FAFSA Parent PLUS loan delay - will it arrive before tuition deadline?

Parent PLUS loans typically take 3-4 weeks to process, so you're still within the normal timeframe. The good news is most schools have a process for this situation. Contact your daughter's financial aid office and ask about getting a "pending aid deferment" - this will essentially put a hold on the tuition bill until the loan processes. Make sure to have your loan application confirmation number when you call. Also, check if your school has an emergency bridge loan program - many do to help in situations exactly like yours.

same thing happened to us last yr. took like 5 weeks to go thru and my son almost got dropped from classes. super stressful!!! the school gave us an extension but we had to ASK for it they dont just offer

There's a significant delay in Parent PLUS loan processing this year due to the FAFSA simplification changes. The Department of Education is backed up with all types of aid, not just PLUS loans. When you applied, did you complete the credit check portion? That's often what hangs things up. If approved, you should see it in the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) before it appears in your school portal. Also, be aware that most schools have a policy that allows students to begin classes if their aid is in process but not yet disbursed. It's sometimes called a "pending aid hold" or "financial aid deferment." Contact your school's bursar office (not just financial aid) to ask about this option specifically.

The whole system is BROKEN!!! I applied for a Parent PLUS loan in early June and it STILL hasn't processed completely!! My son almost couldn't register for classes and we had to pay $3,200 out of pocket while we wait for this stupid loan to go through. They don't care at all about our deadlines or the stress they put on families. And good luck getting anyone on the phone at FSA - I've called 15+ times and either get disconnected or they can't tell me anything useful.

my daughter just graduated but we used parent plus loans every yr. one thing no one tells u is that if u call the school financial aid office directly they usually have a direct contact at the loan servicer they can reach out to! way faster than going thru the regular channels

I work at a university financial aid office, and this is incredibly common. Here's what you should do: 1. Request a "pending aid hold" from your Bursar's Office (bring your loan confirmation) 2. Ask about any institutional emergency loans they might offer 3. Check if you can set up a payment plan that will buy you more time Most schools won't drop students from classes if they know aid is coming, but you MUST communicate with them. Don't just wait and hope it processes in time. Also, make sure you've completed ALL the requirements - sometimes there's a missing signature or document that's holding things up without any notification.

After trying for WEEKS to get someone on the phone at FSA about my son's loan issues, I finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an actual human at the Federal Student Aid office in less than 20 minutes. They have this video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ Basically they hold your place in line and call you when they get an agent. Saved me SO much frustration and I was able to get our Parent PLUS loan issue resolved in one call. Just thought I'd share since I know how impossible it feels to get through to anyone there.

One more thing to check - log into studentaid.gov and go to your Parent PLUS application. Make sure you've completed the Master Promissory Note (MPN) and entrance counseling (if required by your school). Many times loans get held up because people complete the application but not these additional requirements. The school won't get the loan funds until all required steps are complete.

Any update on your situation? Were you able to get the hold on your account or reach someone at FSA?

This is such valuable information for parents dealing with PLUS loan delays! I'm a newcomer here but going through something similar with my son's loan application. The name discrepancy issue you discovered is so important - I never would have thought to check for something like that. I'm definitely going to try the Claimyr service if I can't get through to FSA directly. It's really reassuring to know that schools have these pending aid holds available - I had no idea that was even an option. Thanks for sharing your experience and the happy ending!