Rising higher education costs mean fewer families can foot the entire bill for a college education out of pocket. Student loans are a popular way to pay for college, and parent PLUS loans may be one option worth considering.
Parent PLUS loans are unsubsidized federal student loans for parents of dependent undergraduate students, and they can be used to pay for certain education expenses that aren’t covered by other financial aid. Here’s a quick guide on how to apply for a parent PLUS loan, and whether it makes sense for you.
Follow these five steps to determine your eligibility and apply for a parent PLUS loan:
- Confirm your eligibility.
- Submit the FAFSA.
- Decide how much you need to borrow.
- Submit an online Direct PLUS Loan application.
- Sign a Master Promissory Note.
To be eligible for a parent PLUS loan, you must:
- Be the biological or adoptive parent of a dependent undergraduate: Your child must also be enrolled in a qualifying school at least half-time. Grandparents and legal guardians aren’t eligible to receive parent PLUS loans unless they've formally adopted the student. However, stepparents may qualify in some situations.
- Meet the general federal student aid requirements: You and your child must meet certain requirements, such as being a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen. In addition, your child must be enrolled in a qualifying program and must maintain satisfactory academic progress while in school. You and your child will each need to have a valid Social Security number (though some exceptions apply).
- Pass a credit check for adverse credit: You must not have an adverse credit history in order to be eligible for a parent PLUS loan. An adverse history includes negative conditions such as payments that are 90 days late, accounts that are in collections, bankruptcy, foreclosure, repossession, wage garnishment, charge-offs of federal student debt, or tax liens within the past 5 years.
Good to know:
If you have adverse credit, you’ll need to apply with an endorser (similar to a cosigner) or provide proof of extenuating circumstances that explain your credit history. You’ll also need to complete credit counseling.
Next, your child must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Although parents are the ones who apply for the parent PLUS loan and are responsible for paying it back, the student’s FAFSA must be filled out every year to determine how much federal aid they are eligible for, including student loans.
Related: FAFSA guide 2024-25
Tip:
As a contributor of your dependent undergraduate’s 2024-25 FAFSA, expect an invitation to complete specific sections after your child has finished their portion.
When applying for a parent PLUS loan, you can either request to borrow a specific amount or the maximum amount you can get, which is based on your child’s cost of attendance and other financial aid. Attendance costs include tuition, fees, room and board, supplies, transportation, loan fees, and potentially other miscellaneous expenses.
Keep in mind, you must repay every dollar you borrow, so consider borrowing only what you need.
Good to know:
The interest rate for parent PLUS loans disbursed on or after July 1, 2023, and before July 1, 2024, is set at 8.05%.
You can complete a parent PLUS loan application online at StudentAid.gov. It’s free, and it only takes about 20 minutes. Have your Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID and password handy (you must use your own FSA ID, not your child’s).
In addition to your requested loan amount, you’ll need to provide the name of your child’s school, as well as information about the student, your employer, and how to contact you.
During the application process, you’ll be asked to select your child’s school from a list of options. The website will tell you if your child’s school has a different application process. If this is the case, contact the school’s financial aid office to request a parent PLUS loan.
Good to know:
After applying for a parent PLUS loan, a credit check will be conducted to assess your eligibility. This may temporarily cause a slight dip in your credit score. Make sure you’ve lifted any credit freezes before applying.
If your application is approved, you’ll receive a legal document called a Master Promissory Note (MPN), which outlines the terms of the loan, including repayment, interest, and fees. You’ll need to agree to repay the loan and sign the promissory note before you receive the funds.
Next, the school will apply the parent PLUS loan funds to your child’s school account to pay off expenses like tuition, fees, and housing. Any remaining loan funds will be returned to you to help cover any other education-related expenses your child might need.
Good to know:
Each school has its own Master Promissory Note process, so make sure to contact the school’s financial aid office for specific instructions.
There’s no one-size-fits-all way to fund your child’s education. A lot depends on your family’s specific situation, including how much you’ve already saved for college and whether your child is receiving other financial aid, such as scholarships and grants.
Before applying for a parent PLUS loan, consider the following:
- Has your child exhausted all other funding options? There are certain types of financial aid that don’t need to be repaid, including scholarships and grants. Prioritize applying for these funding sources to minimize the amount you take out in educational loans.
- Are you able to qualify for a PLUS loan? Parent PLUS loans require a credit check — if you have an adverse credit history, you won’t qualify unless you fulfill other requirements. You must also be the child’s biological or adoptive parent (stepparents may qualify on a case-by-case basis).
- Have you compared interest rates against private lenders? The upside of parent PLUS loans is they offer federal government benefits and may be less costly than private loans. However, if you have a great credit score, you may be able to qualify for a better interest rate with a private parent student loan.
Related: Federal vs. private student loans: Which should you choose?
Research the best private lenders and shop around for the best rates before applying for a parent PLUS loan.
Advertiser Disclosure$1,000 up to 100% of the school-certified cost of attendance
Overview
College Ave offers a simple three-minute application, and has loans for nearly every borrower, from undergraduates to law school students. It's a great option for graduate students, who can take advantage of extended grace periods. The lender offers multiple repayment plans, as well as a discount of 0.25 percentage points for autopay.
With College Ave's multiyear approval program, 95% of undergraduate students who apply with a cosigner are approved for additional student loans. On the downside, borrowers must complete at least half of their repayment term before they can release a cosigner. Parent borrowers also can't fully defer loans - they must pay at least the interest during school.
pros
- Graduate loans have grace periods up to 36 months
- Offers multiyear approval for efficient borrowing
- Discount of 0.25 percentage points for autopay
cons
- Cosigner release only available after half of your repayment term
- Parents can’t defer interest payments while child is in school
- Doesn’t disclose minimum credit score or income
Loan terms
5, 8, 10, or 15 years for most borrowers (law, dental, medical, and other health profession students have up to 20 years)
Loan amounts
$1,000 minimum up to your school’s annual cost of attendance; lifetime limits depend on your degree and credit profile
Cosigner release
Available after more than half of the scheduled repayment period has elapsed and other requirements are met
Eligibility
Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident at an eligible institution. International students with a Social Security number and a qualified cosigner may also qualify. Applicants who can’t meet financial, credit, or other requirements may qualify with a cosigner.
