PLUS Loans are federal loans available to parents of dependent undergraduate students and to graduate or professional students. These loans help cover the cost of education that exceeds other financial aid, such as grants and scholarships. Unlike other federal student loans, PLUS Loans require a credit check, but they do not have a minimum credit score requirement. Borrowers can take out up to the full cost of attendance, minus any other financial aid received. Repayment typically begins shortly after the loan is disbursed, but there are options for deferment in certain situations.