Applying for Federal PLUS Loan just got easier with our new online application process.

But first, learn a little more about the PLUS loans available to you.

Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan for Legacy Borrowers

  • Students who qualify under the Federal government's legacy provisions may continue borrowing under the previous requirements. If you are unsure whether you meet the Parent PLUS Legacy Qualification criteria, please contact our office before applying for a PLUS Loan.
  • In general, to qualify for Parent PLUS loan legacy provisions, you must have been enrolled at UMass Lowell and had a loan disbursed since July 1, 2026. Students' eligibility will be reviewed on an individual basis as they apply.
  • Federally funded loan program available to parents/step-parents of undergraduate dependent students
  • Eligibility does not require demonstrated financial need
  • A Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form is required
  • Student must be enrolled at least half time (6 credits) in a degree or eligible certificate program
  • May borrow up to the cost of attendance minus financial aid per academic year
  • Interest rate is fixed at 8.94% beginning July 1, 2025, and repayment begins 45-60 days after the second disbursement. Deferred payment options are available
  • Origination fees for loans disbursing on or after October 1, 2020 is 4.228% (subject to change)
  • Parent/stepparent must complete an Online Master Promissory Note

Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan for New Borrowers

Generally, First-time UMass Lowell Borrowers post July 1st, 2026.

  • If you are unsure whether the new regulations will apply to you, please contact our office before applying for a PLUS Loan.
  • Federally funded loan program available to parents/step-parents of undergraduate dependent students.
  • New Parent PLUS loan borrowers are capped at $20,000 per student per year, with a $65,000 lifetime limit per dependent.
  • Federally funded loan program available to parents/step-parents of undergraduate dependent students.
  • Eligibility does not require demonstrated financial need.
  • A Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form is required.
  • Student must be enrolled at least half-time (6 credits) in a degree or eligible certificate program.
  • Interest rate is fixed at 8.94% beginning July 1, 2025, and repayment begins 45-60 days after the second disbursement. Deferred payment options are available.
  • Origination fees for loans disbursing on or after October 1, 2020 is 4.228% (subject to change)
  • Parent/stepparent must complete an Online Master Promissory Note.

Federal Direct GRAD PLUS Loan 

Effective July 1, 2026
Graduate PLUS loans will no longer be available for new borrowers. Most students with a Federal Loan disbursed in their current graduate program before July 1st, 2026, remain eligible under the legacy provision. If you are unsure whether you meet the Grad PLUS Legacy qualification criteria, please contact our office before applying for a PLUS Loan.

  • Eligibility does not require demonstrated financial need
  • A FAFSA form is required
  • Student must be enrolled at least half time (6 credits) in a degree or eligible certificate program
  • May borrow up to the cost of attendance minus financial aid per academic year
  • Interest rate is fixed at 8.94% beginning July 1, 2025, and repayment begins 45-60 days after the second disbursement. Deferred payment options are available
  • Origination fees for loans disbursing on or after October 1, 2020 is 4.228% (subject to change)
  • Graduate student must complete an Online Master Promissory Note
A group of students standing in front of a money background holding a sign saying Apply Now!

Steps to apply for a Federal PLUS Loan online

IMPORTANT: All wishing to borrow a Federal Direct PLUS Loan MUST have completed a FAFSA

  1. Go to Federal Student Aid - Student Loans website and “Log In” with the same FSA ID used to complete the FAFSA
  2. Follow the instructions to "Apply for a PLUS Loan" (parents complete the PLUS request for parents, Graduate students complete PLUS request for graduate/professional students)
  3. Complete all requested data (academic year, school, amount borrowing, etc.) and authorize the Department of Education to check your credit
  4. If credit is approved, first time Federal Direct PLUS Loan borrowers must complete the Master Promissory Note (MPN). This is completed on the same Federal Student Aid - Student Loans website
  5. Once these steps are complete, the Department of Education will send notification to UMass Lowell within 2-3 business days for further review
  6. Once finalized, the loan will show as anticipated aid on your student’s bill. The Master Promissory Note must be complete before this will occur.

Additional information

Email the the Solution Center by email at: TheSolutionCenter@uml.edu if you need help applying or deciding how much to borrow for your PLUS Loan.