$1,000 up to 100% of school-certified cost of attendance
Overview
Sallie Mae offers a wide range of loans tailored to different needs, including those for undergraduates, graduates, MBA programs, law school, medical school, and health profession programs. It's also one of the few private lenders that provides loans for career training and trade schools.
If you apply with a cosigner, you might qualify for a lower interest rate. Sallie Mae has one of the shortest cosigner release periods—just 12 months—compared to other lenders. However, there's no option to prequalify and check your rates without affecting your credit. You'll need to complete a full application, which includes a hard credit inquiry that could temporarily lower your credit score.
pros
- Offers loans for certificate and trade school programs
- Cosigners can be released after just 12 months
- No prepayment, origination, or application fees
cons
- No prequalification options to check rates
- Must submit an application to view loan terms
- Does not offer parent loans
Loan terms
10 to 15 years for the Smart Option Student Loan; 15 years for law school, MBA, and graduate school loans; 20 years for medical school loans
Loan amounts
$1,000 up to school-certified cost of attendance. Student must be listed as the borrower, and a parent may cosign.
Cosigner release
After you graduate, make 12 one-time principal and interest payments, and meet certain credit requirements
Eligibility
Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident enrolled in an eligible program. Noncitizens residing and attending school in the U.S. may qualify by applying with a creditworthy cosigner, who must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and providing an unexpired government-issued photo ID.
$1,000 up to cost of attendance
Overview
ELFI is a private student loan lender offering private student loans and refinancing for undergraduates, graduates, and parents. The lender, a division of Tennessee-based SouthEast Bank, offers loans starting at $1,000, with options to cover as much as the full cost of attendance.
ELFI student loans are available to students nationwide who are enrolled in a bachelor's degree program or higher. The lender offers multiple repayment terms and interest rates that are competitive in the industry. ELFI also provides support to borrowers through a Student Loan Advisor. You can borrow with a cosigner, but ELFI doesn't have a cosigner release option, nor does it offer any rate discounts.
pros
- One-on-one support available from a dedicated Student Loan Advisor
- Clearly discloses credit score and income required to qualify
- Wide range of repayment options
cons
- Loans only available for bachelor’s degree programs or higher
- Does not offer cosigner release
- No rate discounts for autopay
Loan amounts
$1,000 - Cost of attendance
Cosigner release
A cosigner may not be taken off a loan, but the borrower can apply for a new loan without their cosigner.
Eligibility
All 50 states as well as Washington DC and Puerto Rico.
Overview
Ascent offers several unique borrowing options that you don’t typically see with private lenders. In addition to traditional student loans for undergraduate, graduate, and medical programs, college juniors and seniors may qualify for its Outcomes-Based Loan — which doesn’t require established credit or a cosigner. Instead, Ascent reviews alternate factors such as your school, major, and GPA to determine your eligibility.
Ascent also offers a wide range of loan terms and repayment plans to choose from. You may even qualify for its Progressive Repayment plan, which allows you to start with small payments that gradually increase over time. Borrowers who use a cosigner can release them after as few as 12 payments, though international students don’t qualify for this option.
pros
- No application or origination fees
- Autopay discounts of 0.25 to 1.00 percentage points
- 1% cash back reward at graduation
- Extended grace periods of 9 to 36 months
cons
- Higher interest rates than some competitors
- International students can’t release their cosigner
Loan terms
5, 7, 10, 12, 15, or 20 years
Loan amounts
$2,001 minimum up to your school’s annual cost of attendance; lifetime limits of $200,000 for undergrads and $400,000 for graduates
Eligibility
Must be a U.S. citizen or DACA student enrolled at least half time at an eligible institution. International students with a qualified cosigner may also qualify. Applicants who can’t meet financial, credit, or other requirements may qualify with a cosigner.
$1,000 to $350,000 (depending on degree)
Overview
Citizens provides loans to undergraduates, graduate students, and parents. The lender also accepts international students, as long as they have a cosigner who's a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. The lender's multiyear approval program makes it easy to reapply for loan funds each year.
Borrowers can take advantage of an autopay discount of 0.25 percentage points, in addition to a loyalty discount if they have an existing account with Citizens. While student borrowers can defer their loan payments until six months after graduation, parents are not eligible to defer their payments.
pros
- Offers loyalty and autopay discounts
- Qualifying borrowers can take advantage of multiyear approval
- International students are eligible when they add a qualifying cosigner
cons
- Few repayment term options
- Longer cosigner release requirement than some lenders
- Can’t defer parent loans
Loan terms
5, 10, or 15 years for student loans; 5 or 10 years for parent loans
Loan amounts
$1,000 minimum, up to a maximum of $225,000 for undergraduate and graduate degrees; $300,000 for MBA and law; and $225,000 or $400,000 for health care student loans, depending on the degree type
Eligibility
Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident enrolled at least half-time in a degree-granting program at an eligible institution. International students can apply with a cosigner who’s a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
$1,000 to $99,999 annually $180,000 aggregate limit)
Overview
Citizens provides loans to undergraduates, graduate students, and parents. The lender also accepts international students, as long as they have a cosigner who's a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. The lender's multiyear approval program makes it easy to reapply for loan funds each year.
