Loan Amounts and Repayments
The maximum amount of subsidized and unsubsidized loans is as follows:
Dependent undergraduates (students aged 24 and under)
Year of course Subsidized loan Unsubsidized loan Total loan maximum
1 $3,500 $2,000 $5,500
2 $4,500 $2,000 $6,500
3 and later $5,500 $2,000 $7,500
Independent undergraduates (students aged over 24 or those whose parents are refused a Parent Plus Loan)
Year of course Subsidized loan Unsubsidized loan Total loan maximum
1 $3,500 $6,000 $9,500
2 $4,500 $6,000 $10,500
3 and later $5,500 $7,000 $12,500
Graduate students
All years Unsubsidized maximum of $20,500
The actual loan amount you are eligible to receive for an academic year is determined by your cost of attendance. This is determined by your school and may be less than the maximum annual amount shown above. With a Direct PLUS Loan, a graduate/professional student can borrow up to the cost of the student’s attendance minus any other financial aid the student receives, including the amount above.
Aggregate loan limits
Below are the aggregate (total) limits for Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans:
- $31,000 for dependent undergraduate students excluding those whose parents are unable to borrow a PLUS Loan (no more than $23,000 may be subsidized)
- $57,500 for independent undergraduate students and dependent undergraduates whose parents are unable to borrow a PLUS loan (no more than $23,000 may be subsidized)
- $138,500 for graduate or professional students (no more than $65,500 may be subsidized; includes loans for undergraduate study)
There is no limit for PLUS loans.
These aggregate limits include both Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans and any Subsidized and Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans previously received through the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program. You cannot borrow over your aggregate loan limit.
It is important that you understand your rights and obligations when borrowing Federal US Loans. Students are advised to fully research and understand responsible borrowing and repayment before requesting Federal Student Loans. The Federal Student Aid webpage has an estimate calculator where you can calculate your estimated loan repayments.