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.
And when it comes to private scholarships, use College Raptor’s Student Loan Finder to compare lenders and interest rates side by side!
| Lender | Rates (APR) | Eligibility | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
6.97%-15.03%* Variable
5.99%-14.00%* Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CITIZENS |
 |
6.37% - 16.70% Variable
4.50% - 15.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT SALLIE MAE |
 |
4.98% - 16.70% Variable
4.07% - 15.66% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CREDIBLE |
 |
6.07% - 11.31% Variable
4.39% - 10.39% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT LENDKEY |
 |
6.22% - 16.08% Variable
4.09% - 15.66% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ASCENT |
 |
6.54% - 11.08% Variable
3.95% - 8.01% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ISL |
 |
5.62% - 18.26% Variable
4.11% - 15.90% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT EARNEST |
 |
4.98% - 12.79% Variable
8.42% - 13.01% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ELFI |
College Raptor is not a loan lender and does not assume responsibility for suggesting a loan to a user who may not be eligible for it. Rates, terms, conditions, eligibility, approval, and other considerations are the decisions of the lenders and may vary depending on which lender or marketplace the user selects. We urge users to carefully consider and review all loan options and terms before committing to taking out a loan.