Borrowers can take advantage of an autopay discount of 0.25 percentage points, in addition to a loyalty discount if they have an existing account with Citizens. While student borrowers can defer their loan payments until six months after graduation, parents are not eligible to defer their payments.
pros
- Offers loyalty and autopay discounts
- Qualifying borrowers can take advantage of multiyear approval
- International students are eligible when they add a qualifying cosigner
cons
- Few repayment term options
- Longer cosigner release requirement than some lenders
- Can’t defer parent loans
Loan amounts
$1,000 to $99,999 per year (lifetime limit of $180,000)
Eligibility
Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident at an eligible institution. You must also meet Custom Choice’s underwriting criteria for income and credit, or apply with a cosigner who does. Eligible noncitizens such as DACA residents can also qualify by applying with a cosigner who’s a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
$1,001 up to 100% of school certified cost of attendance
Overview
INvestEd is a student loan provider that offers loans exclusively to Indiana state residents. Students in the state and their parents who can meet INvestEd's income and credit requirements, or who have an eligible cosigner, are eligible. Loans of as little as $1,001 or as much as the school's cost of attendance minus other aid are available.
Potential borrowers can find detailed information on eligibility on INvestEd's website so they can determine whether or not to apply. But there's no option to prequalify with a soft credit check that doesn't affect your credit score. Cosigners can be released after just 12 on-time payments, which is considerably less time than many other lenders.
pros
- Minimum borrowing amounts lower than some other lenders
- Offers a quarter-point rate discount for using autopay
- Cosigner release after as few as 12 on-time payments
- Qualification requirements are easy to see online
cons
- Only Indiana residents can qualify for loans
- Cannot prequalify to see rates without a hard credit pull
- International students not eligible
Loan amounts
$1,001 minimum, up to the school certified cost of attendance
Eligibility
Loans are available to Indiana residents only. Borrowers must have a FICO score of 670 or higher, a 30% maximum debt-to-income ratio or minimum monthly income of $3,333, continuous employment over two years, and no major collections or defaults in recent years. Borrowers who do not meet income or credit requirements can apply with a cosigner.
$1,500 up to school’s certified cost of attendance less aid
Overview
Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA) student loans fixed-rate options for undergraduate and graduate students across the country. MEFA's not-for-profit status helps it keep interest rates competitive, offering potentially lower borrowing costs than many other private lenders.
On the downside, flexibility is limited compared with some other lenders. Undergraduates can only choose between 10- or 15-year repayment terms, while graduate students must opt for a 15-year term. This might be restrictive if you're looking for more options. Cosigner release may also be a challenge. You'll need to make on-time payments for four consecutive years and meet specific credit and income criteria to release your cosigner.
pros
- No fees at any stage, including late payment fees
- Lower interest rates than many competitors
- Can cover your school’s full cost of attendance
cons
- Variable rate loans are not offered
- Fewer repayment term options than most lenders
- No autopay rate discount
- May be challenging to release a cosigner
- No option to prequalify with a soft credit check
Loan amounts
$1,500 minimum up to school-certified cost of attendance
Eligibility
Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, enrolled at least half time at a degree-granting, nonprofit institution, and must maintain satisfactory academic progress. Must have no history of default on an education loan and no history of bankruptcy or foreclosure in the past 60 months. Applicants who can’t meet the minimum credit and income requirements may apply with a cosigner.
Loan Amounts
$1,000 up to 100% of the school-certified cost of attendance
Overview
College Ave offers a simple three-minute application, and has loans for nearly every borrower, from undergraduates to law school students. It's a great option for graduate students, who can take advantage of extended grace periods. The lender offers multiple repayment plans, as well as a discount of 0.25 percentage points for autopay.
With College Ave's multiyear approval program, 95% of undergraduate students who apply with a cosigner are approved for additional student loans. On the downside, borrowers must complete at least half of their repayment term before they can release a cosigner. Parent borrowers also can't fully defer loans - they must pay at least the interest during school.
pros
- Graduate loans have grace periods up to 36 months
- Offers multiyear approval for efficient borrowing
- Discount of 0.25 percentage points for autopay
cons
- Cosigner release only available after half of your repayment term
- Parents can’t defer interest payments while child is in school
- Doesn’t disclose minimum credit score or income
Loan terms
5, 8, 10, or 15 years for most borrowers (law, dental, medical, and other health profession students have up to 20 years)
Loan amounts
$1,000 minimum up to your school’s annual cost of attendance; lifetime limits depend on your degree and credit profile
Cosigner release
Available after more than half of the scheduled repayment period has elapsed and other requirements are met
Eligibility
Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident at an eligible institution. International students with a Social Security number and a qualified cosigner may also qualify. Applicants who can’t meet financial, credit, or other requirements may qualify with a cosigner.
Loan Amounts
$1,000 up to 100% of school-certified cost of attendance
Overview
Sallie Mae offers a wide range of loans tailored to different needs, including those for undergraduates, graduates, MBA programs, law school, medical school, and health profession programs. It's also one of the few private lenders that provides loans for career training and trade schools.
If you apply with a cosigner, you might qualify for a lower interest rate. Sallie Mae has one of the shortest cosigner release periods—just 12 months—compared to other lenders. However, there's no option to prequalify and check your rates without affecting your credit. You'll need to complete a full application, which includes a hard credit inquiry that could temporarily lower your credit score.
pros
- Offers loans for certificate and trade school programs
- Cosigners can be released after just 12 months
- No prepayment, origination, or application fees
cons
- No prequalification options to check rates
- Must submit an application to view loan terms
- Does not offer parent loans
Loan terms
10 to 15 years for the Smart Option Student Loan; 15 years for law school, MBA, and graduate school loans; 20 years for medical school loans
Loan amounts
$1,000 up to school-certified cost of attendance. Student must be listed as the borrower, and a parent may cosign.
Cosigner release
After you graduate, make 12 one-time principal and interest payments, and meet certain credit requirements
Eligibility
Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident enrolled in an eligible program. Noncitizens residing and attending school in the U.S. may qualify by applying with a creditworthy cosigner, who must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and providing an unexpired government-issued photo ID.
