The credit criteria for getting a parent Plus loan was quietly tightened in recent years. But you still can appeal if you are turned down.

Parents applying for a Plus loan have to undergo a credit check that looks for an "adverse credit history." That includes having a current delinquency of 90 days or more; certain events on your credit history, such as a foreclosure; having an account in collections with a nonzero balance; and having an account charged off with a nonzero balance.

The percentage of parents denied for a Plus loan jumped to about 50% from about 30% after the standards were tightened, according to a analysis.

But parents who are turned down can appeal in certain circumstances. (If you got a Plus loan before the tighter standards were imposed in 2011, you will typically be grandfathered into the program, even if you have what is now considered an adverse credit history.)

To appeal a rejection, log into the federal student loan website, and select "Document Extenuating Circumstances." Or call 1-800-557-7394.

You must provide documentation showing that either the credit information pulled was incorrect or that you fall under certain extenuating circumstances (click on "What you need for direct loans" under the "Learn More" tab at

For instance, if you are an authorized user on the account in question, but aren't a primary account holder, the debt will no longer be held against you.