Eligibility
Do I qualify?
To qualify for a Grad PLUS loan from NextStudent, you need to file a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and meet certain eligibility requirements:
- Enrolled at least half-time in a program leading to a graduate or professional degree
- Maintaining satisfactory academic progress, as determined by your school
- Creditworthy
- Not in default on any federal college loans
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
You’ll also need to apply for your maximum eligibility in Federal Stafford Loans before applying for Grad PLUS loan aid from NextStudent.
How do I know if I’m creditworthy?
When you apply for Graduate PLUS loans, we’ll only look back at the last five years of your credit history. If your credit report is free of derogatory items (like collections and bankruptcies) for the past five years, you qualify as creditworthy. Simple as that!
Worried you might have a credit problem? Rest easy!
Our friendly credit resolution team will go to work for you. Nearly 90% of our Grad PLUS and PLUS loan applicants have been approved! With our “second look” policy, we can help you get past unresolved credit issues, even if you don’t get a preliminary approval right away.
And remember, you can always apply with a co-signer. Just in case you need to.
Want to see if you qualify?
What’s a Grad PLUS loan?
How do I apply?
How much can I borrow?
How much do Grad PLUS loans cost?
What’s my interest rate?
What are my repayment options?
Grad PLUS loan FAQs
