days to allow you to do one of the following:
1. Appeal the credit decision by documenting to the satisfaction of the U.S. Department of Education that there are extenuating circumstances related to the adverse credit history.
2. Apply for the loan with a credit-worthy endorser (i.e., co-signer). The endorser may complete the Endorser Addendum online at studentaid.gov. The endorser will need their own Federal Student Aid ID.
Parent PLUS
If your parent would like to appeal their Federal Parent PLUS loan denial, they should contact Direct Lending PLUS Credit Appeals at 1-800-557-7394. Your parent can also read the related article: How Do I Appeal a Plus Loan Credit Denial?
If your parents choose not to appeal the credit decision or apply with an endorser, you may be eligible to receive additional Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan funds. Please submit a Parent PLUS Loan Denial Funds Request form to Financial Aid and Scholarship Services, requesting additional funds. There are specific limits on the amount of additional unsubsidized loans that may be awarded based on aggregate and annual limits as well as grade level.
Additional Unsubsidized Loan Limits
- $4,000/year for freshmen and sophomores (0 to 55 credit hours earned)
- $5,000/year for juniors and seniors (56 or more credit hours earned)
Grad PLUS
If your Graduate PLUS Loan has been denied, you are not eligible to receive additional Federal Direct Unsubsidized loan funds.
