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Student Financial Aid

Federal Parent PLUS Loan

Through this program, parents of dependent undergraduate students can borrow up to the annual cost of attendance minus any other financial aid that the student receives for the year. Financial need is not necessary, but the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required. Eligibility for a PLUS loan is based on a parent's creditworthiness and not on financial need. Repayment of PLUS loans begin 60 days following the final disbursement of the loan each year. Parent borrowers may defer repayment while the student is enrolled at least half-time and for an additional six months beyond the student's graduation or when the student drops below half-time enrollment. Deferment periods must be corrected by contacting your Direct Loan servicer.

For funds to be available for payment purposes, applications should be submitted by:

  • June 30 for the Fall semester.
  • November 1 for the Spring semester.
  • April 1 for Summer Sessions.


How to Apply for a PLUS Loan

  1. Submit the FAFSA.

  2. Complete the Federal Parent PLUS Loan application for the appropriate academic year on studentaid.gov.

  3. Complete a PLUS Loan Master Promissory Note for parents at studentaid.gov.

Loan Amount 

Parents may borrow up to the annual cost of attendance minus any other financial aid that the student receives for the year. 

View Interest Rates for Federal Parent PLUS Loans

Eligibility Requirements

  • The student must be enrolled at least half-time (6 hours or more).

  • The student must maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined by the Clemson University Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy.

  • The student and borrower must not have defaulted on or owe a refund to any previous student aid program.
  • The student and borrower must be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals or permanent residents.
  • The borrower must be a parent of a dependent undergraduate student.