Maximum Loan Limits
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Students borrowing a Federal Direct Stafford 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.
Annual Maximum Loan Limits
| Type of Student | Dependent Student | Independent Student |
|---|---|---|
| Freshman: 0 - 25 credit hours | $5,500 (no more than $3,500 subsidized) | $9,500 (no more than $3,500 subsidized) |
| Sophomore: 26 - 55 credit hours | $6,500 (no more than $4,500 subsidized) | $10,500 (no more than $4,500 subsidized) |
| Junior/Senior: 56+ credit hours | $7,500 (no more than $5,500 subsidized) | $12,500 (no more than $5,500 subsidized) |
| Graduate Professional | N/A | $20,500 (no subsidized eligibility) |
| Law | N/A | $20,500 (no subsidized eligibility) |
Aggregate Maximum Loan Limits
| Type of Student | 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 for all combined from all undergraduate, graduate, professional and Law (no more than $65,500 subsidized) |
| Law Student | $138,500 for all combined from all undergraduate, graduate, professional and Law (no more than $65,500 subsidized) |
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.