Federal Student Loans
The maximum amount a student may borrow is based on the program of study and demonstrated financial need. If the allowable cost of education exceeds the maximum Direct Loan eligibility, the student may borrow from the Graduate PLUS Loan. Entrance counseling is required for both Federal Direct Loans and Graduate PLUS Loans.
Types of Federal Loan Programs
Federal Direct Subsidized Loan - Learn more »
As of July 1, 2012 the federal government removed the interest-free subsidy on the subsidized Direct Loan for graduate students.
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan - Learn more »
A non-need based loan where the student is responsible for all interest which accrues from the day of disbursement (view interest rate chart). A loan fee of approximately 1% will be deducted from the loan prior to disbursement. Repayment begins 6 months after graduation. These funds must be repaid.
Federal Graduate PLUS Loan - Learn more »
A credit-based, non-need loan where the student is responsible for all interest which accrues from the day of disbursement (view interest rate chart). A loan fee of approximately 4% will be deducted from the loan prior to disbursement. The maximum amount cannot exceed the approved cost of education (including all other aid) for the loan period. Repayment begins immediately following graduation. These funds must be repaid.
More Information
View the current federal loan interest rates »
Most loan and scholarship programs require students to maintain standards of satisfactory academic progress.
Allowable Loan Maximums
| Loan Program | Maximum Per Period |
| DC Direct Unsub Academic Period Max | $31,612 |
| ND Direct Unsub Academic Period Max | $38,278 |
| Master’s Programs | $20,500 |
| Undergrad | Up to $12,500* |
Note: A period is two trimesters.
*Dependency and Grade level dependent
Aggregate Direct Loan Maximums
| Loan Program | Maximum |
| Max Direct Subsidize | $65,500 |
| Combined Direct Sub and Unsub Agg Max | $138,500 |
| Aggregate Direct Loan Maximums- DC & ND | $224,000 |
Allowable Loan Maximums
| Loan Program | Maximum Per Period |
| Direct Sub | Up to $23,00 |
| Combined Direct Sub and Unsub | Up to 57,500* |
*Dependency and Grade level dependent