Federal Graduate PLUS Loan

Graduate PLUS Loans allow graduate and professional students to cover the remainder of the Expected Family Contribution in a cost-effective way.


Who It's For: Students pursuing a graduate or professional degree (e.g. masters, doctorate, law, medical)

  • Get 0.25% off your rate with automated payments from your checking or savings account1
  • Rate is fixed at 8.50% over the life of the loan for all qualified applicants
  • A 3% origination fee is assessed by the U.S. Department of Education on the amount of the loan and a 1% federal default fee may be charged by the guarantor
  • Not based on financial need
  • Loan payments may be deferred while enrolled at least half-time2
  • No pre-payment penalty
  • An extended repayment option may be available
  • Dedicated customer service center

Advantages of a PNC Bank Graduate PLUS Loan include:

  • No loan limits – borrow up to the full cost of education annually minus any financial aid received
  • Approval is not based on income, financial need or a debt-to-income ratio
  • Easy online application – receive a credit response within minutes when you apply online
  • Interest may be tax deductible; consult with your tax advisor

Eligibility Requirements

You must:

  • be a U.S. citizen, national, permanent resident alien or eligible non-citizen of another type
  • be accepted or enrolled at least half time in an graduate program leading to a degree at a U.S. Department of Education-approved school
  • maintain satisfactory academic progress
  • pass a credit check based on the criteria established by the U.S. Department of Education
  • complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

For more information, contact our customer service center to speak with one of our student loan specialists at 1-800-762-1001, Monday through Thursday from 8am to 7pm and Friday from 8am to 6 pm Eastern time.

1The interest rate reduction benefit is lost if automatic payment deduction is discontinued. 2While you are in deferment, interest will continue to accumulate on your loan. You will receive quarterly interest statements during this deferment period. Paying the interest as it accrues each quarter will save you money over the repayment term of the loan because any accrued interest that you do not pay will be added to the principal balance at the end of the deferment period.

PNC reserves the right to modify or discontine any or all terms of this program at any time without notice. Loans may be sold to other financial organizations including the federal government. The interest rate and term of the loan will not change if a loan is sold.

**If you exceed the 3 check per monthly statement cycle limit, you will be charged a fee of $.50 per check.
Customer Service

To speak to a loan specialist, call:

1-800-762-1001

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