If the Federal Direct PLUS Loan is denied, the student may qualify for additional Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan. The amount of eligibility will be determined in part by the student's grade level, other financial aid, and cost of education.

If parent is denied, student must complete a "Request for Additional Federal Direct Student Loan" form in order for additional loan to be processed.

The maximum additional amounts based upon grade level are:

• Freshmen (0-29 credits) $4,000
• Sophomore (30-59 credits) $4,000
• Junior (60-89 credits) $5,000
• Senior (90+ credits) $5,000

Situations for PLUS Denial

Based on Parent's Credit History

Parents may check if they would be pre-approved for a Federal Direct PLUS Loan through the United States Department of Education. If parent is pre-approved, this does not mean they are obligated to sign a promissory note for a Federal Direct PLUS Loan.

Steps to Determine Credit Eligibility

1. Parent must log into StudentLoans.gov using their own PIN #, not the student's.
2. Select "Request a Direct PLUS Loan"
3. Select "Parent PLUS"
4. Complete requested information and follow instructions given.
5. Credit decision will be provided at the end of the process. If the parent is denied, the student must complete a "Request for Additional Federal Direct Student Loan" form in order for additional loan to be processed.

Based on Assistance/Disability Programs

If a parent is receiving payments under any of the following federal or state public assistance or disability programs, the parent should contact the Financal Aid Office at (570)389-4297 to speak with a loan supervisor.

• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
• Food Stamps
• Supplemental Security Insurance
• Social Security Disability Benefits
• Other (will need to specify)

If parent is denied, student must complete a "Request for Additional Federal Direct Student Loan" form in order for additional loan to be processed.

Based on Other Situations

If one of the following conditions (*) exist, the parent should contact the Financial Aid Office at (570)389-4297 to speak with a loan supervisor.

• Parent(s) are incarcerated (**)
• Parent(s)' whereabouts unknown (**)
• Parent(s) filed for bankruptcy (Copy of letter from bankruptcy court stating the parent may not incur additional debt as a result of the bankruptcy filing is required).
• Parent(s) are not a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident
• Other exceptional circumstances exist that preclude the parents from borrowing a PLUS Loan (will need to specify)

(*) Supporting documentation will be required.
(**) If both of the student's parents are living, the condition applies to both parents. If the student's parent is widowed or single, the condition applies to that parent.

If parent is denied, student must complete a "Request for Additional Federal Direct Student Loan" form in order for additional loan to be processed.

Important Please Read

If a student is determined to be eligible for the additional unsubsidized loan amounts under one of the above situations, the situation must be re-examined prior to certifying additional unsubsidized loan amounts in subsequent academic years.

If a parent is approved for a PLUS Loan in the same academic year after the student has been processed for the additional unsubsidized loan based upon a PLUS denial, any undisbursed loan funds processed based upon the denial will be cancelled.