Loan Amounts
$1,000 up to cost of attendance
Overview
ELFI is a private student loan lender offering private student loans and refinancing for undergraduates, graduates, and parents. The lender, a division of Tennessee-based SouthEast Bank, offers loans starting at $1,000, with options to cover as much as the full cost of attendance.
ELFI student loans are available to students nationwide who are enrolled in a bachelor's degree program or higher. The lender offers multiple repayment terms and interest rates that are competitive in the industry. ELFI also provides support to borrowers through a Student Loan Advisor. You can borrow with a cosigner, but ELFI doesn't have a cosigner release option, nor does it offer any rate discounts.
pros
- One-on-one support available from a dedicated Student Loan Advisor
- Clearly discloses credit score and income required to qualify
- Wide range of repayment options
cons
- Loans only available for bachelor’s degree programs or higher
- Does not offer cosigner release
- No rate discounts for autopay
Loan amounts
$1,000 - Cost of attendance
Cosigner release
A cosigner may not be taken off a loan, but the borrower can apply for a new loan without their cosigner.
Eligibility
All 50 states as well as Washington DC and Puerto Rico.
Overview
Ascent offers several unique borrowing options that you don’t typically see with private lenders. In addition to traditional student loans for undergraduate, graduate, and medical programs, college juniors and seniors may qualify for its Outcomes-Based Loan — which doesn’t require established credit or a cosigner. Instead, Ascent reviews alternate factors such as your school, major, and GPA to determine your eligibility.
Ascent also offers a wide range of loan terms and repayment plans to choose from. You may even qualify for its Progressive Repayment plan, which allows you to start with small payments that gradually increase over time. Borrowers who use a cosigner can release them after as few as 12 payments, though international students don’t qualify for this option.
pros
- No application or origination fees
- Autopay discounts of 0.25 to 1.00 percentage points
- 1% cash back reward at graduation
- Extended grace periods of 9 to 36 months
cons
- Higher interest rates than some competitors
- International students can’t release their cosigner
Loan terms
5, 7, 10, 12, 15, or 20 years
Loan amounts
$2,001 minimum up to your school’s annual cost of attendance; lifetime limits of $200,000 for undergrads and $400,000 for graduates
Eligibility
Must be a U.S. citizen or DACA student enrolled at least half time at an eligible institution. International students with a qualified cosigner may also qualify. Applicants who can’t meet financial, credit, or other requirements may qualify with a cosigner.
Loan Amounts
$1,000 to $350,000 (depending on degree)
Overview
Citizens provides loans to undergraduates, graduate students, and parents. The lender also accepts international students, as long as they have a cosigner who's a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. The lender's multiyear approval program makes it easy to reapply for loan funds each year.
Borrowers can take advantage of an autopay discount of 0.25 percentage points, in addition to a loyalty discount if they have an existing account with Citizens. While student borrowers can defer their loan payments until six months after graduation, parents are not eligible to defer their payments.
pros
- Offers loyalty and autopay discounts
- Qualifying borrowers can take advantage of multiyear approval
- International students are eligible when they add a qualifying cosigner
cons
- Few repayment term options
- Longer cosigner release requirement than some lenders
- Can’t defer parent loans
Loan terms
5, 10, or 15 years for student loans; 5 or 10 years for parent loans
Loan amounts
$1,000 minimum, up to a maximum of $225,000 for undergraduate and graduate degrees; $300,000 for MBA and law; and $225,000 or $400,000 for health care student loans, depending on the degree type
Eligibility
Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident enrolled at least half-time in a degree-granting program at an eligible institution. International students can apply with a cosigner who’s a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Loan Amounts
$1,000 to $99,999 annually $180,000 aggregate limit)
Overview
Citizens provides loans to undergraduates, graduate students, and parents. The lender also accepts international students, as long as they have a cosigner who's a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. The lender's multiyear approval program makes it easy to reapply for loan funds each year.
Borrowers can take advantage of an autopay discount of 0.25 percentage points, in addition to a loyalty discount if they have an existing account with Citizens. While student borrowers can defer their loan payments until six months after graduation, parents are not eligible to defer their payments.
pros
- Offers loyalty and autopay discounts
- Qualifying borrowers can take advantage of multiyear approval
- International students are eligible when they add a qualifying cosigner
cons
- Few repayment term options
- Longer cosigner release requirement than some lenders
- Can’t defer parent loans
Loan amounts
$1,000 to $99,999 per year (lifetime limit of $180,000)
Eligibility
Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident at an eligible institution. You must also meet Custom Choice’s underwriting criteria for income and credit, or apply with a cosigner who does. Eligible noncitizens such as DACA residents can also qualify by applying with a cosigner who’s a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Loan Amounts
$1,001 up to 100% of school certified cost of attendance
Overview
INvestEd is a student loan provider that offers loans exclusively to Indiana state residents. Students in the state and their parents who can meet INvestEd's income and credit requirements, or who have an eligible cosigner, are eligible. Loans of as little as $1,001 or as much as the school's cost of attendance minus other aid are available.
Potential borrowers can find detailed information on eligibility on INvestEd's website so they can determine whether or not to apply. But there's no option to prequalify with a soft credit check that doesn't affect your credit score. Cosigners can be released after just 12 on-time payments, which is considerably less time than many other lenders.
pros
- Minimum borrowing amounts lower than some other lenders
- Offers a quarter-point rate discount for using autopay
- Cosigner release after as few as 12 on-time payments
- Qualification requirements are easy to see online
cons
- Only Indiana residents can qualify for loans
- Cannot prequalify to see rates without a hard credit pull
- International students not eligible
Loan amounts
$1,001 minimum, up to the school certified cost of attendance
Eligibility
Loans are available to Indiana residents only. Borrowers must have a FICO score of 670 or higher, a 30% maximum debt-to-income ratio or minimum monthly income of $3,333, continuous employment over two years, and no major collections or defaults in recent years. Borrowers who do not meet income or credit requirements can apply with a cosigner.
