Maximum Allowable Loan Amounts for Federal Stafford Loans

Students borrowing a Federal Stafford Loan, including subsidized and/or unsubsidized, are subject to maximum allowable loan limits.  The following limits, of which you need to be aware, are:

  • Annual Maximum Loan Limit: Restricts the total amount of Stafford Loans that may be borrowed annually.
  • The combined total that you may borrow through Federal Stafford Subsidized and/or Unsubsidized Loans annually cannot exceed your Cost of Attendance (COA) minus other financial aid or the maximum annual amount allowable by law, whichever is less.
  • Aggregate Maximum Loan Limit: Restricts the amount of Stafford Loans that may be borrowed over a student's college career.

The maximum annual amount you can borrow in the form of a Federal Subsidized and/or Unsubsidized Loan(s) is determined by your class level and dependency status.

Annual Maximum Loan Limits

 

Dependent
Student

Independent
Student

Freshman:
0 - 29 credit hours

$5,500 (no more than $3500 subsidized)

$9,500 (no more than $3500 subsidized)

Sophomore:
30 - 59 credit hours

$6,500 (no more than $4500 subsidized)

$10,500 (no more than $4500 subsidized)

Junior/Senior:
60+ credit hours

$7,500 (no more than $5500 subsidized)

$12,500 (no more than $5500 subsidized)

Graduate level

N/A

$20,500 (no more than $8500 subsidized)


Aggregate Maximum Loan Limits

 

Amount

Dependent Student

$31,000 (no more than $23,000 subsidized)

Independent Student

$57,500 (no more than $23,000 subsidized)

Graduate

$138,500 (no more than $65,500 subsidized)

 

Higher Maximum Loan for Independent Students
The higher maximum loan for independent students reflects a combination of Federal Subsidized and Unsubsidized Stafford Loans.