How much am I eligible for?

There are annual and aggregate limits that must be considered when determining Stafford loan eligibility. For more information, see the Stafford Loan Eligibility Chart below.

	Base- Subsidized and/or Unsubsidized	Additional Unsubsidized Only	Total Annual Limit	Aggregate Loan Limit
0-29 Earned Hours
Dependent Student	$3,500	$2,000	$5,500	$31,000*
Independent Student	$3,500	$6,000	$9,500	$57,500*
30-59 Earned Hours
Dependent Student	$4,500	$2,000	$6,500	$31,000*
Independent Student	$4,500	$6,000	$10,500	$57,500*
60+ Earned Hours
Dependent Student	$5,500	$2,000	$7,500	$31,000*
Independent Student	$5,500	$7,000	$12,500	$57,500*
Post-Baccalaureate
Independent Student	$5,500	$7,000	$12,500	$57,500*
Graduate
Provisionally/Limited Admitted Student	$5,500	$7,000	$12,500	$57,500*
Regularly-Admitted Student	$8,500	$12,000	$20,500	$138,500**

* (up to $23,000 sub)
** (up to $65,500 sub)

Subsidized Stafford loans do not accrue interest while the student is enrolled at least half time.  Unsubsidized Stafford loans accrue interest.  Current subsidized Stafford loans have a fixed interest rate of 3.4% and unsubsidized Stafford have a fixed interest rate of 6.8%. For regular graduate students, subsidized and unsubsidized Stafford loans share the same interest rate.  However, beginning Fall 2012, all loans for regular graduate students are unsubsidized.  Lenders are required by law to notify students of changes in the interest rate. Repayment of the loan usually begins six months after the student is no longer enrolled at least half-time in school. If needed, students may defer repayment of their loans by contacting their lender.

Eligibility for Stafford loans is determined upon completion of the FAFSA. Stafford loan funds are credited to the student's account once the funds are delivered to the school.