Stafford Loan Limits
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The Federal Stafford Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loan programs carry both annual and cumulative (lifetime) limits. Your SAR (Student Aid Report) lists your cumulative loans, but it is important that you also keep records of all your loan transactions. You can also look up your loan history online at: www.nslds.ed.gov.
Student Level & Dependency Status |
Maximum Stafford (subsidized and unsubsidized) |
Maximum Subsidized |
|---|---|---|
| Dependent freshman | $5,500 |
$3,500 |
| Dependent sophomore | $6,500 |
$4,500 |
| Dependent junior or senior | $7,500 |
$5,500 |
| Independent freshman | $9,500 |
$3,500 |
| Independent sophomore | $10,500 |
$4,500 |
| Independent junior or senior | $12,500 |
$5,500 |
| Graduate/professional * | $20,500 |
$8,500 |
| Medical | $40,500 |
$8,500 |
* The annual maximum for graduate students in selected clinical psychology majors may be increased to $31,000 with a maximum of $8500 subsidized loan, depending upon financial need and cost of attendance.
Student Level & Dependency Status |
Maximum Stafford (subsidized and unsubsidized) |
Maximum Subsidized |
|---|---|---|
| Dependent undergraduate | $31,000 |
$23,000 |
| Independent undergraduate | $57,500 |
$23,000 |
| Graduate/Professional | $138,500 |
$65,500 |
| Medical | $224,000 |
$65,500 |
The graduate debt limit includes loans received for undergraduate study.
If you reach your lifetime loan limit, you cannot receive any more of that type of loan. If you exceed your limit, aid already disbursed will be billed back. You will have to find alternate ways to finance your education. Therefore it is to your advantage to borrow only what you need for educational expenses, and to keep track of your cumulative debt. OFA advisors are happy to work with you to find ways to minimize your borrowing.
