Skip to main content

How to Apply for a Parent PLUS Loan

ONLY the parent borrowing the funds should sign in to initiate and complete the application when applying for the Parent PLUS Loan.

  1. To begin the application, the parent borrower signs into their studentaid.gov account with the same FSA ID that was used to sign the student’s FAFSA. (Do not sign into the student’s studentaid.gov account)
    1. Request or create a Parent Borrower FSA ID if you do not have an existing FSA ID.
  2. On the studentaid.gov website, select “Parent” and “Apply for a Parent PLUS loan”.
    Screenshot Parent PLUS application screen
  3. Select “View Demo” for a step by step instructional video and “Log In To Start” when you are ready to apply.
    Screenshot Parent PLUS demo

Next steps:

If the credit check is approved, and this is the first PLUS loan you are borrowing for this student, you will be instructed to complete the Federal Direct PLUS Master Promissory Note (MPN). If a prior PLUS was endorsed, a new MPN will be required.

  1. On the studentaid.gov website, select “Parent” and “Complete a Master Promissory Note for a Parent PLUS Loan”.
    Screenshot Parent PLUS Master Promissory Note
  2. Select “View Demo” for a step by step instructional video and “Log In To Start” when you are ready to complete the PLUS MPN for Parents of Dependent Undergraduate Student.
    Screenshot Parent PLUS MPN details

If the credit check is not approved you will be asked to indicate:

  • If you are going to pursue the loan by obtaining an endorser (co-signer) – you will work directly with the Department of Education loan origination center. Cal Poly will be notified once the loan is approved.
  • If you are going to appeal the denial with the Department of Education – you will work directly with the Department of Education loan origination center. Cal Poly will be notified once the loan is approved.
  • If you will not/cannot resolve the denial and indicate you will not pursue the loan - your student will be offered an additional unsubsidized loan of $4,000 or $5,000 depending on their grade level.
  • If you are unsure - Cal Poly will receive your response with the denial notice and will contact you via email asking if you plan to resolve the denial or will not pursue the Parent PLUS loan.

The MPN process must be completed in a single session and takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.

Go to the application