Direct Parent PLUS Loans
The Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) is a loan taken out in the parents’ name to borrow at a favorable interest rate in order to help finance their child’s college education.
This loan is only available for students who are listed as a Dependent after filling out the FAFSA. If the parent is denied the PLUS loan, the student becomes eligible for an additional $4,000 in Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan money as a freshman or sophomore, or $5,000 in Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan money for a junior or senior. Visit www.studentaid.gov to apply for the PLUS loan.
- Go to the Department of Education website: www.studentaid.gov.
- Sign in with the parent's FSA ID (NOT the student's!). For help with the FSA ID, or if you are having trouble logging in, go to www.studentaid.gov/fsaid.
- Once signed in, the parent will request a Direct PLUS Loan and choose Parent PLUS.
- If credit approved, first-time borrowers will need to electronically complete a Master Promissory Note on the same website (www.studentaid.gov). Click here for step-by-step instructions on how to complete the MPN and Entrance Counseling for all Federal Direct Loans, including PLUS.
- If credit is denied, Eastern will be notified, and the student may be eligible to receive additional Unsubsidized Loan money.
- All Parent PLUS information will be electronically transmitted to Eastern if Eastern Connecticut State University is listed as the school to notify.
NOTE: We recommend parents apply for the PLUS loan within 3 months of their student starting classes at Eastern due to the credit check. If you choose to apply for a PLUS loan far in advance of your student starting classes, you may be subject to an additional credit check.