How to Apply for a Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan

You will need online access to download a School Request Form (pdf format) and to electronically sign a Master Promissory Note. You will also need a federal PIN number to electronically sign the note.  

2011-2012 Academic Year Processing Ending Announcement: The last day we can process Federal Direct Graduate PLUS loan funds for the 2011-2012 academic year is 05/15/2012. Medical students can still get subisidized and unsubsidized loan increases until 06/19/12. 

  1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is the Department of Education's online application which is required for anyone requesting a grad PLUS loan. Once you complete the FAFSA, the information will be sent to your school's financial aid office. UW-Madison’s school code is 003895.
  2. Submit any requested tax documents and Graduate Outside Aid form. Once finalized, your financial aid offer will be sent to your wisc.edu email.
  3. Login to the Student Center of MY UW to view your aid offer and accept your loan(s).
  4. Complete the 2012-13 GradPLUS Form for the 2013 academic year. Submit it to UW-Madison’s Federal Direct loan Office. This form will authorize the Department to conduct a credit check. 
  5. Complete the Federal Direct PLUS Master Promissory Note on the Department of Education's website. 
  6. You will receive a letter via the U.S. postal service regarding the department’s credit decision within 7-10 days. Denied borrowers will receive a co-signer/endorser addendum application. It is your choice to pursue this option. For questions and answers about the credit decision call the Department at 1-800-557-7394.

Disbursement: The Federal Direct PLUS Loan will not disburse to the student's bursar account until 10 days prior to the start of classes each semester.  For loans processed during the academic year please allow at least 10 business days for disbursement (provided all steps have been completed).

Refund Check: After the tuition bill is paid any credit balance due back to the borrower is mailed to the address listed on the School Request Form. If the PLUS borrower’s intent is to pay for housing with their PLUS loan, then they are responsible for cashing the refund check and paying any housing bill or rental property.