What is the maximum I can borrow in direct loans?
Your grade level determines how much you can borrow each year through Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans.
Annual Loan Limits
Dependent Undergraduate Students
- 1st Year: Up to $5,500 (max $3,500 subsidized)
- 2nd Year: Up to $6,500 (max $4,500 subsidized)
- 3rd Year and Beyond: Up to $7,500 (max $5,500 subsidized)
Independent Undergraduate Students (or Dependent students whose parents are ineligible for PLUS loans)
- 1st Year: Up to $9,500 (max $3,500 subsidized)
- 2nd Year: Up to $10,500 (max $4,500 subsidized)
- 3rd Year and Beyond: Up to $12,500 (max $5,500 subsidized)
Graduate or Professional Students
- Up to $20,500 (unsubsidized only)
- Aggregate (Total) Loan Limits
- Dependent Undergraduates: $31,000 (no more than $23,000 subsidized)
- Independent Undergraduates: $57,500 (no more than $23,000 subsidized)
- Graduate/Professional Students: $138,500 (includes undergraduate loans; no more than $65,500 subsidized)
For more information, visit the Federal Direct Loan webpage.