PLUS loans for graduate Students

There is a PLUS loan available to graduate students to fund your education. This loan does not involve a parent borrower. If you are a graduate student wishing to borrow a Grad PLUS loan, you must:

  • Complete the FAFSA 
  • Complete the Grad PLUS Loan Application at studentloans.gov .   
    • Completing the online application:
      • Student will need to use their PIN that was created for the FAFSA.  If a new PIN is needed or forgotten, go to pin.ed.gov. 
      • A credit check is done immediately, and the student will be given options based on the credit decision. 
      • The application is sent electronically to the Office of Student Financial Aid, who will award the student, based on the outcome of the application.  
       
     

Approval

  • If approved, the student must also complete a Grad PLUS Master Promissory Note (MPN) prior to funds being released.
    • Student will accept or decline the loan after the credit check results are received by NAU.
    • Student will sign the PLUS MPN at studentloans.gov using their electronic PIN. 
    • Grad PLUS loan funds will pay charges (tuition, fees, housing and other current charges) on the student account.  A refund for any excess funds will be deposited into the student's account electronically (if direct deposit is set up) or mailed in the form of a check to the student's address on record. 
     

Denial

  • If denied, the student will have three options:  

The credit decision will be sent electronically to the Office of Student Financial Aid, who will hold the application as pending until an endorser is obtained or an appeal is granted. 

The Department of Education will send the student documents regarding the denied Grad PLUS loan application.  These documents will include endorser/cosigner information along with an appeal form.  If the student will seek an endorser/cosigner or appeal the decision, please contact the Office of Student Financial Aid at 928-523-4951 or Financial.Aid@nau.edu as soon as possible.  Failure to do so could lead to your pending loan being cancelled.