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Direct Parent PLUS Loan Instructions

Parent borrowers must apply for the PLUS Loan—approval is not based on need, but on credit-worthiness. First-time Parent PLUS Loan borrowers must also sign a Master Promissory Note (MPN) with Direct Loans, as described below.

  • Step 1: Apply for the Parent PLUS Loan
    To request a Parent PLUS Loan, parents will apply online at studentaid.gov. If approved, the parent will be notified, and should then complete the Master Promissory Note (MPN). MassArt will also be notified, and will add the loan to the student's account as a pending credit.

To apply for the Parent PLUS Loan online, please sign in to your Direct Loan account at studentaid.gov. To sign in to your Direct Loan account, you will need your FSA ID.

Once you are signed in, click on "Apply for a Direct PLUS Loan."

  • Step 2: Master Promissory Note
    New PLUS Loan borrowers must complete a one-time Master Promissory Note (MPN), which will cover all PLUS Loans that you borrow over the course of your student's education at MassArt. The MPN is a form you must complete for your lender (Direct Loans), intended to provide them with the information they need to process your loan, and to let them know you understand and agree to the terms of their loan.

To complete your MPN online, please sign in to your Direct Loan account at studentaid.gov. To sign in to your Direct Loan account, you will need your FSA ID.

Once you are signed in, click on "Complete Loan Agreement (MPN)".

  • Step 3: Review the Disclosure Statement
    Before the loan is disbursed to the College, a disclosure statement will be sent to the borrower regarding the loan amount to be disbursed. A parent may adjust the amount or even cancel the loan within 14 days of disbursement by contacting the Office of Student Financial Assistance at 617.879.7849. After the loan has been disbursed to the College, if the parent wishes to return funds to the lender, they may contact Direct Loans at 1.800.848.0979.

Those who do not complete the loan application instructions will have their loan canceled. The Business Office will be notified and any estimated credit for the loan will be taken away.

Please note: if your student is expecting a financial aid refund for living expenses or art supplies because the financial aid is greater than your student's school bill, you must be sure to complete these loan instructions prior to the start of the semester term to ensure that your funds will not be delayed. The first refund of the semester will not be available generally until mid-October during the fall semester, and mid-March for the spring semester. This is due to a federal regulation that states that the student is not entitled to all of the financial aid until 60% of the semester has passed. Please plan your finances accordingly.