Graduate Students
By completing the FAFSA Free Application for Federal Student Aid, graduate students are considered for Federal Direct Unsubsidized loan and Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan. If you accept Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans or apply and are approved for a cred-based Graduate PLUS Loan, you will have steps to complete each year. All loan requirements must be completed for the university to apply a loan to your CU Denver student account.
1. Accept or Decline Unsubsidized Loan
Once offered financial aid, calculate your educational costs for the academic year. If your offer includes aid for both the fall and spring terms, keep in mind accepted aid is divided equally between both terms. Instructions to accept a portion of a loan
are available through our how to accept aid webpage below.
2. Accept Graduate PLUS Loan in UCDAccess Portal
The Graduate PLUS Loan is a credit-based loan and requires a credit check. Once you accept your Graduate PLUS Loan in your UCDAccess portal, a credit check will be run. Accepting the PLUS Loan authorizes your credit to be checked. The credit check is valid for 180 days. If you are eligible for the loan, the status will change to Accepted in your UCDAccess portal.
Note: Accepting the PLUS Loan authorizes a credit check. Make sure there is not a freeze on your credit so this process may run.
3. Complete Entrance Loan Counseling
Entrance counseling ensures you understand the terms and conditions of your loan, as well as your rights and responsibilities. You will learn what a loan is, how interest works, your options for repayment, and how to avoid delinquency and default.
4. Sign Master Promissory Note (MPN)
A Master Promissory Note (MPN) is a legal document in which you promise to repay your loan(s) and any accrued interest and fees. It also explains the terms and conditions of your loan(s). An MPN is valid for 10 years
5. Next Steps for Loans Approved with an Endorser or an Appeal
Borrowers of PLUS Loans approved with an endorser require the endorser to sign a MPN. Borrowers of loans approved through an appeal require the borrower to complete PLUS Credit Counseling
1. Accept or Decline Unsubsidized Loan
Once offered financial aid, calculate your educational costs for the academic year. If your offer includes aid for both the fall and spring terms, keep in mind accepted aid is divided equally between both terms. Instructions to accept a portion of a loan
are available through our how to accept aid webpage below.
2. Accept Graduate PLUS Loan in UCDAccess Portal
The Graduate PLUS Loan is a credit-based loan and requires a credit check. Once you accept your Graduate PLUS Loan in your UCDAccess portal, a credit check will be run. Accepting the PLUS Loan authorizes your credit to be checked. The credit check is valid for 180 days. If you are eligible for the loan, the status will change to Accepted in your UCDAccess portal.
Note: Accepting the PLUS Loan authorizes a credit check. Make sure there is not a freeze on your credit so this process may run.
3. Next Steps for Loans Approved with an Endorser or an Appeal
Borrowers of PLUS Loans approved with an endorser require the endorser to sign a MPN. Borrowers of loans approved through an appeal require the borrower to complete PLUS Credit Counseling