Loan Limits
Students are limited to the amount of loan funds they can receive in an academic year (Fall, Spring, Summer). Please note that the amount you are awarded may be less than the amounts shown below. Your award is based on the information received from your FAFSA and the other types of aid you are receiving.
| Annual Loan Limits for Stafford Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans by Grade Level | |
|---|---|
| Dependent (as determined by FAFSA) | |
| Dependent Freshman | $5,500 (total subsidized and/or unsubsidized - maximum $3,500 subsidized) |
| Dependent Sophomore | $6,500 (total subsidized and/or unsubsidized - maximum $4,500 subsidized) |
| Dependent Junior/Senior | $7,500 (total subsidized and/or unsubsidized - maximum $5,500 subsidized) |
| Independent (as determined by FAFSA) | |
| Independent Freshman | $9,500 (total subsidized and/or unsubsidized - maximum $3,500 subsidized) |
| Independent Sophomore | $10,500 (total subsidized and/or unsubsidized - maximum $4,500 subsidized) |
| Independent Junior/Senior | $12,500 (total subsidized and/or unsubsidized - maximum $5,500 subsidized) |
| Graduate | |
| Graduate | $20,500 (total subsidized and/or unsubsidized - maximum $8,500 subsidized) |
Many students borrow their annual limit for Fall and Spring Semesters. When this is done, there are no loan funds remaining for Summer Semester.
- For example, Suzy is an independent junior. She borrows $5,500 in a subsidized loan and $7,000 in an unsubsidized loan to be divided evenly between Fall and Spring Semesters. She then decides to enroll for Summer and wants additional loan funds. Because she has already borrowed $12,500 for the academic year, she has no loan eligibility remaining for Summer Semester.
Plan carefully when taking out your loans if you expect to need loan funds for Summer Semester.
Aggregate (Lifetime) Loan Limit
There is also a Aggregate (Lifetime) Loan Limit. Once you reach the Aggregate (Lifetime) Loan Limit, you will not be eligible for any additional loan funds. You can access your loan history online at: https://studentaid.gov/h/manage-loans.
| Aggregate (Lifetime) Limits for all Stafford Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans | |
|---|---|
| Dependent Undergraduate | $31,000 (maximum $23,000 subsidized) |
| Independent Undergraduate | $57,500 (maximum $23,000 subsidized) |
| Graduate | $138,500 (maximum $65,500 subsidized. Stafford loans received for undergraduate studies are included in the graduate aggregate loan limits.) |