Direct Loan Limits
Annual and lifetime (total debt) limits for subsidized and unsubsidized student loans are mandated by the U.S. Department of Education. The amounts include the outstanding principal balance on the loans (excluding interest and other charges).
| Dependent Undergraduate Students | ||
| Subsidized Loan | Additional Unsubsidized | |
| Freshman | $3,500 | $2,000 |
| Sophomore | $4,500 | $2,000 |
| Junior/Senior | $5,500 | $2,000 |
| Maximum Total Debt | $31,000 ($23,000 may be Subsidized) | |
| Independent Undergraduate Students | ||
| Subsidized Loan | Additional Unsubsidized | |
| Freshman | $3,500 | $6,000 |
| Sophomore | $4,500 | $6,000 |
| Junior/Senior | $5,500 | $7,000 |
| Maximum Total Debt | $57,500 ($23,000 may be Subsidized) | |
| Graduate/Professional Students | ||
| Unsubsidized Loan | $20,500/Academic Year | |
| Maximum Total Debt | $138,500 ($65,500 may be Subsidized) | |
- All "Maximum Total Debt" amounts (lifetime limits) include both DIRECT and FFELP subsidized and unsubsidized loans.
- The graduate total debt limit includes subsidized and unsubsidized student loans received during undergraduate study.
- Beginning Fall 2012, Federal Direct Subsidized Loans will no longer be offered to graduate students.
This page was last updated on: June 07, 2012