Maximum Allowable Loan Amounts for Federal Direct Loans

Students borrowing a Federal Direct Loan, including Subsidized and/or Unsubsidized, are subject to the following loan limits:

  • Annual Maximum Loan Limit: Restricts the total amount of Federal Direct loans that may be borrowed during a single academic year (fall, spring, and/or summer).
    • The combined total (Federal Direct Subsidized and/or Unsubsidized Loans) cannot exceed your Cost of Attendance (COA) minus other financial aid or the maximum academic year amount allowable by law, whichever is less.
  • Aggregate Maximum Loan Limit: Restricts the total amount of Federal Direct Loans that may be borrowed over a student’s college career.

The maximum annual amount you can borrow in federal subsidized and/or unsubsidized loan(s) is determined by your grade level and dependency status. Learn more about your dependency status by visiting our Dependency Status Page.

Annual Maximum Loan Limits

 Grade Level Dependent Students Independent Students
Freshman:
0 – 29 credit hours		 $5,500
(no more than $3,500 subsidized)		 $9,500 (no more than $3,500 subsidized)
Sophomore:
30 – 59 credit hours		 $6,500 (no more than $4,500 subsidized) $10,500 (no more than $4,500 subsidized)
Junior/Senior:
60+ credit hours		 $7,500 (no more than $5,500 subsidized) $12,500 (no more than $5,500 subsidized)
Graduate Students
 N/A $20,500
(Graduate students are not eligible to receive subsidized loans)
PhD Candidates in Human Services Psychology, Clinical Psychology Concentration ONLY
 N/A $33,000
(Graduate students are not eligible to receive subsidized loans)

Aggregate Maximum Loan Limits

Amount
Dependent Students $31,000 (no more than $23,000 subsidized)
Independent Students $57,500 (no more than $23,000 subsidized)
Graduate Students
 $138,500 (no more than $65,500 subsidized)
PhD Candidates in Human Services Psychology, Clinical Psychology Concentration ONLY
 $224,000 (no more than $65,500 subsidized)

The higher maximum loan limits for independent students reflects a combination of Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized  loans.