Federal School Code: 003425
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PLUS Loan Links

Parents of dependent undergraduate students may apply for assistance through the Federal PLUS Loan program. Students must be enrolled at least half-time and maintain satisfactory academic progress in order to be eligible. 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. More information regarding PLUS loans can be found here.

In order for funds to be available for payment purposes, applications should be submitted by June 1 for the fall semester, November 1 for the Spring semester and March 1 for Summer sessions.

How to Apply for a PLUS Loan

First-time Borrowers:

  • Step 1: Complete the "Parent Loan Supplemental Information Request Form" for the appropriate academic year and submit it to the Student Financial Aid Office.
  • Step 2: Select a lender and complete the PLUS loan application online. Follow the instructions provided by the lender in completing the application.

If you wish to obtain a PLUS loan from a lender not listed, you will need to contact your lender of choice and request them to send an electronic certification request through the Electronic Loan Management (ELM) system to Clemson.

  • Step 3: Clemson will process the loan when we are electronically notified by the lender that they possess a valid promissory note. You will then be notified of final loan approval by the lender. Please note that a favorable pre-screening for a PLUS loan does not guarantee that the loan will be approved by the lender.

Repeat Borrowers:

If you have previously obtained PLUS loan funds for the student at Clemson University and would like to borrow more from the same lender, you only need to complete Step 1 above. If you have previously borrowed, the lender will have a Master Promissory Note on file that is still in effect. We will notify the lender that you want additional funds. If approved, the lender will notify you with an approval and disclosure notice.

If you wish to change lenders, you will need to follow the steps as outlined for a first-time borrower.

Promissory Notes

First-time PLUS loan borrowers must complete a Master Promissory Note. This note will remain in effect through the student's undergraduate career at Clemson. When applying in subsequent years, only Step 1 needs to be completed if you are retaining the same lender. The promissory note is a legal, binding document whereby you agree to repay the loan.

Disbursement

Most PLUS loan disbursements are made via Electronic Funds Transfer from your lender to Clemson University. These funds are applied to the student's account with any excess being released to either the student or parent as indicated on the PLUS Loan Supplemental Information Form.

Changing Loan Amounts

You are encouraged to only borrow needed funds. If the loan approval is more than you desire, you may reduce the amount by calling the Financial Aid Office at 864-656-2280, emailing the Financial Aid Office at finaid@clemson.edu, or following the directions provided by the lender on the disclosure statement you receive.

Paper PLUS Loan Applications

If you prefer to not use the electronic loan process, you may obtain a paper loan application from your lender of choice and submit it to our office. Please note that while processing your loan will not be delayed, it does take longer to process a paper application.

Attendance at Prior Institutions

We strongly encourage students who have borrowed through the PLUS Loan program at other institutions prior to attendance at Clemson to retain their previous lenders. This will avoid making multiple loan repayments in the future. Note: Clemson University does not participate in the Federal Direct Loan Program.

 

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