PLUS
Education & Academia abbreviation · Academic
| Stands for | Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students |
|---|---|
| Categories | Education & Academia |
PLUS stands for Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students, an academic abbreviation.
Federal loan program allowing parents of dependent undergraduates (Parent PLUS) and, historically, graduate students (Grad PLUS) to borrow up to the cost of attendance minus other aid, subject to a check for adverse credit history.
Example: Her parents took out a PLUS loan to cover the last $9,000 of the bill.
Usage notes
PLUS loans carry higher interest rates and fees than undergraduate Direct Loans. Under 2025 federal legislation, Grad PLUS loans end for new borrowers from July 1, 2026, and Parent PLUS borrowing became subject to new annual and lifetime caps. Parents cannot use most income-driven repayment plans unless they consolidate.
Related abbreviations
More academic abbreviations
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- P/F – Pass/fail
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- PI – Principal investigator
- PLA – Prior learning assessment
- PS – Personal statement
- PSLF – Public Service Loan Forgiveness
- PWI – Predominantly white institution
- QPA – Quality point average
- R01 – Research Project Grant (NIH R01)
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