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.