Parent PLUS Loan
Parents of dependent undergraduate students eligible to submit a FAFSA may apply for federal Parent PLUS Loans. A Parent PLUS Loan is a credit-based loan which is applied directly to the student’s university account charges for tuition, fees, and housing/meal plan charges if the student is living in University Housing.
Parent PLUS Loan Borrowing Limits:
- For students enrolling starting fall 2026 and after, a parent may borrow a maximum of $20,000 annually, or up to the Cost of Attendance minus other aid, whichever is less.
- The total per-student Parent PLUS Loan lifetime limit for students starting in fall 2026 or after is $65,000.
- For example, a student whose parent borrows $20,000 for their first three years will only have $5,000 remaining eligibility for the student’s 4th year.
- Students who enrolled before fall 2026 may be eligible for Parent PLUS Loans up to their total Cost of Attendance minus other aid, with no lifetime limit/maximum.
Steps to Receive a Parent PLUS Loan
- Student action: Specify a loan amount using the Parent PLUS Loan Request Form in UI-Integrate Self-Service (available by June 1, 2026)
- Parent action: Apply for the Parent PLUS Loan and complete the Master Promissory Note (MPN) at https://studentaid.gov/ (available by June 1, 2026)
General information—including interest rates, origination fees, and detailed application steps—is available through OSFA: https://osfa.illinois.edu/types-of-aid/loans/types-of-loans/federal-direct-parent-plus-loan/.
Private/Alternative Educational Loans
Students and parents may apply for a private or alternative educational loan up to the Cost of Attendance minus other aid. These loans are applied directly to university charges (tuition, fees, and University Housing/meal plan costs). Students should pay attention to interest rates, repayment terms, potential fees, etc. when considering their options for a private loan.
How It Works
The borrower applies directly with the lender of their choice. Please be aware that loans of this type are not guaranteed and may require a co-signer.
- If approved, the lender sends the loan to the university for certification.
- The student must have room in their Cost of Attendance for the requested amount. If not, the certified amount may be reduced.
- Students must be registered for courses before the university can certify the loan.
Not sure where to start? Many banks, credit unions, and financial institutions offer these loans. OSFA provides general guidance here: https://osfa.illinois.edu/types-of-aid/loans/types-of-loans/alternative-educational-loans/.
University Payment Plans
Fall semester bills due: September 28
Spring semester bills due: February 28
The University Bursar offers optional payment plans each semester:
- Enrollment fee: $40 per semester
- Fall enrollment: June 1–September 28
- Spring enrollment: November 1–February 28
Students must have at least a $500 balance (tuition, fees, and University Housing/meal plan charges) to enroll. The monthly payment is the student’s total semester balance divided by the number of total months established for the payment plan.
For questions about billing, authorized payers, or payment plans, contact the University Bursar at bursarhelp@uillinois.edu or 217‑333‑2180.
Are you wondering whether you need additional funding or want to estimate your university balance before deciding on your next steps?
We have a tool for that! Use the University Billing Worksheet, located on page 2 of the Financial Aid Checklist: https://go.illinois.edu/2627FinancialAidChecklist. You will need direct costs (tuition and fees) from the Financial Aid Notification, as well as housing charges if you are living in University Housing. (Note that students living in off-campus or Private Certified Housing will not see housing charges on your university bill.) Follow the worksheet instructions for the most accurate estimate of your bill after tuition, fees, housing (if applicable), and financial aid.