Loan Amounts
$1,500 up to school’s certified cost of attendance less aid
Overview
Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA) student loans fixed-rate options for undergraduate and graduate students across the country. MEFA's not-for-profit status helps it keep interest rates competitive, offering potentially lower borrowing costs than many other private lenders.
On the downside, flexibility is limited compared with some other lenders. Undergraduates can only choose between 10- or 15-year repayment terms, while graduate students must opt for a 15-year term. This might be restrictive if you're looking for more options. Cosigner release may also be a challenge. You'll need to make on-time payments for four consecutive years and meet specific credit and income criteria to release your cosigner.
pros
- No fees at any stage, including late payment fees
- Lower interest rates than many competitors
- Can cover your school’s full cost of attendance
cons
- Variable rate loans are not offered
- Fewer repayment term options than most lenders
- No autopay rate discount
- May be challenging to release a cosigner
- No option to prequalify with a soft credit check
Loan amounts
$1,500 minimum up to school-certified cost of attendance
Eligibility
Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, enrolled at least half time at a degree-granting, nonprofit institution, and must maintain satisfactory academic progress. Must have no history of default on an education loan and no history of bankruptcy or foreclosure in the past 60 months. Applicants who can’t meet the minimum credit and income requirements may apply with a cosigner.
Fox Business does not make or arrange loans.
If you don’t qualify for a parent PLUS loan due to adverse credit, you have some other options:
- Apply with an endorser: Similar to a cosigner, an endorser is someone who doesn’t have adverse credit and agrees to repay your loan if you don’t. Your endorser can’t be the student you’re borrowing for. As a part of this process, you’ll also need to complete credit counseling. Once you’ve met these requirements, your child’s school will notify you if you qualify for a loan.
- File an appeal: You can file to appeal an adverse credit decision if you can prove you have extenuating circumstances. These might include errors or missing information in your credit history or being a victim of identity theft. You must provide documentation to support your appeal and show that you’re taking steps to remedy your adverse credit.
- Look into other types of federal loans: Another option is having your child borrow subsidized or unsubsidized loans, which have lower interest rates than parent PLUS loans. These loans don’t have to be repaid while your student is in school, and they’re eligible for income-driven repayment plans.
- Check with the school’s financial aid office: Financial aid offices are a great resource for finding available grants and scholarships. They may be able to recommend options based on your family’s specific situation.
- Consider private parent loans: If your parent PLUS loan application is denied, or you can get better interest rates elsewhere, private student loans for parents may be an option for you.
The due dates to apply for parent PLUS loans vary by school. Check with your child’s school to find out its deadline for completing the parent PLUS loan application. The FAFSA deadline is June 30 each award year, but many institutions have earlier deadlines for aid applications.
If you’re approved for a parent PLUS loan, you’ll receive a Master Promissory Note, and you must sign it before you can receive the funds. Each school has its own application processing timelines, but it may take between two and six weeks to receive your loan.
Most types of federal student loans don't require a credit check — but the parent PLUS loan does, which means not everyone will qualify. These loans also have specific eligibility requirements. If you don’t have an adverse credit history and you and your child meet the eligibility criteria, you may have an easier time getting approved.
$1,000 up to 100% of the school-certified cost of attendance
Overview
College Ave offers a simple three-minute application, and has loans for nearly every borrower, from undergraduates to law school students. It's a great option for graduate students, who can take advantage of extended grace periods. The lender offers multiple repayment plans, as well as a discount of 0.25 percentage points for autopay.
With College Ave's multiyear approval program, 95% of undergraduate students who apply with a cosigner are approved for additional student loans. On the downside, borrowers must complete at least half of their repayment term before they can release a cosigner. Parent borrowers also can't fully defer loans - they must pay at least the interest during school.
pros
- Graduate loans have grace periods up to 36 months
- Offers multiyear approval for efficient borrowing
- Discount of 0.25 percentage points for autopay
cons
- Cosigner release only available after half of your repayment term
- Parents can’t defer interest payments while child is in school
- Doesn’t disclose minimum credit score or income
Loan terms
5, 8, 10, or 15 years for most borrowers (law, dental, medical, and other health profession students have up to 20 years)
Loan amounts
$1,000 minimum up to your school’s annual cost of attendance; lifetime limits depend on your degree and credit profile
Cosigner release
Available after more than half of the scheduled repayment period has elapsed and other requirements are met
Eligibility
Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident at an eligible institution. International students with a Social Security number and a qualified cosigner may also qualify. Applicants who can’t meet financial, credit, or other requirements may qualify with a cosigner.
$1,000 up to 100% of school-certified cost of attendance
Overview
Sallie Mae offers a wide range of loans tailored to different needs, including those for undergraduates, graduates, MBA programs, law school, medical school, and health profession programs. It's also one of the few private lenders that provides loans for career training and trade schools.
If you apply with a cosigner, you might qualify for a lower interest rate. Sallie Mae has one of the shortest cosigner release periods—just 12 months—compared to other lenders. However, there's no option to prequalify and check your rates without affecting your credit. You'll need to complete a full application, which includes a hard credit inquiry that could temporarily lower your credit score.
pros
- Offers loans for certificate and trade school programs
- Cosigners can be released after just 12 months
- No prepayment, origination, or application fees
cons
- No prequalification options to check rates
- Must submit an application to view loan terms
- Does not offer parent loans
Loan terms
10 to 15 years for the Smart Option Student Loan; 15 years for law school, MBA, and graduate school loans; 20 years for medical school loans
Loan amounts
$1,000 up to school-certified cost of attendance. Student must be listed as the borrower, and a parent may cosign.
Cosigner release
After you graduate, make 12 one-time principal and interest payments, and meet certain credit requirements
Eligibility
Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident enrolled in an eligible program. Noncitizens residing and attending school in the U.S. may qualify by applying with a creditworthy cosigner, who must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and providing an unexpired government-issued photo ID.
