If you are looking for the actual dollar amounts that you can borrow in federal student loans every college year, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a snapshot of how much federal student loan amounts are by year.
Direct Unsubsidized Loan Limits for Dependent Students
- Freshman – $5,500
- Sophomore – $6,500
- Junior/Senior – $7,500
- Graduate students – Not applicable (federal student loans consider all grad students as independents)
Direct Unsubsidized Loan Limits for Independent Students
- Freshman – $9,500
- Sophomore – $10,500
- Junior/Senior – $12,500
- Graduate students – $20,500
PLUS and GradPLUS Loan Limits
Across all years, the annual limit of both the PLUS and GradPLUS federal student loan is up to the total cost of attendance, and less the amounts of aid received.
Graduate students enrolled in medical programs may be eligible for higher Direct Unsubsidized Loan limits.
