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Federal Graduate Plus
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| Click here to view a detailed chart that compares the lenders and their benefits Graduate Plus lenders. |
| Please review the following process carefully: |
| 1. Before applying for a Federal PLUS, a graduate or professional student must apply for and Fordham must determine the student's eligibility for the maximum annual subsidized and/or unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan amount. It is beneficial for students to use their Stafford eligibility first as it has a lower interest rate and may be totally or partially subsidized. Although it is more advantageous to borrow a Stafford Loan at 6.8% than a Graduate PLUS at 8.5%, graduate or professional students are not required to receive Federal Stafford Loan funds as a condition for receiving a Federal PLUS. |
| 2. Students start the Graduate PLUS process by completing a credit check and a Master Promissory Note (MPN). New York Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) provides this service. You can click here to start this process with HESC. If you would like another guarantor besides HESC, you will need to contact that guarantor directly. |
| 3. The HESC site will prompt you to create a profile. Once this is created, you will then be asked to select your lender. This chart gives detailed information about our preferred lenders and can help you make your decision. Click here for more information on how Fordham University chooses its preferred lenders |
4. Students borrowing a Graduate PLUS for the first time at Fordham are also required by federal regulations to complete an “Entrance Interview” before proceeds of the loan can be credited to your student account. If you have not done so already you can complete the "Entrance Interview" on-line at:  |
| 5. The student may borrow up to the cost of education less all other financial aid received. |
| 6. The lender will notify you and Fordham University of your approval/denial for a Graduate Plus. |
| 7. All loans that are intended to cover multiple semesters will be received in equal disbursements at the beginning of each semester. |
| 8. If you have completed all of the prior steps and would like to check the status of your Graduate Plus you may link to one of the following sites: Oasis or Electronic loan Status. (Approximately 10 business days after the completion of all the above necessary steps, you should expect to see your loan online). |
