Federal Direct Stafford Loan Annual Loan Limits
Dependent Students:
- Studio Level A: $5,500 - No more than $3,500 of this amount may be in Subsidized loans.
- Studio Level B: $6,500- No more than $4,500 of this amount may be in Subsidized loans.
- Segment II and above: $7,500 - No more than $5,500 of this amount may be in Subsidized loans.
Independent Undergraduate Students:
- Studio Level A: $9,500 - No more than $3,500 of this amount may be in Subsidized loans.
- Studio Level B: $10,500 - No more than $4,500 of this amount may be in Subsidized loans.
- Segment II and above: $12,500 - No more than $5,500 of this amount may be in Subsidized loans.
Graduate Students:
- $20,500 Unsubsidized - As of July 1, 2012 graduate students will no longer be eligible for Subsidized Stafford Loans.
Graduate students may be eligible for a Federal Direct Graduate PLUS loan in addition to the the UnSubsidized Stafford Loan, at a fixed rate of 7.9%.
Aggregate Federal Stafford Loan limits
- Dependent undergraduate students can borrow a maximum of $31,000, no more than $23,000 can be subsidized.
- Independent undergraduate students can borrow a maximum of $57,500 in Federal Stafford Loans, and up to $23,000 maximum can be subsidized.
- Graduate students can borrow up to a maximum of $138,500 in Federal Stafford Loans, and up to a maximum of $65,500 can be Subsidized.
Once the above Federal Direct Stafford Loan limits are reached, students can no longer borrow Federal Direct Stafford Loans. Students should exercise caution regarding borrowing excessive amounts.
Consolidation
Many borrowers choose to consolidate their federal student loans. Students can consolidate their federal loans during the grace or repayment period. For additional information read the information provided below to ensure you understand how the timing of your application will impact the terms and benefits of your new loan.
Direct Loan Consolidation
This US Department of Education web site provides information to borrowers, schools, and loan holders. Students may consolidate their Direct Loans with any prior Federal Family Education Loans (FFELP).
Consolidation Calculator
This Loan Consolidation Calculator compares the monthly payments, interest rates and total cost of your current loans with the monthly payment, interest rate and total cost of a consolidation loan. It includes calculations of standard, extended and graduated repayment.