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Graduate PLUS Loan

Subtitle

Information on applying for a Graduate PLUS Loan

Intro

Beginning July 1, 2026, there are significant changes to be enacted to 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.
  • Legacy Provision: If a student is enrolled in the same program of study in 2026-27 as in 2025-26; and the student borrowed and received funds in the Direct Loan Program (Unsubsidized or Graduate PLUS) that was disbursed prior to July 1, 2026, they may be eligible to continue to borrow Grad PLUS for up to three academic years or until they reach their time to credential (published program length), whichever comes first, but no later than June 30, 2029. The student must maintain continuous enrollment in their 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 would not be eligible for the Legacy Provision due to enrolling in a third year.
  • UWEC is awaiting further guidance from the Department of Education (ED) on how to treat the remaining years of eligibility with students enrolled part-time in one or more prior semesters. We anticipate final regulations and guidance no later than June 30, 2026. This information will be updated accordingly.
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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 Legacy Provision Criteria.

2025-26 Graduate PLUS Loan Application

2026-27 - Application Coming Soon

Step 3

If the student qualifies for the Legacy Provision, 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