What credit score do you need to get a PLUS loan?

Asked by: Rigoberto Langworth  |  Last update: April 20, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (54 votes)

Because there is no Grad PLUS Loan credit score requirement, it can be tempting just to get this loan, especially if you already have other federal student loans. However, the interest rate might be higher, and you will pay origination fees.

What credit score is needed for a PLUS loan?

No minimum credit score is needed to get a parent PLUS loan. Federal loans aren't like private parent student loans, which use your credit score to determine whether you qualify and what interest rate you'll receive. But parent PLUS loans do have a credit check, and you won't qualify if you have adverse credit history.

What disqualifies you from a parent PLUS loan?

If you're a parent or graduate student seeking a Direct PLUS Loan, one of the requirements to qualify is that you must not have an adverse credit history. If your application is denied because of an adverse credit history, don't give up. You still have options.

How hard is it to get a PLUS loan?

To be eligible for a Direct PLUS Loan for parents, you must be a biological or adoptive parent (or in some cases a stepparent), not have an adverse credit history, and meet the general eligibility requirements for federal student aid (which the child must meet as well).

What makes you eligible for a PLUS loan?

Ensure that your student is enrolled at least half-time at an eligible school. Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) along with your child. Meet the general eligibility requirements for federal student aid. Not be in default on any other federal student loans.

College Loan Declined? You Have Options - 600 Credit Scores and below - bankruptcy, foreclosure etc.

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What are the disadvantages of a PLUS loan?

What Are Some Reasons to Avoid PLUS Loans? First, PLUS loans have no automatic grace period. Then there's the fact they aren't eligible for most IDR plans. Then, borrowing too much is easy to do, and finally, they're nearly impossible to get out of, even in bankruptcy.

How much can you borrow for a PLUS loan?

The maximum Direct PLUS Loan amount that can be borrowed is the cost of attendance at your school minus any other financial assistance received.

How long does it take to get approved for PLUS loan?

How long does processing take? Due to the value of PLUS applications at peak times (particularly summer and the start of the Fall term), PLUS loans can take 4 weeks for processing and for the loan to be posted on the student's financial aid summary.

What is the average amount of a parent PLUS loan?

According to the most recently available data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average loan amount for Parent PLUS loans in 2019-2020 was $34,630. When adjusting for inflation, that's $37,970 in 2021-2022 constant dollars.

Do you need a cosigner for a PLUS loan?

Federal Direct subsidized and unsubsidized loans, excluding PLUS Loan for Parents and PLUS Loan for Graduate and Professional Students which require a credit check and a credit worthy endorser if the parent or graduate or professional student has adverse credit, do not require a credit check or cosigner, and offer ...

What is the loophole for parent plus borrowers?

How to Use the Double Consolidation Loophole: The key to using the double consolidation loophole is to consolidate each of your Parent PLUS Loans twice. In this scenario, a borrower can have as few as two Parent PLUS Loans.

Is parent PLUS loan based on income?

The Parent PLUS loan application is based on the borrower's credit history; no loan officer will look at your income or other debt or otherwise evaluate whether you can afford to make the payments. It is your responsibility to make sure you aren't borrowing more than you can afford to pay back.

Who pays back a parent PLUS loan?

You, the parent borrower, are legally responsible for repaying the loan.

What credit score do I need to get a $250000 loan?

For a $250,000 home, you'll likely need a fair to good credit score: 740+: Best rates and terms. 680-739: Good rates, still very good affordability. 620-679: Higher rates, may require larger down payment or FHA loan.

How many credits do you need for parent PLUS loan?

To be eligible for a Federal Direct PLUS Loan for Parents, the student and parent must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen and must not be in default on any federal education loans or owe an overpayment on a federal education grant, the student must be enrolled or accepted for enrollment in a degree program on at ...

What is the minimum credit score you will need to borrow money?

The minimum credit score required for a personal loan varies by lender. If a lender requires a fair credit score, that might mean a score somewhere between 580 and 660. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), having a higher credit score typically makes it easier to qualify for a loan.

Is it hard to qualify for parent PLUS loan?

To qualify, borrowers must have a dependent child enrolled at least half time in an eligible school. Unfortunately, grandparents and other relatives can't get a parent PLUS loan unless they legally adopt the student. While you don't need excellent credit to get a PLUS loan, you can't have an adverse credit history.

What is the monthly payment for a parent PLUS loan?

The monthly payment is set at 20% of your discretionary income, which is defined as the amount by which your income exceeds 100% of the poverty line. After 25 years of payments under income-contingent repayment, the remaining balance will be forgiven.

What are the negatives about the parent PLUS loan?

Drawbacks of the Parent PLUS Loan
  • Discharge: Federal parent PLUS loans are rarely discharged for financial difficulties resulting from unemployment, age-related or other illnesses and injuries, or bankruptcy.
  • Nontransferable: Parents cannot transfer the PLUS loan to their student to repay after they finish school.

What credit score is needed for a parent PLUS loan?

You cannot have an “adverse credit history.” While there's no minimum credit score requirement, loan defaults, bankruptcies, tax liens and certain other negative marks on your credit report could disqualify you.

Who is eligible for a PLUS loan?

Who is Eligible? Federal Direct PLUS loans are federal loans that graduate or professional students and parents of dependent undergraduate students can use to help pay for college or career school. You must complete a new Direct PLUS Application for each year you wish to receive a parent PLUS loan.

When to apply for a parent PLUS loan for fall 2024?

Completing the Online Application: (Note: The online PLUS application for 2024-2025 should not be submitted before June 1, 2024.) You may apply for a Direct PLUS Loan at www.studentaid.gov.

What happens when you default on a parent PLUS loan?

Defaulting on a Parent PLUS Loan can lead to serious consequences, including wage garnishment, credit score damage, and the loss of federal benefits. But you can recover through loan rehabilitation or consolidation with the U.S. Department of Education.

How much can I borrow with income?

With a FHA loan, your debt-to-income (DTI) limits are typically based on a 31/43 rule of affordability. This means your monthly payments should be no more than 31% of your pre-tax income, and your monthly debts should be less than 43% of your pre-tax income.

Can I increase my PLUS loan amount?

Note: You can request an increase in the amount of a Direct PLUS Loan you previously requested if it's for the same school, same award year, and same student. The loan can't exceed the cost of attendance (COA) minus other aid.