What is the maximum federal Grad PLUS loan?

Asked by: Ana Kunde DVM  |  Last update: April 28, 2026
Score: 4.6/5 (32 votes)

The Graduate PLUS Loan can cover the full cost of attendance for your graduate program, with the exception of other financial aid received. There is no aggregate loan limit.

Is there a limit on grad plus loans?

Unlike other types of federal student loans, grad PLUS loans don't have a specific limit on how much you can borrow per year, nor do they have an aggregate limit. Instead, you might be able to borrow up to your school's certified cost of attendance, minus other financial aid you've received.

Can I increase the amount of my Grad PLUS loan?

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

How much does a Grad PLUS loan cover?

A Grad PLUS Loan lets you borrow up to the full cost of your college attendance. Approval for Grad PLUS Loans is based on your credit history. You must pay a loan fee (right now, the fee is 4.228% of the loan).

How much can you get from a federal 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.

5 Essential Things To Know About Grad Student Loans | Federal Student Loan Basics For Grad Funding

26 related questions found

What is the maximum amount for a graduate student loan?

$138,500 for graduate or professional students-No more than $65,500 of this amount may be in subsidized loans. The graduate aggregate limit includes all federal loans received for undergraduate study.

What is the max amount of money you can get from a loan?

Most lenders state that their maximum personal loan amount is $50,000, though some will go as high as $100,000. Some borrowers, usually wealthy and with high credit scores, might be able to borrow more.

Are Grad PLUS loans based on income?

Graduate PLUS Loans have much more forgiving credit criteria than most (if not all) private alternative loans. They simply require the 'absence of negative credit history' and do not require any sort of income level or debt-to-income ratios like all other loans require.

Are Grad PLUS loans unlimited?

Unlike other federal loans, which have set annual and lifetime limits, the Grad PLUS Loan is designed to cover the full cost of attendance.

Can Grad PLUS loans be forgiven?

Grad PLUS loans may be included in a Federal Direct Consolidation Loan (which have a repayment period of up to 30 years) and are eligible for Income-Driven Repayment and Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

What credit score do you need for a Grad PLUS loan?

Grad PLUS Loan Minimum Credit Score. Unlike a traditional consumer loan through a private lender, the Department of Education doesn't set a minimum Grad PLUS Loan credit score to qualify. Instead, the program states that borrowers can't have an adverse credit history.

Will I get denied a Grad PLUS loan?

If your credit report indicates you are 90 days or more delinquent on any debt, are in default, have a bankruptcy, foreclosure, repossession, tax lien, wage garnishment or a write-off of any Title IV federal financial aid during the last five years, you will not be eligible to borrow a Grad PLUS Loan.

Do Grad PLUS loans go into your bank account?

Any loan funds that remain will be disbursed to you in the form of a refund to help you pay for any additional education expenses. These funds will either be mailed to you in the form of a check or sent via direct deposit to the bank account you set up through Workday.

Which is better, unsubsidized or graduate plus?

Interest, Fees & Lender

Because Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans have lower origination fees and interest rates than Grad PLUS, it is recommended to accept all Unsubsidized Loan eligibility prior to determining if you wish to accept Grad PLUS Loans.

How much money does FAFSA give for graduate school?

What is the FAFSA limit for grad school? Graduate students can borrow up to $20,500 annually through the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan program. There's an aggregate limit of $138,500 for Direct Unsubsidized and Subsidized loans, which includes any loans from undergraduate studies.

Can you max out grad plus loans?

The Graduate PLUS Loan can cover the full cost of attendance for your graduate program, with the exception of other financial aid received. There is no aggregate loan limit.

How much grad plus loan can I get per year?

The maximum PLUS loan amount you can receive is the cost of attendance (determined by the school) minus any other financial aid received.

Are Grad PLUS loans tax deductible?

You can take a tax deduction for the interest paid on student loans that you took out for yourself, your spouse, or your dependent. This benefit applies to all loans (not just federal student loans) used to pay for higher education expenses. The maximum deduction is $2,500 a year.

Are Grad PLUS loans automatically accepted?

Students should notify the SFA Loan Department in order for the Grad PLUS loan to be awarded if your credit is approved with an endorser. Borrowers who required an endorser for approval of the GRAD PLUS loan must sign a new MPN for any supplemental or future GRAD PLUS loan.

Can I still get FAFSA if I work full time?

Fortunately, there are limitations to what the federal government can consider student income. This helps to protect students, allowing them to work while protecting their chances to receive financial aid. BestColleges reports that the amount of income a student can earn without being penalized on the FAFSA is $7,040.

How big of a loan can I get with a 650 credit score?

With FICO, fair or good credit scores fall within the ranges of 580 to 739, and with VantageScore, fair or good ranges between 601 to 780. Many personal loan lenders offer amounts starting around $3,000 to $5,000, but with Upgrade, you can apply for as little as $1,000 (and as much as $50,000).

What's the biggest loan you can get?

Personal loan amounts vary by lender, but some lenders allow consumers to borrow up to $100,000. The amount a lender may approve you to borrow will depend on various factors, such as your credit score, income and debt-to-income ratio (DTI).

What is the maximum loan limit?

A maximum loan amount describes the total sum that one is authorized to borrow on a line of credit, credit card, personal loan, or mortgage. In determining an applicant's maximum loan amount, lenders consider debt-to-income ratio, credit score, credit history, and financial profile.