Riverland Community College

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Parent PLUS Loans

The Federal Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) program is available to parents of dependent, undergraduate students. The PLUS loan borrower is the parent. The maximum PLUS loan amount depends upon your student's cost of attendance and other aid resources.

The interest rate on PLUS Loans, first disbursed on or after July 1, 2023 and before July 1, 2024 , is fixed at 8.05% for the life of the loan. In addition to interest, loan fees are charged and deducted from the loan disbursement.

The repayment for a Federal PLUS loan usually begins 60 days after the loan is fully disbursed.  In-school deferments and 6-month post enrollment deferments are available for PLUS Loans. 

How do I apply for a PLUS loan?

  • Your student must have a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file with the school.
  • To apply online, you will need your own FSA ID, (which you may have already created to sign your student’s FAFSA electronically).  Use the FSA ID to log in at www.studentaid.gov.  Hover over the Apply For Aid menu item, click on Apply for a Parent PLUS Loan.
    • When you apply online, you can choose the deferment options within the application.
    • If you are approved for the PLUS Loan, you will need to complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN) for Parents.  This is also located at www.studentaid.gov.  Hover over the Complete Aid Process menu item, click on MPN for Parents.
    • You will also need to complete the PLUS Loan Authorization Form and submit it to the Financial Aid Department.
  • To apply without a FSA ID, complete the PLUS Loan Authorization & Credit Check Form and submit it to the Financial Aid Department.
    • If you are approved you will need to create a FSA ID in order to complete the Master Promissory Note at www.studentaid.gov. 
    • If you would like to defer payments while your student is in school or for 6-months post enrollment, you will need to contact the loan servicer that is assigned your PLUS Loan.

What if I'm not approved for a PLUS Loan?