Federal Subsidized and Unsubsidized Direct Loan Limits & Origination Fees
The maximum Direct Loan a student may borrow for an academic year is determined by the student’s dependency status (as determined on the FAFSA), the number of academic credits the student has earned at the time the loan is processed and other aid the student may be receiving. Students who advance in grade level mid-year may be eligible for an increase in Direct Loan eligibility. Contact the Student Financial Services Office for additional information.
| Grade Leval | Dependent Student | Independent Student or Dependent Student whose Parent is ineligible for PLUS loan |
|---|---|---|
| Freshman (0-23 credits) | $5,500 (max $3,500 subsidized) | $9,500 (max $3500 subsidized) |
| Sophomore (24-53 credits) | $6,500 (max $4500 subsidized) | $10,500 (max $4500 subsidized) |
| Junior (54-83 credits) | $7,500 (max $5500 subsidized) | $12,500 (max $5500 subsidized) |
| Senior (84+ credits) | $7,500 (max $5500 subsidized) | $12,500 (max $5500 subsidized) |
| Graduate & Law Programs | N/A – all grad & law students are considered independent | $20,500 |
NOTE: To be eligible for Graduate/Law loan limits:
- Law students must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours that can be applied to the Law program requirements
- Graduate students must be enrolled in a minimum of 3 credit hours that can be applied to the Graduate program requirements starting in Summer 2019 (6 credit hours minimum prior to Summer 2019).
Important Fee Information
For Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans with a first disbursement date on or after October 1, 2020, and before October 1, 2026, the loan fee is 1.057%. Loans with first disbursements prior to October 1, 2019, have different fee amounts.
For Direct PLUS Loans made to parent borrowers and Graduate/Professional students with a first disbursement on or after October 1, 2020, and before October 1, 2026, the loan fee is 4.228%. Loans with first disbursements prior to October 1, 2019, have different fee amounts.
Aggregate Direct Loan Limits
| Dependent Undergraduate Student | Independent Undergraduate Student or Dependent Student whose parent is ineligible for PLUS loan due to adverse credit | Graduate/Professional Student |
|---|---|---|
| $31,000 (no more than $23,000 can be subsidized) | $57,500 (no more than $23,000 can be subsidized) | $138,500 (no more than $65,500 can be subsidized) Graduate debt limit includes amount borrowed as an undergraduate student. |