How much can I borrow?
Your school determines the loan type(s), if any, and the actual loan amount you are eligible to receive each academic year. There are limits on the amount in subsidized and unsubsidized loans that you may be eligible to receive each academic year (annual loan limits) and the total amounts that you may borrow for undergraduate and graduate study (aggregate loan limits). The actual loan amount you are eligible to receive each academic year may be less than the annual loan limit. These limits vary depending on:
- what year of school you are in and
- whether you are a dependent or independent student
If you are a dependent student whose parents are ineligible for a Direct PLUS Loan, you may be able to receive additional Direct Unsubsidized Loan funds.
The following chart shows the annual and aggregate limits for subsidized and unsubsidized loans.
Federal Direct Loan Limits
Dependent Students (except when parents are denied a PLUS) |
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| Class Standing | Base Amount | Additional Unsubsidized | Total | Aggregate Limit |
| Freshman | $3,500 | $2,000 | $5,500 | $31,000 with a maximum $23,000 in Subsidized Direct Loans |
| Sophomore | $4,500 | $2,000 | $6,500 | |
Independent Students (and dependent students whose parents are denied a PLUS) |
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| Class Standing | Base Amount | Additional Unsubsidized | Total | Aggregate Limit |
| Freshman | $3,500 | $6,000 | $9,500 | $57,500 with a maximum $23,000 in Subsidized Direct Loans |
| Sophomore | $4,500 | $6,000 | $10,500 | |