Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loans

The Federal Direct PLUS loan program is designed to assist parents of dependent undergraduate students who are unable to meet their expected parental contribution or have additional financial need that is not met with other financial aid resources. Your parents may borrow up to the cost of your education for the academic year, minus any estimated financial aid you receive each academic year. Loans that are identified as "replacing Expected Family Share" are offered to you as an option to replace the contribution expected from you or your family. Loans that are identified as "replacing need" are offered to you to help meet your financial need. The application for a Direct Loan will not be processed through a bank but rather through UCI and the U.S. Department of Education.

Who Can Apply

Biological or adoptive parents and, in some cases, stepparents of dependent undergraduate students who are eligible to file a FAFSA.

Parents must meet some citizenship eligibility requirements. Visit the Federal Student Aid website to learn more.

Parent PLUS Loan for New Borrowers

For students enrolling on or after July 1, 2026.

The Parent PLUS Loan is limited to $20,000 per dependent per academic year. 

The Parent PLUS Loan is limited to an aggregate of $65,000 per dependent student. This equates to about $16,250 in Parent PLUS Loan eligibility per student each academic year for a typical four-year degree program.

See below for examples of how this may be spread across the four years of your student's degree program.

Parent PLUS Loan for Existing Borrowers

For current students continuing enrollment as of July 1, 2026.

Parent PLUS Loan Legacy Provisions:

• Parent PLUS Loan Borrowers – Legacy Eligibility Based on Prior Borrowing for Each Specific Student:
  • To qualify for the legacy provision, a student must meet all of the following criteria:
    • The student was enrolled in a program of study** before July 1, 2026.
    • They had a federal student loan for their program of study disbursed before July 1, 2026.
    • Legacy provisions for Parent PLUS borrowers are specific to each student*, who must have been enrolled for a program of study** before July 1, 2026.
    • This legacy provision allows them to continue borrowing from the program for:
      
      • Three academic years; or
      • the period determined by calculating the difference between—
      • (i) the program length for the program of study in which the individual is enrolled; and
      • (ii) the period of such program of study that such individual has completed as of the date of the determination
      • whichever is less.

If the student ceases enrollment or withdraws from the university and does not re-enroll in their program of study before June 30, 2026, the legacy status no longer applies, and the new limits take effect immediately.

 *Legacy provisions do not apply to other dependent students, unless they were also enrolled in a program of study as of June 30, 2026, and received a loan or a loan was received on their behalf for that program of study**.

When Repayment Starts

PLUS loan repayment begins 60 days after the loan is fully disbursed for an academic year. Visit the Federal Student Aid website to review repayment and deferment options.

Interest Rates and Fees

Fixed rates are based on first disbursement.

Origination fees are fixed annually and subtracted by the Department of Education prior to disbursing the funds to your Zot Account.

For current interest rates and fees, visit the Student Aid website.

Promissory Note

First-time borrowers must complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN). Visit the U.S. Department of Education to learn more.

Parents with Adverse Credit

A credit check will be performed during the application process. If parents have an adverse credit history, they may still receive a loan.

Parents with adverse credit history are required to complete PLUS Credit Counseling. Contact our office or visit the Federal Student Aid website for further information.

More Information on Eligibility

Visit the U.S. Department of Education (PDF).

Parents Unable to Borrow

If your parents were denied credit for a Parent PLUS Loan and are unable to find a co-signer or are unable to borrow, you may request an additional unsubsidized Federal Direct Stafford Loan award. Contact a Financial Aid Counselor for additional information.