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Graduate PLUS Loans: A Rundown

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Anonymous

13y ago
Updated: 9/16/2019

Graduate school is expensive, and unlike undergrad, there isn't a lot of financial aid available. While some lucky students may get assistantships or research grants, most will rely on loans to fund their education. The federal government offers three types of loans for graduate school: subsidized Stafford loans, unsubsidized Stafford loans, and graduate PLUS loans. Below is a brief run-down of what you need to know about graduate PLUS loans. You can also visit the student aid site for more information.

The first step in applying for a graduate PLUS loan is to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Once your institution has received that and assigned you a financial aid package, you can decide with your financial aid counselor whether a graduate PLUS loan will be right for you. Look what your institution projects for the cost of tuition, fees, and living expenses, then compare it with your own realistic needs. It's likely that your subsidized and unsubsidized loans won't cover what your school predicts the cost of living to be. If you agree, it's time to look into a PLUS loan to bridge that gap. Again, talk with your financial aid counselor about how to apply, since requirements differ from school to school.

Typically, graduate PLUS loans makes up for the difference between Stafford loans and actual costs. This means you cannot take out more than the costs of attendance as projected by the institution. It's important to remember that graduate PLUS loan repayment starts as soon as the loan is dispersed; however, this can be delayed if you're attending school at least part time. Additionally, graduate PLUS loan interest rates are a little higher than Stafford loans (currently fixed at 7.9%). There are major advantages to PLUS loans, most importantly the government's repayment options, which take into consideration financial hardship when determining repayment. Overall, graduate PLUS loans are a safe and secure way to provide for the graduate school costs that your financial aid package fails to cover.

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Wiki User

13y ago

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Related Questions

If you have bad credit can you get a student plus loan?

In the USA, Parent PLUS loans are based on credit. Graduate PLUS loans are not based on credit. So, if you are taking the loans out for your kids, then yes the loans are based on your credit score. If you are taking the loans out for yourself for graduate studies, then it does not matter what your credit rating is.


Do Federal Graduate Plus Loans qualify under title IV?

yes they do


How can a graduate student apply for PLUS loans?

To apply for a PLUS loan a graduate student must complete the 'Free Application for Federal Student Aid' form. One can do this on the Federal Student Aid website.


Graduate Stafford Loans?

If you are attending graduate school, you are probably wondering how you will manage to pay for your education. Graduate school can be expensive, but you can reduce the costs by assisting professors teach undergraduate courses and by taking loans such as Stafford loans. A Stafford loan graduate can reduce the amount of overall money that he or she owes because Graduate Stafford loans offer students lower interest rates than other educational loans that are available.


Who is eligible for graduate loan consolidation?

A graduate is eligible for consolidating their undergraduate and graduate loans. This is the best way to lower your repayments if you are a graduate. One can find more information on the Grad Loans web page.


Who would be eligible for a PLUS loan?

PLUS loans are available for graduate and professional degree students who are enrolled at a minimum of half time. Parents of dependent undergraduate students are also eligible for a PLUS loan.


What loans does Lloyds offer customers?

Lloyds is an online banking service that offers customers loans. These loans include personal loans, car loans, graduate loans, and home improvement loans.


What type of student loans are available for graduate students?

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Where can one find information about graduate loans?

One can find information about graduate loans by visiting the website of the college the student wishes to attend and clicking on the link that provides such information.


What kind of loans do Lloyds online banking offer?

Lloyds online banking services offers the following types of loans: personal loans, car loans, home improvement loans, and they even offer graduate loans.


Grad PLUS loans a good option for financing graduate school?

Financing graduate school can be expensive. An important option to consider for covering the total cost of graduate school (including tuition and living expenses) is a Graduate PLUS Loan. The federally-guaranteed loans are available to U.S. citizens who attend graduate school at least half time and have acceptable credit. Benefits of a Grad PLUS Loan Grad PLUS loans are available to cover the total cost of graduate school such as tuition, room and board, living expenses, textbooks, supplies, lab costs, and other out-of-pocket expenses minus any other financial aid received. Loan eligibility for a Grad PLUS loan is not based on need nor is it awarded based on a particular FICO score. Grad PLUS loan recipients do need to have credit without an adverse credit history or have a co-signor with a good credit record. Grad PLUS loans can be used for online graduate degree programs if the program is offered by a college or university that accepts federal financial aid. Rates are fixed at 7.9 percent and will not change throughout the life of the loan. Up front fees of up to 4 percent can be charged by the lender, bringing the total interest rate maximum to 8.85 percent. Interest is tax-deductible for many students. The Downside to a Grad PLUS Loan Payments on the Grad PLUS loan are due to begin 60 days after the loan is funded, although most schools can file for a deferment from the Department of Education. If a graduate student falls below the half-time requirement, payments are due within 45 days. As with all federally-subsidized financial aid, a Grad PLUS loan cannot be discharged as part of bankruptcy. The interest rate can be slightly higher than other graduate school financial aid, so be sure to thoroughly research all of the graduate school financing options available. There are several websites with more detailed information about Grad PLUS loans: Student Loan Network's Gradloans.com: www.gradloans.com/graduate-plus-loan, Information for Financial Aid Professionals' website: www.ifap.ed.gov/dlbulletins/attachments/DLB0703Attach.pdf and U.S. News & World Report's website: http://www.usnews.com/education/best-graduate-schools/top-graduate-schools/paying/articles/2011/03/16/graduate-plus-loan-faqs.


Where can I find loans for graduate school?

There are a variety of online sites that one can apply for student loans. Sites such as college loans, continuing education loans, federal, government loans, professional loans, loan extentions, grants, etc.