Direct Grad PLUS Loan

Academic Year 2026-2067

Changes to the Direct Federal GRAD Plus Loan Program made by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA)

Starting July 1, 2026, the Graduate PLUS loan program will be eliminated for new borrowers from changes made by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). If you are continuing graduate student, enrolled in your current program you may still be eligible to borrow Direct GRAD Plus loans if you qualify for the limited exception.

Limited Exception:

  • You have previously borrowed a Direct Loan (Grad PLUS loan or Direct Subsidized/Unsubsided) for your current program prior to July 1, 2026
  • You remain continuously enrolled at in the same program
  • You do not break enrollment
  • You complete your current program in the maximum time of two academic years.

Direct Unsubsidized Loan

The Graduate Programs at FIT are still eligible for federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan with annual limits up to $20,500 annually with an aggregate limit of $100,000 for general Graduate students. The Key Life Loan Limits total limit is $257,500 across all federal loans (Subsidized, Unsubsidized and Graduate PLUS) excluding Parent PLUS loans.

Under the Federal Direct Loan Program, the funds for the Grad PLUS Loan come directly from the Federal Department of Education. Students enrolled in any of our graduate programs must first apply for their full Direct Stafford Loan eligibility before consideration.    

New Rules Require Loans to be Prorated for Less than Full-Time Enrollment

Students enrolled part-time in 2026-2027, your Direct Graduate PLUS and or Unsubsidized Loans must be prorated.

GRAD Plus Application for Students Qualifying for Limited Exception

Only students that qualify under the limited exception can apply for the GRAD plus loan. 

  • Log into Federal Student Aid with your personal information and
  •  FSA ID 
    • A credit check will be performed for the PLUS loan. 
    • If your PLUS loan is denied,  you may have your spouse, or someone else, as an endorser/cosigner.

Interest Rate

The interest rate 2026-2027 Graduate Plus loan is a fixed interest rate is 9.07% for Federal Direct PLUS loans disbursed between July 1, 2026 and June 30, 2027. There is also an origination fee of 4.228% (for loans disbursed after  October 1, 2025 and before September 30, 2026) charged by the Department of Education.