Federal Direct Loan Borrowing Limits

 

There are two types of Federal Direct Loans. Your eligibility is determined after your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) has been reviewed.

  • Direct Subsidized Loans are interest-free while you are enrolled in college at least half-time and during a six-month grace period after you leave school.
  • Direct Unsubsidized Loans accrue interest while you are enrolled in college. You can choose to pay the interest each month while in school, or allow the interest to accumulate.
  • Your Federal Student Loan offer amounts for the year are dependent upon the class levels highlighted below:

 

Undergraduate Students

 Class Level Dependent Students Independent StudentsMaximum of Subsidized Aid
 Freshman $5,500  $9,500  $3,500
 Sophomore $6,500  $10,500  $4,500
 Junior $7,500  $12,500  $5,500
 Senior $7,500  $12,500  $5,500

 

  

 Graduate Students

 Class LevelAll Graduate Students 
 Graduate  $20,500 

 

 

 

Lifetime Aggregate Loan Limits

Student LevelLifetime Maximum Loan Limit
Undergraduate Dependent Students:$31,000 (of which no more than $23,000 can be subsidized loans)
Undergraduate Independent Students:$57,500 (of which no more thn $23,000 can be subsidized loans)
Graduate/Professional Students:$138,500 including undergraduate loans (of which no more than $65,000 can be subsidized loans)