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Graduate PLUS Loan

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Information on applying for a Graduate PLUS Loan

Intro

Beginning July 1, 2026, there are significant changes that will affect certain federal loan programs. Please view all of the information on our Financial Aid Updates page. Below is important information on the status of the Graduate PLUS Loan program. 

  • The Graduate PLUS Loan for graduate and professional students is being eliminated effective July 1, 2026 for new borrowers.
  • Limited Exception: Students who were enrolled in a program of study as of June 30, 2026, and received a loan disbursement for that program of study (Unsubsidized or Graduate PLUS) prior to July 1, 2026, may be eligible to continue to borrow a Graduate PLUS loan for that same program for the lesser of three academic years or until they reach their time to credential (published program length minus the period of such program of study that the student has completed as of the date of the determination). The student must maintain continuous enrollment in their program to keep the limited exception status.
  • Federal Regulations define program length as: "The minimum amount of time in weeks, months, or years that is specified in the catalog, marketing materials, or other official publications of an institution for a full-time student to complete the requirements for a specific program of study." Part time attendance does not extend a program's Program Length as it is always calculated based on the time it would take a full time student to complete the program.
  • Example: A student enrolled in a program that has a published program length of 2 years, will begin their third year in the 2026-27 academic year (due to attending part-time). The student will not be eligible for the Limited Exception due to enrolling in a third year.

 

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Step 1

You must first have completed a FAFSA, received an award letter, and be enrolled at least half time for the loan period the Graduate PLUS Loan is intended for. 

Step 2

Print and complete the current Graduate PLUS loan application. Return the completed application to Blugold Central. Any credit holds must be removed so the credit check can be processed. The Financial Aid Office will review the application to determine if the student meets the Limited Exception criteria.

2025-26 Graduate PLUS Loan Application

2026-27 Graduate PLUS Loan Application

Step 3

If the student qualifies for the Limited Exception, the Graduate PLUS loan will be processed and a credit check will be completed. An email will be sent to the borrower using the email address provided on the PLUS application outlining the outcome of the credit check. The student will also receive an email to their campus email account in reference to the PLUS loan decision at this time.

Step 4

If the PLUS Loan is approved, a Master Promissory Note (MPN) must be completed online at Studentaid.gov.

Step 5

In some cases, the PLUS Loan is denied due to adverse credit. In that situation,

  1. The applicant can appeal the denial
  2. The applicant can obtain an endorser to co-sign the loan.
    1. The endorser will complete the necessary information online at Studentaid.gov
    2. The applicant will complete Adverse Credit Counseling online at Studentaid.gov 
Step 6

When all requirements are met, the funds will be sent to the school and applied directly to a student's university bill.  If excess funds remain, they will be refunded to the student. 

 

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Blugold Central

Vicki Lord Larson Hall 1108
105 Garfield Ave
Eau Claire, WI 54701
United States

715-836-3000