Student loans are a useful resource for managing the expenses associated with higher education, but they do have limits.
There are limits on both federal and private student loans, which can vary depending on your school year, loan type, and other factors.
Discover essential information about student loan limits and how to maximize them during your college experience.
The US government provides federal student loans with specific annual and overall restrictions.
Dependent students who receive financial support from their parents and have provided this information on their FAFSA application are eligible for annual limits ranging from $5,500 to $7,500, depending on their academic level.
For students who are independent and do not have financial support, the cost ranges from $9,500 to $20,500.
Dependent students are eligible to borrow a maximum of $31,000 throughout their educational journey, while independent students can borrow up to $57,500.
Graduate and professional students have access to borrowing up to almost $140,000. There are varying limits for subsidized and unsubsidized loans.
Remember that these figures represent the highest limits and may not reflect the actual amount you could borrow.
According to Derek Brainard, the director of financial education at AccessLex Institute, schools utilize students’ FAFSA information to calculate the specific amounts awarded to each student.
If you require more funds than what your federal student loan limit permits, there are alternative solutions available.
First, consider looking into a PLUS loan, which is a type of federal student loan for parents.
These loans allow you to borrow an amount equivalent to the entire cost of attendance at your school, after deducting any financial aid you’re currently getting.
If that’s still not sufficient, you can also consider:
- Scholarships and grants provide free funds to help cover your educational expenses. These could be either need-based or merit-based.
- Work-study programs provide an opportunity to earn money for educational expenses while still in school.
- Private student loans are loans provided by private companies. These necessitate a credit check for eligibility.
Derenda King, a student loan advisor at Student Loan Planner, suggests exploring all federal options before deciding on a private student loan.
“These loans usually provide greater consumer protection and benefits compared to private loans. They come with lower and fixed interest rates, flexible payment options, as well as deferment and forbearance options,” she explains.
“If needed, you may want to explore private loans or use them as a final option.”
Private Student Loans: Financial Considerations
Based on your school’s expenses and your financial situation, private student loans may be necessary during your academic journey.
These usually come with higher limits compared to federal loans, but according to King, most lenders will not let you borrow more than the college’s cost of attendance, minus financial aid.
It’s crucial to borrow only the necessary amount since private student loans typically come with higher interest rates compared to federal loans, and these rates can also rise over time.
It’s important to consider your credit score when applying for a loan, as lenders take this into account when determining your eligibility and interest rate.
