Steps to Borrow a Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan

Students will log into their MyLongwood portal to accept the Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan.

The parent then must visit the Federal Student Aid website and log in with their FSA ID.

  • Select Apply for Aid – Apply for a Parent PLUS Loan – Start.
  • After the application is submitted, the parent will continue on to complete a PLUS MPN (Master Promissory Note).

PLUS loan applications open June 1 for the following academic year.

Not Approved for the PLUS Loan

There are three available options for students and parents if the PLUS Loan is not approved:

Option 1

The parent has the option to obtain an endorser. An endorser is someone who is willing to essentially co-sign the loan, and repay the loan if the borrower (parent) is unable to do so. To add an endorser the endorser must log in to the FSA Website, select Apply for Aid – Endorse a PLUS Loan. If approved, the parent will then need to complete a PLUS MPN (Master Promissory Note), PLUS Credit Counseling and Annual Student Loan Acknowledgement.

Option 2

The parent may complete a credit appeal. A credit appeal requires the parent to submit documentation that explains and supports extenuating circumstances related to any adverse credit history. To complete an appeal the parent must log in to the FSA Website, select Apply for Aid – Appeal a Credit Decision. If approved, the parent will then need to complete a PLUS MPN (Master Promissory Note), PLUS Credit Counseling and Annual Student Loan Acknowledgement.

Option 3

If the parent does not wish to pursue an endorser or credit decision appeal, the student has the option to borrow an additional Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan. The Office of Financial Aid will automatically post this eligibility; the student would need to log in to their MyLongwood portal to accept the additional loan.

Learn more about the Federal Direct Parent Loan (PLUS) program.