NOTICE TO STUDENTS AND PARENTS
ABOUT DIRECT LOANS AND PLUS LOANS
Recent changes to the federal student loan regulations have discontinued the Federal Family
Education Loan Program (FFEL) and replaced it with Federal Direct Loan Program (DL). The
major difference is that instead of borrowing your student or parent loan through private
lenders, you will now borrow these loans through the U.S. Department of Education. Note: All
references to Subsidized and Unsubsidized Stafford Loans should now be considered Subsidized
and Unsubsidized Direct Loans.
Federal Direct PLUS Loan
Parents of dependent students who wish to seek financial assistant on the form of a Direct
PLUS Loan must complete a PLUS application and master promissory note each year.
Follow the steps below to apply for a PLUS Loan. Note: PLUS Loans are credit based;
therefore, a parent borrower with an adverse credit history may be denied. Part of the PLUS
application process includes a credit check
To complete the PLUS Loan Application:
Visit the Student Loan website at https://studentloans.gov (no “www”).
Have your FSA ID ready (this is the FSA ID used to sign your son or daughter’s
FAFSA). You will also need your social security number, date of birth, and first two
letters of your last name to sign in.
After signing in, update your Personal Information (email address) if necessary.
Complete your PLUS Loan application by clicking on “Request a PLUS Loan”
Select the loan type, “Parent PLUS”
Upon completion of the application and approved credit, complete your Master
Promissory Note (MPN) by clicking on “Complete MPN"
Follow the instructions to complete and submit your PLUS application and MPN. For
assistance with the website application please call 1-800-557-7394.
Remember that a PLUS loan is for the parent and you should be using parent
information on the application.
RCC will receive confirmation once you have successfully completed your PLUS application.
If approved, RCC will certify your loan by providing information regarding your
son/daughter’s enrollment and aid eligibility to the U.S. Department of Education.