A Direct PLUS Loan is a federal loan for the parent of a dependent undergraduate student that allows the parent to borrow up to the cost of the student’s education minus financial aid.  The loan has a fixed interest rate of 7.9% and fees of 4% are deducted from the loan.

To  be eligible for a PLUS Loan you must:  file a 2009-2010 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA); be a United States citizen, national or eligible non-citizen; be borrowing to pay college costs for a dependent student who meets all requirements set forth in federal regulations; provide your Social Security number; not be in default of any Title IV Loan unless satisfactory repayment arrangements have been made with the holder; not owe a refund on any Title IV grant unless satisfactory repayment arrangements have been made; not be determined to have adverse credit as defined by the PLUS Loan program; and comply with all other requirements as set forth in the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended. 

To apply for Plus Loans:  please complete the Direct PLUS Loan Request-Form click here.

Step 1 – Complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).  A PLUS Loan cannot be processed until a FAFSA has been completed and accepted by the federal document processor. The FAFSA can be completed online at www.fafsa.ed.gov and you can call (800) 433-3243 for assistance.

Step 2 – Determine the amount you wish to borrow.  Using the student’s financial aid award information (if applicable) and the charges associated with the 2009-2010 academic year, determine how much money you will need to borrow to pay your child’s tuition bill. The 2.5% PLUS Loan origination fee may also be added to your loan requested amount. Complete the Direct PLUS loan Request Form

Step 3 – Apply for a PLUS Loan. Complete the Master Promissory note online:

htpps:dlenote.ed-gov

Step 4 -PLUS Loan Disbursement.  One half of the approve loan amount on behalf of your lender, will electronically disburse the funds of your PLUS Loan to Trinity College and these funds will be applied directly to the student’s tuition account.  You will receive notification when funds are disbursed.