The Graduate PLUS Loan is a credit based loan available to graduate and professional students. Students who are approved may borrow up to the full cost of their education minus other financial aid. The Graduate PLUS interest rate is fixed at 8.5%. There is a 3% origination fee plus a 1% default fee charged by the federal government. There are lenders and guarantors who may pay all or a portion of the default fee for loans guaranteed July 1, 2009—June 30, 2010.
Repayment on Graduate PLUS loans begins within 60 days after the final disbursement of the loan. Graduate PLUS loans may be deferred while the student is enrolled at least half-time.