TABLE OF CONTENTS
Federal Parent PLUS Loans and Graduate PLUS Loans come with a 4.228% origination fee that's deducted from your loan before it's disbursed. This means if you borrow $10,000, you won't receive the full $10,000—you'll receive about $9,577 after the fee is taken out.
To make sure you receive the amount you actually need, you'll want to request a slightly higher amount on your PLUS Loan application. Use the table below to estimate how much to borrow.
PLUS Loan Amount to Request
| If You Need to Receive | Amount to Request on Application (rounded up to nearest $5) |
|---|---|
| $1,000 | $1,045 |
| $5,000 | $5,225 |
| $10,000 | $10,445 |
| $15,000 | $15,665 |
| $20,000 | $20,885 |
| $25,000 | $26,105 |
| $30,000 | $31,325 |
| $35,000 | $36,550 |
How the Math Works
The origination fee is deducted before your loan is disbursed, not added on top. So if you need to receive $10,000, you'd request $10,445. After the 4.228% fee is deducted, you'll receive approximately $10,000.
Important Notes for 2026–27
- The maximum Parent PLUS Loan application amount is $20,000 for undergraduate students.
- Graduate PLUS Loans are being phased out for new borrowers.
Questions?
If you need help calculating an amount not shown in the table, or if you have other questions about PLUS Loans, submit a ticket and we'll be happy to help.
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