Why was i not offered a parent PLUS loan?

Asked by: Dr. Judd Carroll  |  Last update: November 24, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (66 votes)

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.

Why would someone be denied a parent PLUS loan?

Why a Parent PLUS Loan Might Be Denied. If your Parent PLUS Loan was rejected, it may be because you don't meet the credit requirements. PLUS borrowers can't have an adverse credit history, such as being at least 90 days overdue in making a debt payment or completing bankruptcy in the last five years.

Why don't I qualify for a parent PLUS loan?

Parent plus loans are not approved based on the amount they are borrowing, just on whether they meet the requirements of not having a bankruptcy in the last 5 years, being current (90 days) on debts, and not being in default on any government obligations (prior defaulted student loans, FHA loans, etc).

What disqualifies you from a grad PLUS loan?

More than $2,085 in total debt in collections or charged off in the past two years (before the date of the credit report); or. Default, bankruptcy discharge, foreclosure, repossession, tax lien, wage garnishment, or write-off of federal student loan debt in the past five years (before the date of the credit report)

Does everyone get approved for a parent PLUS loan?

Parent plus loans are not approved based on the amount they are borrowing, just on whether they meet the requirements of not having a bankruptcy in the last 5 years, being current (90 days) on debts, and not being in default on any government obligations (prior defaulted student loans, FHA loans, etc).

Do I Still Need To Pay Back The Parent Plus Loan?

15 related questions found

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.

What GPA do you need for a parent PLUS loan?

Eligibility for Federal Parent PLUS Loans

Dependent student must be making satisfactory academic progress, such as maintaining at least a 2.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale in college. Parent and dependent student aren't in default on a federal student loan or grant overpayment.

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 parent PLUS loans forgiven after 10 years?

Parent PLUS loans can potentially be forgiven after 10 years under specific conditions, such as through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program after consolidation into a direct consolidation loan. Parent borrowers must enroll in the Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR) plan to qualify for PSLF.

Why was my student loan denied?

If you've been denied student loan funding through the Department of Education, it's possible that you failed to meet the eligibility requirements for federal loans. Some of those requirements include: Demonstrating financial need (for most loan programs) Being a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.

What is the maximum parent PLUS loan amount?

Unlike all other federal student loans, there are no explicit borrowing limits for parent PLUS loans. Parents may borrow up to the full cost of attendance, which is determined by the institution, not the government, and includes books, travel and living expenses. There are no ability-to-repay standards for PLUS loans.

Is it too late to get a parent PLUS loan?

Students can apply for a federal student loan and parents for a Parent PLUS Loan up until the last day of classes or June 30 of the award year, whichever comes first.

Can you be denied student loans because of bad credit?

Yes, you can get student loans with bad credit. Federal student loans don't have a minimum credit score and most don't require a credit check at all. Some private student loans are available with bad credit but can be costly without a creditworthy cosigner.

Are parent PLUS loans difficult to get?

PLUS loans don't require good credit, making them an ideal option for low-credit borrowers. However, you can't have an adverse credit history, such as bankruptcies or loan defaults within the past five years.

How to pay for college if denied financial aid?

7 Options if You Didn't Receive Enough Financial Aid
  1. Apply for scholarships.
  2. Request an aid adjustment.
  3. Explore additional needs-based programs.
  4. Find part-time work.
  5. Ask about tuition payment plans.
  6. Request additional federal student loans.
  7. Research private or alternative loans.

Which parent takes out parent PLUS loan?

If the student's parents are divorced, both the custodial parent and the noncustodial parent are eligible to borrow from the PLUS loan program, provided that the combined amounts borrowed do not exceed the cost-of-attendance minus aid received cap.

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.

What is the average parent PLUS loan debt?

Based on the information from Federal Student Aid, as of 2022, the average Parent PLUS Loan debt is $29,528. Although that might not sound like a huge amount, it depends on the parent's income.

Do parent PLUS loans get inherited?

What happens to my parent's PLUS loan if my parent dies or if I die? Your parent's PLUS loan will be discharged if your parent dies or if you (the student on whose behalf your parent obtained the loan) die.

Who pays back a parent PLUS loan?

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

What is the maximum amount for a Grad PLUS loan?

Grad PLUS Loans

Typically, graduate students can borrow $20,500 per year of Federal Direct Unsubsidized loans up to a cumulative aggregate limit of $138,500, including loans received for undergraduate study.

How long does it take for a parent PLUS loan to be approved?

Borrowers must complete the Direct Loan Program requirements listed on this page in order to receive loan funds. See the appropriate links for other details, including how to apply for a Direct PLUS Loan. Note that it takes two to four weeks to process loans through our office.

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.

Can divorced parents each take out a parent PLUS loan?

If a student's parents are divorced, both the custodial and non-custodial parent may borrow a PLUS loan for their dependent, undergraduate student. A step-parent may only borrow a PLUS loan if they are married to the custodial parent and their financial information was reported on the FAFSA.

Do parent PLUS loans show up on your credit report?

When you receive a Parent PLUS Loan, a new tradeline will be added to your credit reports with the account balance, monthly payment amount, and other details. One of the factors that goes into your FICO credit score is your length of credit history, which includes your average age of accounts.