How can I complete the Federal Direct Graduate Plus Loan Application?

Graduate students without adverse credit history may borrow funds through this program. Students may borrow the difference between the student's total cost of education and all other aid the student is receiving. The interest rate is fixed at 7.54% (2022/23).

Go to www.studentloans.gov and follow the outline below:

1. Click the "Log In" button and use you FASFA Information to sign in, this is your FSA ID used to electronically sign your FAFSA. This will be your electronic signature.  Apply for a FSA ID if you do not have one already. Once you have received your FSA ID, you can go to www.studentloans.gov in order to complete the PLUS Application.  Click Sign In and log in using your FSA ID.
2. Click "Apply for Direct PLUS Loan" link
3. Select Loan Type "Graduate PLUS"
4. Complete the PLUS Application for the correct award year (2019-2020 Award Year covers Fall 2019, Spring and Summer 2020)
5. You will be asked for our school name, from the drop down menu choose "Saint Joseph's University"
6. You will be asked to choose the amount you wish to apply for. You may choose the maximum (the difference between your Cost of Attendance, and the aid currently on your account – this can be viewed on the Award Overview tab where you accepted your Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan) or specify a lesser amount. Remember, loan amounts are processed annually and not by semester.
7. You will receive a confirmation and a "Next Step" to complete the MPN for the name of the student.
8. Sign the PLUS Master Promissory Note (MPN) The Federal Direct Plus Loan Master Promissory Note is a legal document in which you promise to repay your loan(s) and any accrued interest and fees to the Department. It also explains the terms and conditions of your loan(s). If you are borrowing Direct PLUS Loans for more than one student, you'll need to complete a separate MPN for each one. 

**These online forms MUST be completed to receive a Federal Direct Graduate PLUS.

Once you have completed the necessary steps, you will receive a confirmation e-mail.  If you receive the confirmation e-mail from Direct Lending, you do not need to check with SJU on the status of the loan.