The William D. Ford Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan Program is for parents to provide assistance in meeting undergraduate educational cost for dependent students.

Regardless of financial need, any parent of an undergraduate student can apply.

The Federal Direct Parent PLUS loan is offered to parents of dependent undergraduate students. This loan is credit based and a credit check will be performed by the U.S. Department of Education at the time of application. The credit check is valid for 180 days.

If the parent is approved for the Parent PLUS Loan, the parent must complete the PLUS MPN for Parents and the Plus Counseling in order to add the loan to the student account.

If the Federal PLUS Loan application is denied, the dependent student will be eligible for additional unsubsidized Stafford Loan funds (freshman/sophomore $4,000; junior/senior $5,000)

Apply for a Direct PLUS Loan as a Parent | Federal Student Aid

Alternative Private Parent Loans

Alternative/Private Parent Loans are offered through private lenders. These are private loans that a parent or sponsor can borrow on behalf of a student and a credit check is used to determine eligibility.

Access LU’s Alternative Lender List

Student Financial Services maintains a list of private lenders that have been selected for their favorable terms and conditions regarding interest rates, fees, repayment options, processing efficiency, customer support, and other borrower benefits and incentives. Consideration was also given to lenders that have been historically popular among Lindenwood students. To ensure current and accurate information is used to maintain the list, Student Financial Services conducts an annual review of the included lenders.

Students may use any lender, including those not on the list. Applicants are encouraged to apply with a co-signer who has a favorable credit history. Most private student loan borrowers have a co-signer.

Before using a private loan, students are strongly encouraged to explore their eligibility for state and federal student aid programs by completing the FAFSA.