Subsidized* and Unsubsidized	Subsidized* and Unsubsidized	Parent PLUS Loan
	Dependent Student	Independent Student Dependent Student (if parents denied the Parent PLUS Loan)	All New Parent Borrowers (Dependent Students for loans disbursed after July 1, 2026)
First Year Student Annual Limit (0 to 29 credit hours)	$5500 (no more than $3500 can be subsidized)	$9500 (no more than $3500 can be subsidized)	$20,000 (per dependent student)
Second Year Student Annual Limit (30 to 59 credit hours)	$6500 (no more than $4500 can be subsidized)	$10,500 (no more than $4500 can be subsidized)	$20,000 (per dependent student)
Third Year Student Annual Limit (60+ credit hours)	$7500 (no more than $5500 can be subsidized)	$12,500 (no more than $5500 can be subsidized)	$20,000 (per dependent student)
Fourth Year Student Annual Limit (90+ credit hours)	$7500 (no more than $5500 can be subsidized)	$12,500 (no more than $5500 can be subsidized)	$5000 (per dependent student if borrowed $20,000 each of the previous three years)
Aggregate (Lifetime) Loan Limits	$31,000 (no more than $23,000 can be subsidized)	$57,500 (no more than $23,000 can be subsidized)	$65,000**

*Subsidized loans are based on financial need as determined by information provided on the student’s FAFSA.

**The lifetime and annual borrowing limits apply to new PLUS Loan borrowers for loans disbursed after July 1, 2026. Note that the limits apply to the dependent student. For example, if both the student’s mother and father apply, they may borrow a combined annual limit of $20,000 for that student (not $20,000 each parent for a combined $40,000).

The new limits apply to periods of enrollment that begin on or after July 1, 2026.

You are considered a new borrower if your first federal direct loan (including Parent PLUS Loan) is disbursed on or after July 1, 2026.

You may be considered a continuing or “legacy” borrower if:

• You received a federal student loan before July 1, 2026, and
• You remain continuously enrolled in the same program of study at the same institution. Undergraduate borrowers may change majors and still be considered a legacy borrower. Borrowers who earn an associate’s degree and then enter a bachelor’s degree program will then be considered a new borrower.

Legacy borrowers may be able to continue borrowing under previous limits for up to 3 academic years or until completion of the program of study, whichever is less.

Parent PLUS Loans will be subject to new loan limits:

• The annual borrowing limit is $20,000 per student from all Parent PLUS Loans received. For example, if one parent borrows $20,000 in Parent PLUS Loan funds for a student, the student cannot receive additional Parent PLUS Loan fund from another parent in the same academic year.
• The lifetime borrowing limit is $65,000 per student.

Additionally, the only repayment plan for all new PLUS Loans borrowed after July 1, 2026, is a new tiered standard repayment plan, which offers a fixed monthly payment over 10 to 25 years based on the balance of the loan. The tiered standard repayment plan is not eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

We encourage all Parent PLUS Loan borrowers to carefully consider their student’s academic plans and borrow only what is needed to meet the student’s costs. When a parent applies for a PLUS Loan, the campus Financial Aid Office will reach out with more information and guidance.

Beginning July 1, 2026, your federal loan eligibility will be impacted by the number of hours in which you enroll. Full-time students may borrow up to their full loan eligibility, but any student enrolled less than full-time will have their loan disbursements reduced on their percentage of enrollment. For example, if you enroll in 6 credit hours for a semester, and 12 credit hours is considered full-time for your program of study, you will receive 50% of the loan disbursement for that semester.

If you reach federal loan limits, you may want to:

• Review your personal budget
• Consider the University's payment plan options
• Explore private educational loans

Our financial aid office can help you understand your options so that you can make an informed decision.

If you have questions about how these changes affect you, please contact your campus Financial Aid Office. We are here to help you understand your eligibility and provide options for upcoming terms.