$1,000 up to cost of attendance
Overview
ELFI is a private student loan lender offering private student loans and refinancing for undergraduates, graduates, and parents. The lender, a division of Tennessee-based SouthEast Bank, offers loans starting at $1,000, with options to cover as much as the full cost of attendance.
ELFI student loans are available to students nationwide who are enrolled in a bachelor's degree program or higher. The lender offers multiple repayment terms and interest rates that are competitive in the industry. ELFI also provides support to borrowers through a Student Loan Advisor. You can borrow with a cosigner, but ELFI doesn't have a cosigner release option, nor does it offer any rate discounts.
pros
- One-on-one support available from a dedicated Student Loan Advisor
- Clearly discloses credit score and income required to qualify
- Wide range of repayment options
cons
- Loans only available for bachelor’s degree programs or higher
- Does not offer cosigner release
- No rate discounts for autopay
Loan amounts
$1,000 - Cost of attendance
Cosigner release
A cosigner may not be taken off a loan, but the borrower can apply for a new loan without their cosigner.
Eligibility
All 50 states as well as Washington DC and Puerto Rico.
Overview
Ascent offers several unique borrowing options that you don’t typically see with private lenders. In addition to traditional student loans for undergraduate, graduate, and medical programs, college juniors and seniors may qualify for its Outcomes-Based Loan — which doesn’t require established credit or a cosigner. Instead, Ascent reviews alternate factors such as your school, major, and GPA to determine your eligibility.
Ascent also offers a wide range of loan terms and repayment plans to choose from. You may even qualify for its Progressive Repayment plan, which allows you to start with small payments that gradually increase over time. Borrowers who use a cosigner can release them after as few as 12 payments, though international students don’t qualify for this option.
pros
- No application or origination fees
- Autopay discounts of 0.25 to 1.00 percentage points
- 1% cash back reward at graduation
- Extended grace periods of 9 to 36 months
cons
- Higher interest rates than some competitors
- International students can’t release their cosigner
Loan terms
5, 7, 10, 12, 15, or 20 years
Loan amounts
$2,001 minimum up to your school’s annual cost of attendance; lifetime limits of $200,000 for undergrads and $400,000 for graduates
Eligibility
Must be a U.S. citizen or DACA student enrolled at least half time at an eligible institution. International students with a qualified cosigner may also qualify. Applicants who can’t meet financial, credit, or other requirements may qualify with a cosigner.
$1,000 to $350,000 (depending on degree)
Overview
Citizens provides loans to undergraduates, graduate students, and parents. The lender also accepts international students, as long as they have a cosigner who's a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. The lender's multiyear approval program makes it easy to reapply for loan funds each year.
Borrowers can take advantage of an autopay discount of 0.25 percentage points, in addition to a loyalty discount if they have an existing account with Citizens. While student borrowers can defer their loan payments until six months after graduation, parents are not eligible to defer their payments.
pros
- Offers loyalty and autopay discounts
- Qualifying borrowers can take advantage of multiyear approval
- International students are eligible when they add a qualifying cosigner
cons
- Few repayment term options
- Longer cosigner release requirement than some lenders
- Can’t defer parent loans
Loan terms
5, 10, or 15 years for student loans; 5 or 10 years for parent loans
Loan amounts
$1,000 minimum, up to a maximum of $225,000 for undergraduate and graduate degrees; $300,000 for MBA and law; and $225,000 or $400,000 for health care student loans, depending on the degree type
Eligibility
Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident enrolled at least half-time in a degree-granting program at an eligible institution. International students can apply with a cosigner who’s a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
$1,000 to $99,999 annually $180,000 aggregate limit)
Overview
Citizens provides loans to undergraduates, graduate students, and parents. The lender also accepts international students, as long as they have a cosigner who's a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. The lender's multiyear approval program makes it easy to reapply for loan funds each year.
Borrowers can take advantage of an autopay discount of 0.25 percentage points, in addition to a loyalty discount if they have an existing account with Citizens. While student borrowers can defer their loan payments until six months after graduation, parents are not eligible to defer their payments.
pros
- Offers loyalty and autopay discounts
- Qualifying borrowers can take advantage of multiyear approval
- International students are eligible when they add a qualifying cosigner
cons
- Few repayment term options
- Longer cosigner release requirement than some lenders
- Can’t defer parent loans
Loan amounts
$1,000 to $99,999 per year (lifetime limit of $180,000)
Eligibility
Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident at an eligible institution. You must also meet Custom Choice’s underwriting criteria for income and credit, or apply with a cosigner who does. Eligible noncitizens such as DACA residents can also qualify by applying with a cosigner who’s a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
$1,001 up to 100% of school certified cost of attendance
Overview
INvestEd is a student loan provider that offers loans exclusively to Indiana state residents. Students in the state and their parents who can meet INvestEd's income and credit requirements, or who have an eligible cosigner, are eligible. Loans of as little as $1,001 or as much as the school's cost of attendance minus other aid are available.
Potential borrowers can find detailed information on eligibility on INvestEd's website so they can determine whether or not to apply. But there's no option to prequalify with a soft credit check that doesn't affect your credit score. Cosigners can be released after just 12 on-time payments, which is considerably less time than many other lenders.
pros
- Minimum borrowing amounts lower than some other lenders
- Offers a quarter-point rate discount for using autopay
- Cosigner release after as few as 12 on-time payments
- Qualification requirements are easy to see online
cons
- Only Indiana residents can qualify for loans
- Cannot prequalify to see rates without a hard credit pull
- International students not eligible
Loan amounts
$1,001 minimum, up to the school certified cost of attendance
Eligibility
Loans are available to Indiana residents only. Borrowers must have a FICO score of 670 or higher, a 30% maximum debt-to-income ratio or minimum monthly income of $3,333, continuous employment over two years, and no major collections or defaults in recent years. Borrowers who do not meet income or credit requirements can apply with a cosigner.
