Stafford Loan Borrowing Limits 

The amount you can borrow each year for Direct Subsidized and Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans depends on whether you are a dependent student or an independent student. The amount you can borrow may also be limited by other factors such as other financial aid you may receive. The loans are for educational purposes and can never exceed the cost of your attendance (determined by SFS) less any other aid.

Loan Limits for Dependent Students

• 1st year undergraduate (0-26 credits): $5,500 (only $3,500 may be in subsidized loans)
• 2nd year undergraduate (27-59 credits): $6,500 (only $4,500 may be in subsidized loans)
• 3rd/4th year undergraduate (60+ credits): $7,500 (only $5,500 may be in subsidized loans)

Loan Limits for Independent Students*

• 1st year undergraduate (0-26 credits): $9,500 (only $3,500 may be in subsidized loans)
• 2nd year undergraduate (27-59 credits): $10,500 (only $4,500 may be in subsidized loans)
• 3rd/4th year undergraduate (60+ credits): $12,500 (only $5,500 may be in subsidized loans)
• Graduate or professional student (enrolled for six credits per term and based on Cost of Attendance): $20,500 (unsubsidized only)

* With documented proof of a Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan denial (faxes or scanned attachments to email are acceptable), upon written request, a student can be awarded the same Unsubsidized Stafford Loan limits as an independent student.

Maximum Aggregate Loan Limits

• Dependent (undergraduate) student: $31,000 (only $23,000 in subsidized loans).
• Independent (undergraduate) student: $57,500 (only $23,000 in subsidized loans).
• Graduate or professional student: $138,500 (including undergraduate study and only $65,500 may be in subsidized loans).