Credits & Loan Limits Per Grade Level
In order to advance to the next grade level, undergrads must earn a certain number of credits:
| Grade Level | Credits Required |
| Freshman | 0-27 |
| Sophomore | 28-55 |
| Junior | 56-87 |
| Senior | 88 or more |
For example, at the end of your first two semesters, you do not become a sophomore unless you have earned at least 28 credits (including transfer credits).
The amount of money you may borrow through the federal Direct Loan program depends on your grade level and whether you qualify for the legacy loan provisions. More information on changes to the federal loan program can be found at our OBBBA FAQ page.
Annual limits for federal loans disbursed on or after July 1, 2026:
| Maximum Subsidized + Unsubsidized | Maximum Subsidized | |
| Dependent Freshman | $5,500 | $3,500 |
| Dependent Sophomore | $6,500 | $4,500 |
| Dependent Junior/Senior | $7,500 | $5,500 |
| Independent Freshman | $9,500 | $3,500 |
| Independent Sophomore | $10,500 | $4,500 |
| Independent Junior/Senior | $12,500 | $5,500 |
| Graduate | $20,500 | $0 |
| Medical/Law | $50,000 | $0 |
Lifetime limits for loans disbursed on or after July 1, 2026:
| Maximum Subsidized + Unsubsidized | Maximum Subsidized | |
| Dependent Undergraduate | $31,000 | $23,000 |
| Independent Undergraduate | $57,500 | $23,000 |
| Graduate* | $100,000 | $65,500** |
| Professional* | $200,000 | $65.500** |
| Total Individual Limit | $257,500 |
*The graduate and professional debt limits do not include loans received for undergraduate study.
**Graduate subsidized loans are no longer available as the federal government has ended the subsidized loan program for graduate students.
Parent PLUS Loan limits
for loans disbursed on or after July 1, 2026:
- Annual Parent PLUS Loan Limit: the student can have no more than $20,000 borrowed on their behalf
- Lifetime Parent PLUS Loan Limit: the student can have no more than $65,000 borrowed on their behalf
LEGACY BORROWERS
Annual limits for students who qualify for the legacy loan provisions:
| Maximum Subsidized + Unsubsidized | Maximum Subsidized | |
| Dependent Freshman | $5,500 | $3,500 |
| Dependent Sophomore | $6,500 | $4,500 |
| Dependent Junior/Senior | $7,500 | $5,500 |
| Independent Freshman | $9,500 | $3,500 |
| Independent Sophomore | $10,500 | $4,500 |
| Independent Junior/Senior | $12,500 | $5,500 |
| Graduate* | $20,500 | $0 |
| Medical | $40,500 | $0 |
Lifetime limits for students who qualify for the legacy loan provisions:
| Maximum Subsidized + Unsubsidized | Maximum Subsidized | |
| Dependent Undergraduate | $31,000 | $23,000 |
| IndependentUndergraduate | $57,500 | $23,000 |
| Graduate* | $138,500 | $65,500** |
| Medical* | $224,000 | $65.500** |
*The graduate and medical debt limits include loans received for undergraduate study.
**Graduate subsidized loans are no longer available as the federal government has ended the subsidized loan program for graduate students.
Parent PLUS Loan limits
for parents of students eligible for the legacy loan provisions:
- Annual Parent PLUS Loan Limit: Cost of attendance minus other aid
- Lifetime Parent PLUS Loan Limit: None
What happens if I reach a lifetime limit?
If you reach a lifetime loan limit, you will no longer be able to receive any more of that type of loan. If you exceed the limit, aid already disbursed will be billed back. You will have to find alternate ways to finance your education. Therefore it is to your advantage to borrow only what you need for educational expenses, and to keep track of your cumulative debt. Our advisors are happy to work with you to find ways to minimize your borrowing.