Applying for a Federal Graduate PLUS Loan

The Federal Graduate PLUS Loan may be an important funding source for students who need more loan funds than the Federal Stafford Loan can provide. To qualify for a Graduate PLUS Loan, you must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen, degree-seeking and enrolled at least half-time. The Graduate PLUS has a fixed interest rate of 8.5%. Lenders are required by federal regulation to charge an origination fee of 3%. The loan does require credit approval as defined by Federal Regulation. However, the credit criteria for the Graduate PLUS are less stringent than for private education loans. Graduate PLUS borrowers will receive in-school deferments while enrolled at least half-time. This loan may be included in a Federal Consolidation Loan.

Graduate PLUS Loan Application Process:

1. You must initiate the loan process by choosing a Graduate PLUS lender. You may choose to use one of Emory's Graduate Plus Loan lenders listed below. Apply online at the lender's website.
2. Once your credit is approved, Emory will receive a request from the lender to certify the loan. We will certify the loan for the lesser of the amount you request on your application or the maximum amount allowed by your financial aid budget (total cost minus other financial aid).
3. Complete Entrance Counseling. Entrance Counseling can be done via the web at mappingyourfuture.org. All first-time student borrowers must complete an entrance interview counseling session to ensure that they understand the terms of their loans and their rights and responsibilities as borrowers. If you do not have web access, please contact the Office of Financial Aid to request entrance counseling information by mail. Please allow 5 to 7 days for processing.
4. Funds received at Emory will be applied first to your student account, and then refunded to you within 7 to 10 days by the Student Financial Services in the event of a credit balance. Using a lender other than the lenders listed below may delay the arrival of your loan funds.

Emory Federal Graduate PLUS Lenders

In an effort to assist students and families in choosing a lender, the Office of Financial Aid has compiled a list of institutions we consider to offer competitive products, solid customer service, electronic payment of loan funds and a variety of savings programs during loan repayment. The Office of Financial Aid surveys lenders annually to provide the latest information regarding products and benefits. Information related to the Lender Survey Process is available in the Office of Financial Aid upon request. Reasons for selecting a particular lender will vary from person to person, so this list should only be used as a guide or starting point for analysis. Some choose a lender based on name recognition, immediate benefit of lower origination fees, or the long-term advantage of repayment savings programs, like an interest rate reduction as a reward for making payments on time. Please note that you are not required to use any of these lenders – the choice of lender is yours. The Office of Financial Aid will process your loan with any lender you choose. Further, the list of lenders is not in any order of preference. Choose your lender carefully with the intent that you will remain with that lender throughout your studies at Emory.

Please click the following link to review the Federal Graduate PLUS Loan Lender List.