The limits for subsidized and unsubsidized loans are
different. However, these loans can sometimes be combined to
make the process more beneficial for the student. Here are the
annual loan limits by category:
Year
Dependent Student
Independent Student
Freshman
$3,500
$7,500 with a maximum of $3,500 subsidized
Sophomores $4,500
$8,500 with a maximum of $4,500 subsidized
Juniors and up $5,500
$10,500 with a limit of $5,500 subsidized
Dependency is determined on a case by case individual basis,
from the information you provide while filing the FAFSA, so remember that independent students are not
receiving any help from family and have higher limits they
can borrow. This
also means independent students have a higher loan amount
when they leave school, so this should be carefully
considered when applying. Next >
Stafford benefits.
