Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan Program

Academic Year 2026-27

Attention: Upcoming Federal Loan Changes as of July 1, 2026

Beginning with the 2026–27 academic year, new regulations for the Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan program will take effect. Under these changes, new Parent PLUS borrowers will be subject to both annual and aggregate borrowing limits. The maximum amount that may be borrowed is $20,000 per year, with a lifetime limit of $65,000 for each dependent undergraduate student.
Certain families may qualify for a grandfathering provision. Students who have previously received a Direct Loan in their current program of study—regardless of whether it was a Parent PLUS Loan—may remain eligible under the existing Parent PLUS Loan rules until the earlier of:

(1) three years from the effective date of the new regulations, or
(2) completion of their current program of study
For undergraduate students, a program of study is broadly defined and is not considered to have changed if the student changes majors.

The University of Rhode Island participates in the Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan Program. The University receives funds directly from the U.S. Department of Education and disburses (pays) them to eligible students. The student must file a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) for the academic year they would like to receive the loan(s) in order to be eligible for the Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan.

The rates below are set by the federal government. The interest rate and origination fee pertains to Academic Year 2025-26. 

  • PLUS Loan Interest rate – 8.94%
  • PLUS Loan Origination fee – 4.228%

First time Parent PLUS Loan Applicants

  • Complete the 3 steps below. 

Returning Parent PLUS Loan applicants with an URI Master Promissory Note (MPN) on File

  • Complete the credit check each year – Step 1 below
  • Complete the URI RI Supplemental Application each year – Step 3 below
  1. Click here to complete a credit check for a PLUS Loan. Log in using parent FSA-ID and password.

    -If approved, continue with Steps 2 and 3. The borrower (parent) will receive the results of a borrower-initiated credit check immediately. The credit check decision will be good for 180 days.

    -If denied, please review your options in your email. For more information please review the “PLUS Loan Denial Options” tab above. 
  2. Click here to complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN). Log in using parent FSA-ID and password.
  3. Click here for URI Supplemental Application.
    a. Please note you will need to enter: your student’s URI ID #, your student’s Social Security Number (SSN), and your student’s date of birth.
    b. Be sure to click the magnifying glass to specify Academic Year “2026”.
    c. When requesting your PLUS Loan you must account for the 4.228% origination fee. Please use this resource when it comes to calculating your PLUS Loan.

PLUS Loan Denial Options

Option 1: The Student May Receive an Additional Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan 

  1. Contact the Enrollment Services Loan Coordinator (ESLoanCoordinator-group@uri.edu) to receive an additional Federal Direct Unsubsidized Student Loan.
  2. The amount that a student is eligible for is determined by their class year:
  • Freshmen & Sophomores: $4,000 in additional funds
  • Juniors & Seniors: $5,000 in additional funds.
  • Once the Loan Coordinator confirms that the Federal Direct PLUS Loan was denied, the additional unsubsidized loan will be awarded to the student.
    • The student will then need to accept this loan via eCampus. 

Option 2: Click here to appeal the credit decision with the U.S. Department of Education

  • The parent needs complete both of the following by clicking the links below:
  • You may also appeal by calling 1-800-433-3243. Once an appeal has been submitted, the U.S. Department of Education will review and provide the parent with a follow up. 

Option 3: Click here to reapply with an endorser (Co-Signer)

The parent needs complete both of the following by clicking the links below:

Enter the borrower’s (parent) last name and the endorser code. The endorser code was provided to the parent during the original credit check. If the parent does not have this code, they should contact 1-800-433-3243 for assistance.