Loans

Federal Direct Student Loans

Federal Direct Student Loans are offered by the U.S. Department of Education to help eligible students cover the cost of higher education at a college or university. To apply for a Federal Direct Student Loan, you must first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Direct Subsidized Loan is a type of federal student loan available to undergraduate students with demonstrated need.

Direct Unsubsidized Loan is a type of federal student loan available to undergraduate and graduate students.

Direct Parent PLUS Loan is a credit-based federal student loan in a parent's name.

Direct Graduate PLUS Loan is a credit-based federal student loan available for graduate students.

Annual Loan Limits

Academic Level	Annual Limit - Dependent Students	Annual Limit - Independent Students
Freshman	$5,500 (No more than $3,500 in Subsidized Loans)	$9,500 (No more than $3,500 in Subsidized Loans)
Sophomore	$6,500 (No more than $4,500 in Subsidized Loans)	$10,500 (No more than $4,500 in Subsidized Loans)
Junior or Senior	$7,500 (No more than $5,500 in Subsidized Loans)	$12,500 (No more than $5,500 in Subsidized Loans)
Graduate Students		$20,500 (Graduate students are not eligible for Subsidized Loans)

Aggregate Loan Limits

Level of Study	Aggregate Limit - Dependent Students	Aggregate Limit - Independent Students
Undergraduate	$31,000 (No more than $23,000 in Subsidized Loans)	$57,500 (No more than $23,000 in Subsidized Loans)
Graduate		$138,500 (Includes loans borrowed as an undergraduate, as well)

Private Education Loan

Private education loans are offered by private organizations such banks, credit unions, and state-based or state-affiliated organizations. They are designated for educational costs and have terms and conditions that are set by the lender. Private education loans are generally more expensive than federal student loans. Please see Private Loans | University of North Texas for additional detail.