Student Loan Limits – What You Need to Know

Federal student loan limits may make it difficult to pay for college. Understanding these limits can help you determine other financial options. Private student loans are another option that may allow you to cover the entire cost of attending school. In some cases, they are even available for those with no dependents. To find out if you qualify for student loans, read our guide. Below we’ve outlined the maximum amount that you can borrow based on your age and the type of loan you need.

Student loan limits increase from $5,500 for freshmen to $6,500 for sophomores to $7,500 for juniors and seniors

The maximum amount a student can borrow is determined by the year they start college and the type of loan they qualify for. Undergraduates can borrow up to $12,500 a year or $57,500 for a total federal student loan. Graduate students can borrow up to $20,500 per year or $138,500 total. Calculate how much money you need for college based on your anticipated income. Try to borrow just below the maximum amount.

Federal student loan limits adjust based on dependents

Depending on the type of student you are, federal student loan limits can vary greatly. The federal student loan limits for undergraduates range from $5,500 to $7,500 for an independent student to $31,000 for students with dependents. These limits also apply to the federal parent-child PLUS loan program. For each of these programs, the federal student loan limits adjust based on the type of student. The maximum amount of unsubsidized loans is $20,500 for undergraduates, and it is $138,500 for graduate students.

Type of loan

The Type of Student Loan that is best for you depends on your financial need and the length of time you plan to attend school. Direct Subsidized Loans are available for undergraduates and graduate students with financial need. The government pays the interest on subsidized loans while you are in school, and during deferment and grace periods. Unsubsidized loans are for students who do not demonstrate need, but need financial assistance. In either case, the amount of interest you owe cannot exceed the cost of attendance.

Year you’re in school

For the purposes of calculating your student loan limits, the minimum period of enrollment is the length of your academic year or the length of your clock-hour program. Unless you are enrolled in a non-term program, you cannot borrow more than the amount of your program’s academic year limit. There are exceptions to this rule, such as if you transfer schools or leave one program to enroll in another.

Interest rates

Various types of federal loans have different rates and loan limits. Federal Stafford loans, for example, don’t require financial need and are available to undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree students. The federal government charges a 1.057 percent fee for these loans. These loans can be obtained after Oct. 1 of this year but before Oct. 1 of 2022. Federal Stafford loans are subsidized by the U.S. Department of Education during the six-month grace period. In the regular repayment period, the borrower pays the interest. A lifetime maximum amount is $23,000 for federal Stafford loans.

Private student loan options

Undergraduate and graduate students, in general, are allowed to borrow less money than undergraduates. This is because graduate-level education is generally more expensive, and older students are less likely to have financial support from their parents. In some cases, the government will even pay the interest charges on a student’s private student loan. However, students should consider the loan limits when choosing a student loan. These limits apply to both federal and private loans.