$1,500 up to school’s certified cost of attendance less aid
Overview
Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA) student loans fixed-rate options for undergraduate and graduate students across the country. MEFA's not-for-profit status helps it keep interest rates competitive, offering potentially lower borrowing costs than many other private lenders.
On the downside, flexibility is limited compared with some other lenders. Undergraduates can only choose between 10- or 15-year repayment terms, while graduate students must opt for a 15-year term. This might be restrictive if you're looking for more options. Cosigner release may also be a challenge. You'll need to make on-time payments for four consecutive years and meet specific credit and income criteria to release your cosigner.
pros
- No fees at any stage, including late payment fees
- Lower interest rates than many competitors
- Can cover your school’s full cost of attendance
cons
- Variable rate loans are not offered
- Fewer repayment term options than most lenders
- No autopay rate discount
- May be challenging to release a cosigner
- No option to prequalify with a soft credit check
Loan amounts
$1,500 minimum up to school-certified cost of attendance
Eligibility
Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, enrolled at least half time at a degree-granting, nonprofit institution, and must maintain satisfactory academic progress. Must have no history of default on an education loan and no history of bankruptcy or foreclosure in the past 60 months. Applicants who can’t meet the minimum credit and income requirements may apply with a cosigner.
Loan Amounts
$1,000 up to 100% of the school-certified cost of attendance
Overview
College Ave offers a simple three-minute application, and has loans for nearly every borrower, from undergraduates to law school students. It's a great option for graduate students, who can take advantage of extended grace periods. The lender offers multiple repayment plans, as well as a discount of 0.25 percentage points for autopay.
With College Ave's multiyear approval program, 95% of undergraduate students who apply with a cosigner are approved for additional student loans. On the downside, borrowers must complete at least half of their repayment term before they can release a cosigner. Parent borrowers also can't fully defer loans - they must pay at least the interest during school.
pros
- Graduate loans have grace periods up to 36 months
- Offers multiyear approval for efficient borrowing
- Discount of 0.25 percentage points for autopay
cons
- Cosigner release only available after half of your repayment term
- Parents can’t defer interest payments while child is in school
- Doesn’t disclose minimum credit score or income
Loan terms
5, 8, 10, or 15 years for most borrowers (law, dental, medical, and other health profession students have up to 20 years)
Loan amounts
$1,000 minimum up to your school’s annual cost of attendance; lifetime limits depend on your degree and credit profile
Cosigner release
Available after more than half of the scheduled repayment period has elapsed and other requirements are met
Eligibility
Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident at an eligible institution. International students with a Social Security number and a qualified cosigner may also qualify. Applicants who can’t meet financial, credit, or other requirements may qualify with a cosigner.
Loan Amounts
$1,000 up to 100% of school-certified cost of attendance
Overview
Sallie Mae offers a wide range of loans tailored to different needs, including those for undergraduates, graduates, MBA programs, law school, medical school, and health profession programs. It's also one of the few private lenders that provides loans for career training and trade schools.
If you apply with a cosigner, you might qualify for a lower interest rate. Sallie Mae has one of the shortest cosigner release periods—just 12 months—compared to other lenders. However, there's no option to prequalify and check your rates without affecting your credit. You'll need to complete a full application, which includes a hard credit inquiry that could temporarily lower your credit score.
pros
- Offers loans for certificate and trade school programs
- Cosigners can be released after just 12 months
- No prepayment, origination, or application fees
cons
- No prequalification options to check rates
- Must submit an application to view loan terms
- Does not offer parent loans
Loan terms
10 to 15 years for the Smart Option Student Loan; 15 years for law school, MBA, and graduate school loans; 20 years for medical school loans
Loan amounts
$1,000 up to school-certified cost of attendance. Student must be listed as the borrower, and a parent may cosign.
Cosigner release
After you graduate, make 12 one-time principal and interest payments, and meet certain credit requirements
Eligibility
Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident enrolled in an eligible program. Noncitizens residing and attending school in the U.S. may qualify by applying with a creditworthy cosigner, who must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and providing an unexpired government-issued photo ID.
Loan Amounts
$1,000 up to cost of attendance
Overview
ELFI is a private student loan lender offering private student loans and refinancing for undergraduates, graduates, and parents. The lender, a division of Tennessee-based SouthEast Bank, offers loans starting at $1,000, with options to cover as much as the full cost of attendance.
ELFI student loans are available to students nationwide who are enrolled in a bachelor's degree program or higher. The lender offers multiple repayment terms and interest rates that are competitive in the industry. ELFI also provides support to borrowers through a Student Loan Advisor. You can borrow with a cosigner, but ELFI doesn't have a cosigner release option, nor does it offer any rate discounts.
pros
- One-on-one support available from a dedicated Student Loan Advisor
- Clearly discloses credit score and income required to qualify
- Wide range of repayment options
cons
- Loans only available for bachelor’s degree programs or higher
- Does not offer cosigner release
- No rate discounts for autopay
Loan amounts
$1,000 - Cost of attendance
Cosigner release
A cosigner may not be taken off a loan, but the borrower can apply for a new loan without their cosigner.
Eligibility
All 50 states as well as Washington DC and Puerto Rico.
Overview
Ascent offers several unique borrowing options that you don’t typically see with private lenders. In addition to traditional student loans for undergraduate, graduate, and medical programs, college juniors and seniors may qualify for its Outcomes-Based Loan — which doesn’t require established credit or a cosigner. Instead, Ascent reviews alternate factors such as your school, major, and GPA to determine your eligibility.
