How To Apply For A Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan

Parents can borrow for their dependent undergraduate and graduates can borrow on their own behalf.

2011-2012 Academic Year Processing Ending Announcement: The last day we can process a Federal Direct Parent PLUS loan for the 2011-2012 academic year is 05/15/2012. 

  1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Once you complete the FAFSA, the information will be sent to your school's financial aid office.  UW-Madison’s school code is 003895.
  2. Submit any requested tax documents or other requested information. Once finalized, your Financial Aid Notification will be sent to your child’s wisc.edu email. To view the awards, they must login to the Student Center of My UW.
  3. Complete the 2012-13 PLUS Loan Request Form for the 2013 academic year. Submit it to UW-Madison’s Federal Direct Loan Office. This form will authorize the Department to conduct a credit check.  Click here for step-by-step instructions on completing the Request Form.
  4. Complete the Federal Direct PLUS Master Promissory Note on the Department of Education website.  Parents should log into the site with their own federal PIN.
  5. You will receive a letter via the U.S. postal service regarding the department’s credit decision within 7-10 days. Denied borrowers will receive a co-signer/endorser addendum application. It is your choice to pursue this option. If you cannot or choose not to find a co-signer then your dependent student becomes eligible for up to $4,000 in additional unsubsidized Stafford loan funds ($5,000 for juniors/seniors). You must indicate on your School Request Form that you want your child to be offered the unsubsidized loan. For questions and answers about the credit decision call the Department at 1-800-557-7394.

Disbursement: The Federal Direct PLUS Loan will not disburse to the student's tuition account until 10 days prior to the start of classes each semester.  For loans processed during the academic year please allow at least 10 business days for disbursement (provided all steps have been completed).

Refund Check: After the tuition bill is paid any excess PLUS funds are mailed to the parent's address listed on the School Request Form. We will not give parent PLUS refund checks to the student nor can we credit UW Housing. If the PLUS borrower’s intent is to pay for housing with their PLUS loan, they are responsible for cashing the refund check and paying any housing bill.