There are
four types of federal direct loans. All must be repaid to the U.S. Department of Education after graduation
or withdrawal from college.
- : Undergraduate
students who demonstrate financial need can borrow up to a set amount each
year. Interest on these loans does not
accrue for students taking at least six credits in college or during the six-month grace period after
enrollment ends.
- : Undergraduate
and graduate students can borrow up to a set amount each year. Financial need
is not considered.
- : Continuing Graduate
students can borrow up to the Cost of Attendance each year. Students who are new federal loan borrowers and begin graduate or professional programs on or after July 1, 2026, will not be eligible for the Federal Graduate PLUS loan program.ÌýStudents must have acceptable credit or a
creditworthy endorser.Ìý
- : Parents of continuing undergraduates can borrow up to the Cost of Attendance each year. New borrowers may borrow up to $20,000 per academic year per dependent student, with a maximum aggregate (lifetime) limit of $65,000 per dependent student. Parents must have acceptable credit or a
creditworthy endorser.
To-Do List for Federal Student Loan Borrowers
- Any student who applies to take out a Federal Direct Loan must accept their loan.
- Returning and continuing students can log in to  to view and accept their Federal Direct Loans.
- Newly admitted students can view and accept their Federal Direct Loans .ÌýÂ
- Students who are new borrowers at Â鶹´«Ã½É«ÇéƬ must complete both Loan Entrance Counseling and a Master Promissory Note at .
- Students who are about to graduate or are enrolled for fewer than six credits must completeÂ
Direct Stafford Loan Annual and Aggregate Loan Limits
| Year of Study* | Dependent Student Amount | Independent Student Amount |
|---|
| First year (0–29 credits) | $5,500 (maximum $3,500 subsidized) | $9,500 (maximum $3,500 subsidized) |
| Second year (30–59 credits) | $6,500 (maximum $4,500 subsidized) | $10,500 (maximum $4,500 subsidized) |
| Third year and beyond (60+ credits) | $7,500 (maximum $5,500 subsidized) | $12,500 (maximum $5,500 subsidized) |
| Aggregate Total Loan Amount | $31,000 (maximum $23,000 subsidized) | $57,500 (maximum $23,000 subsidized) |
*Year-of-study credit level is based on enrollment in an undergraduate degree program. Tiered eligibility differs for undergraduate diplomas.
Find more information about federal loans at .