Federal Direct Stafford Loan Borrowing Limits

How much can you borrow with a Federal Direct Stafford Loan?
Use the chart below to determine how much you could receive.

  • Each year you may borrow up to the maximum amount listed, not exceeding the cost of college attendance.
  • If you qualify for both subsidized and unsubsidized loans, you may borrow up to the maximum amount for each.
Federal Direct Stafford Loan Maximums1
for loans with a disbursement date on or after July 1, 2008

DEPENDENT UNDERGRADUATES2

Subsidized

Total
(Subsidized & Unsubsidized)3

First Year $3,500 $5,500
Second Year $4,500 $6,500
Third Year and Beyond $5,500 $7,500

INDEPENDENT UNDERGRADUATES
(and dependents whose parents are unable to borrow under the PLUS program)

   
   First Year

$3,500

$9,500

   Second Year

$4,500

$10,500
   Third Year and Beyond

$5,500

$12,500

GRADUATE AND PROFESSIONAL STUDENTS

$8,500

$20,500

 

AGGREGATE LIMITS3

DEPENDENT UNDERGRADUATES

$23,000

$31,000*

INDEPENDENT UNDERGRADUATES

$23,000

$57,500*

GRADUATE AND PROFESSIONAL STUDENTS

$65,500

$138,500**


Important Disclaimers:

  • No more than $23,000 can be subsidized.
  • No more than $65,500 can be subsidized.
  1. Certain health profession students may qualify for higher limits.
  2. All undergraduate annual loan limits are subject to proration.
  3. If the borrower does not have financial need for a subsidized Federal Stafford Loan using Expected Family Contribution (EFC), OR has reached the aggregate limit in Subsidized Federal Stafford Loans, the borrower may receive up to and including this entire amount in Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans assuming he or she has remaining eligibility for the loan.
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