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 |
Aggregate 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.
NOTE: If a student repays a portion of the student loan, then the aggregate amount is adjusted to reflect the outstanding principal balance owed on the loans.
Lifetime limits for loans disbursed on or after July 1, 2026:
| Maximum Perkins, Subsidized, Unsubsidized, Grad PLUS | |
| Lifetime Limit | $257,500 |
NOTE: If a student repays a portion of the student loan, the lifetime loan limit is not adjusted to reflect the outstanding principal balance owed on the loans.
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, even if multiple parents are borrowing.
- Lifetime Parent PLUS Loan Limit: the student can have no more than $65,000 borrowed on their behalf, even if multiple parents are borrowing.
Note for legacy borrowers
If you qualify as a legacy student under the One Big Beautiful Bill, your annual and lifetime loan limits are different. Visit our page with loan limits page for legacy students for your loan limit information.