Ascent also offers a wide range of loan terms and repayment plans to choose from. You may even qualify for its Progressive Repayment plan, which allows you to start with small payments that gradually increase over time. Borrowers who use a cosigner can release them after as few as 12 payments, though international students don’t qualify for this option.
pros
- No application or origination fees
- Autopay discounts of 0.25 to 1.00 percentage points
- 1% cash back reward at graduation
- Extended grace periods of 9 to 36 months
cons
- Higher interest rates than some competitors
- International students can’t release their cosigner
Loan terms
5, 7, 10, 12, 15, or 20 years
Loan amounts
$2,001 minimum up to your school’s annual cost of attendance; lifetime limits of $200,000 for undergrads and $400,000 for graduates
Eligibility
Must be a U.S. citizen or DACA student enrolled at least half time at an eligible institution. International students with a qualified cosigner may also qualify. Applicants who can’t meet financial, credit, or other requirements may qualify with a cosigner.
Loan Amounts
$1,000 to $350,000 (depending on degree)
Overview
Citizens provides loans to undergraduates, graduate students, and parents. The lender also accepts international students, as long as they have a cosigner who's a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. The lender's multiyear approval program makes it easy to reapply for loan funds each year.
Borrowers can take advantage of an autopay discount of 0.25 percentage points, in addition to a loyalty discount if they have an existing account with Citizens. While student borrowers can defer their loan payments until six months after graduation, parents are not eligible to defer their payments.
pros
- Offers loyalty and autopay discounts
- Qualifying borrowers can take advantage of multiyear approval
- International students are eligible when they add a qualifying cosigner
cons
- Few repayment term options
- Longer cosigner release requirement than some lenders
- Can’t defer parent loans
Loan terms
5, 10, or 15 years for student loans; 5 or 10 years for parent loans
Loan amounts
$1,000 minimum, up to a maximum of $225,000 for undergraduate and graduate degrees; $300,000 for MBA and law; and $225,000 or $400,000 for health care student loans, depending on the degree type
Eligibility
Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident enrolled at least half-time in a degree-granting program at an eligible institution. International students can apply with a cosigner who’s a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Loan Amounts
$1,000 to $99,999 annually $180,000 aggregate limit)
Overview
Citizens provides loans to undergraduates, graduate students, and parents. The lender also accepts international students, as long as they have a cosigner who's a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. The lender's multiyear approval program makes it easy to reapply for loan funds each year.
Borrowers can take advantage of an autopay discount of 0.25 percentage points, in addition to a loyalty discount if they have an existing account with Citizens. While student borrowers can defer their loan payments until six months after graduation, parents are not eligible to defer their payments.
pros
- Offers loyalty and autopay discounts
- Qualifying borrowers can take advantage of multiyear approval
- International students are eligible when they add a qualifying cosigner
cons
- Few repayment term options
- Longer cosigner release requirement than some lenders
- Can’t defer parent loans
Loan amounts
$1,000 to $99,999 per year (lifetime limit of $180,000)
Eligibility
Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident at an eligible institution. You must also meet Custom Choice’s underwriting criteria for income and credit, or apply with a cosigner who does. Eligible noncitizens such as DACA residents can also qualify by applying with a cosigner who’s a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Loan Amounts
$1,001 up to 100% of school certified cost of attendance
Overview
INvestEd is a student loan provider that offers loans exclusively to Indiana state residents. Students in the state and their parents who can meet INvestEd's income and credit requirements, or who have an eligible cosigner, are eligible. Loans of as little as $1,001 or as much as the school's cost of attendance minus other aid are available.
Potential borrowers can find detailed information on eligibility on INvestEd's website so they can determine whether or not to apply. But there's no option to prequalify with a soft credit check that doesn't affect your credit score. Cosigners can be released after just 12 on-time payments, which is considerably less time than many other lenders.
pros
- Minimum borrowing amounts lower than some other lenders
- Offers a quarter-point rate discount for using autopay
- Cosigner release after as few as 12 on-time payments
- Qualification requirements are easy to see online
cons
- Only Indiana residents can qualify for loans
- Cannot prequalify to see rates without a hard credit pull
- International students not eligible
Loan amounts
$1,001 minimum, up to the school certified cost of attendance
Eligibility
Loans are available to Indiana residents only. Borrowers must have a FICO score of 670 or higher, a 30% maximum debt-to-income ratio or minimum monthly income of $3,333, continuous employment over two years, and no major collections or defaults in recent years. Borrowers who do not meet income or credit requirements can apply with a cosigner.
Loan Amounts
$1,500 up to school’s certified cost of attendance less aid
Overview
Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA) student loans fixed-rate options for undergraduate and graduate students across the country. MEFA's not-for-profit status helps it keep interest rates competitive, offering potentially lower borrowing costs than many other private lenders.
On the downside, flexibility is limited compared with some other lenders. Undergraduates can only choose between 10- or 15-year repayment terms, while graduate students must opt for a 15-year term. This might be restrictive if you're looking for more options. Cosigner release may also be a challenge. You'll need to make on-time payments for four consecutive years and meet specific credit and income criteria to release your cosigner.
pros
- No fees at any stage, including late payment fees
- Lower interest rates than many competitors
- Can cover your school’s full cost of attendance
cons
- Variable rate loans are not offered
- Fewer repayment term options than most lenders
- No autopay rate discount
- May be challenging to release a cosigner
- No option to prequalify with a soft credit check
Loan amounts
$1,500 minimum up to school-certified cost of attendance
Eligibility
Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, enrolled at least half time at a degree-granting, nonprofit institution, and must maintain satisfactory academic progress. Must have no history of default on an education loan and no history of bankruptcy or foreclosure in the past 60 months. Applicants who can’t meet the minimum credit and income requirements may apply with a cosigner.
Fox Business does not make or arrange loans.
Meet the contributor:
Robyn Conti
Robyn Conti has been covering personal finance for more than 25 years and is an expert on student loans, retirement and investing. Her byline has been featured by Forbes Advisor, The Motley Fool, and Yahoo Finance.
