Federal Direct Parents Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) and Direct Graduate PLUS Loans

Federal Direct Student Loans are long-term, low-interest loans awarded to students by SUNY ESF which are funded directly through the federal government. Student loans offered through this program are guaranteed, meaning that eligibility is not based on credit history or income. All students who meet the general eligibility requirements for federal student aid and have not reached the aggregate loan limit, defaulted on a previous loan, or do not owe a repayment for a federal grant are eligible for Direct Loan consideration.

Eligibility for a Federal Direct PLUS Loan

In order to qualify for a Direct PLUS loan, the student for whom the funds are intended must be attending school on at least a half-time basis in an approved program. Eligibility is also based on the borrower's creditworthiness. Students whose parents are unable to obtain credit approval for a Direct PLUS loan may qualify for additional funding through the William D. Ford Federal Direct Student Loan program. Applicants who are denied a Direct PLUS loan based on an adverse credit decision should contact the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships to request an account review.

Federal Direct PLUS Loan Amounts

The amount available in Federal PLUS Loan funding will vary for each borrower. The maximum amount of each loan is determined by the SUNY ESF Financial Aid Office based on the student's expected costs and other financial aid amounts.

Federal Direct PLUS Loan Terms and Conditions

Interest Rates

Federal Direct PLUS Loans disbursed on or after July 1, 2013 have a fixed interest rate. The rate assigned to new loans will change every July 1 according to the following chart:

Academic Year	For Loans Disbursed	Fixed Interest Rate
2013-2014	7/1/13 to 6/30/14	6.41%
2014-2015	7/1/14 to 6/30/15	7.21%
2015-2016	7/1/15 to 6/30/16	6.84%
2016-2017	7/1/16 to 6/30/17	6.31%
2017-2018	7/1/17 to 6/30/18	7.00%
2018-2019	7/1/18 to 6/30/19	7.60%
2019-2020	7/1/19 to 6/30/20	7.08%
2020-2021	7/1/20 to 6/30/21	5.30%
2021-2022	7/1/21 to 6/30/22	6.28%
2022-2023	7/1/22 to 6/30/23	7.54%

Previous Years Interest Rates

Federal Direct PLUS Loans disbursed on July 1, 2006 to June 30, 2013 have a fixed interest rate of 7.90%.

Fees

All Federal Direct PLUS Loans are subject to an origination fee taken from the value of the loan at the time it is disbursed to the school. The loan amounts listed on financial aid award notifications represent the gross amount (amount before the fees have been paid). Origination fees will be charged according to the following chart:

For Loans First Disbursed	Origination Fee
7/1/13 to 11/30/13	4.204%
12/1/13 to 9/30/14	4.288%
10/1/14 to 9/30/15	4.292%
10/1/15 to 9/30/16	4.272%
10/1/16 to 9/30/17	4.276%
10/1/17 to 9/30/18	4.264%
10/1/18 to 9/30/19	4.248%
10/1/19 to 9/30/20	4.236%
10/1/20 to 9/30/21	4.228%
10/1/21 to 9/30/22	4.228%

Repayment

In most cases, regular loan payments begin 60 days after the loan has been fully disbursed for the academic year. Interest will begin to accrue at the time of the first loan disbursement. Repayment will initially be scheduled for fixed monthly payments over a 10 year period.

How to Apply for a Federal Direct PLUS Loan

Graduate students or parents of undergraduate students should complete the following steps to apply for a Federal Direct PLUS Loan:

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Accept the desired loan(s) in the Financial Aid Award
Complete Direct Loan PLUS Application (Note: the parent borrower must be signed in, rather than the student.)

Borrowers accepting a Federal Direct PLUS Loan for the first time at SUNY ESF should also complete the following at https://studentaid.gov/:

Complete an online William D. Ford Direct Loan Agreement for a PLUS Loan (MPN).

Last updated on July 15, 2022

Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships Federal Direct PLUS