Maximum Allowable Loan Amounts for Federal Direct Loans
Students borrowing a Federal Direct Student Loan, including subsidized and/or unsubsidized, are subject to maximum allowable loan limits. There are limits of which you need to be aware.
- Annual Maximum Loan Limit: Restricts the total amount of Direct Student Loans that may be borrowed annually.
- Aggregate Maximum Loan Limit: Restricts the amount of Direct Student Loans that may be borrowed over a student's college career.
- The combined total that you may borrow through Federal Direct Subsidized and/or Unsubsidized Loans cannot exceed your Cost of Attendance (COA) minus other financial aid or the maximum annual amount allowable by law, whichever is less.
The maximum annual amount you can borrow in the form of a Federal Direct Subsidized and/or Unsubsidized Loan(s) is determined by your class level and dependency status.
Maximum Loan Limits
| Dependent Student |
Independent Student |
|
|---|---|---|
| Freshman: 0 - 29 credit hours | $5,500 (no more than $3500 subsidized) | $9,500 (no more than $3500 subsidized) |
| Sophomore: 30 - 59 credit hours | $6,500 (no more than $4500 subsidized) | $10,500 (no more than $4500 subsidized) |
| Junior/Senior: 60+ credit hours | $7,500 (no more than $5500 subsidized) | $12,500 (no more than $5500 subsidized) |
| Graduate Professional | N/A | $20,500 (no more than $8500 subsidized) |
| Veterinary Medicine | N/A | $40,500 (no more than $8500 subsidized) |
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| Dependent Student | $31,000 (no more than $23,000 subsidized |
| Independent Student | $57,500 (no more than $23,000 subsidized) |
| Graduate Professional | $138,500 (no more than $65,500 subsidized) |
| Veterinary Medicine | $189,125 (no more than $65,500 subsidized) |
Higher Maximum Loan for Independent Students
The higher maximum loan for independent students reflects a combination of Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Stafford Loans. The annual maximum Subsidized Loan Stafford eligibility is limited to the dependent eligibility for each class level.
