Federal PLUS Loans

Applying for the Loan

1) Applying for the PLUS Loan

Parents of Undergraduate Students
Initiate the PLUS loan process by completing our online PLUS loan request.

Graduate Students

• If the loan is included in your award you can accept it in AXESS. Under the Student Center tab, in the Finances section, select "Accept/Decline Awards." You can accept the maximum amount, specify a lower amount, or decline the loan.
• If you do not have the loan included in your award, submit a request to financialaid@stanford.edu.
• If you have not applied for financial aid, complete the graduate student Applying for Aid requirements.

2) Complete Your Promissory Note

You will receive an email from Sallie Mae* with instructions to complete a promissory note. If you do not receive an email from Sallie Mae, check for your promissory note at OpenNet. You will be directed to chose a lender and complete your promissory note online. We recommend using an electronic signature for fastest processing. For questions about the online application contact NELA at (800)979-4441.
*Parents of Undergraduate Students can expect an email within two to four weeks of submitting your loan request.
*Graduate Students can expect an email within three business days of accepting your loan in AXESS.

3) Receiving Your Loan Funds

Loans are generally divided evenly over the three quarters of the academic year. If your promissory note is complete, your loan funds will be applied to the University bill a few days prior to the beginning of each quarter. If the quarter has already begun, students can monitor the loan disbursements in AXESS.