Eligibility
Degree-seeking students who are enrolled at least half time may receive Federal Direct Loan funding as long as they meet the general eligibility requirements.
Borrowing Limits
Below is a chart of annual loan limits for Federal Direct Loans:
Annual Loan Limits for Federal Direct Loans
| Year in School | Subsidized/Unsubsidized Base Amount a |
Unsubsidized Base Amount a |
Additional Eligibility b |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Year (0 - 29 credits) |
$3,500 | $2,000 | $4,000 |
| Second Year (30 -59 credits) |
$4,500 | $2,000 | $4,000 |
| Third Year (60 - 89 credits) |
$5,500 | $2,000 | $5,000 |
| Fourth Year (90+ credits) |
$5,500 | $2,000 | $5,000 c |
a For all students. The additional $2,000 in unsubsidized funding was new in 2008-2009.
b For independent students and for dependent students whose parents are rejected for PLUS Loans.
c Nondegree-seeking students who are enrolled at least half time in a teacher certification program or in coursework required to be accepted into a graduate or professional program may borrow at the senior level as a fifth-year undergraduate. Students who think they may qualify for this exception should contact Student Financial Services.
