Graduate PLUS Loans

Graduate (Grad) PLUS Loans are available to students pursuing a graduate degree.

They are designed to help meet educational costs in circumstances where borrowing the federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan alone is not sufficient. The maximum that you can borrow is the total cost of attendance minus all other financial aid awarded. Loan repayment can be deferred until you graduate or begin attending less than half time.

Eligibility

To be eligible for a Grad PLUS loan, you must:

1. Meet basic federal eligibility criteria.
2. File a FAFSA for the appropriate award year.
3. Be enrolled at least half-time (4+ credits).
4. Submit all required To-Do list documentation on your My Cal Poly Portal before applicable deadlines.
5. Meet Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress.
6. Have a favorable credit history or a cosigner with a favorable credit history.

Receiving Your Loan

1. This loan is not automatically awarded. Notify the Financial Aid Office of your interest in the loan by either by sending an email, speaking with a Financial Aid Counselor, or submitting a written request in person at the Financial Aid Office counter.
2. Complete the Grad PLUS application. Before taking out your loan, take the time to read your rights and responsibilities.
3. All new approved Grad PLUS Loan borrowers are required to complete Entrance Counseling online before receiving their first loan disbursement. Prompt completion will prevent funding delays. Cal Poly electronically receives notification that you've completed it and will remove the requirement from your To-Do List.
4. Students who are denied the Grad PLUS Loan due to an adverse credit history may still qualify with a credit-worthy co-signer.