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).  

Please be advised:  As of Fall 2026, all federal student loans are subject to Schedule of Reduction (SOR) requirements for enrollment that is less than full-time.  Please see Schedule of Reduction (SOR) for detail.

  • 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.  
  • As of 7/1/2026, Graduate PLUS Loans have been discontinued for new borrowers.  Please see Graduate PLUS Loans for details.

Annual Federal 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 Programs*   $20,500  (Graduate students are not eligible for Subsidized Loans)
Clinical Psychology Ph.D. Program   $50,000  (Graduate students are not eligible for Subsidized Loans)

*This represents the annual limit for all graduate programs at UNT with the exception of our Clinical Psychology Ph.D. Program.

Aggregate Federal Loan Limits

Beginning 7/1/2026, the following borrowing limits were enacted on federal direct student loans for new federal student loan borrowers, students beginning a new program of study, and students who do not meet legacy provision criteria.  The aggregate loan limits are program specific and include a $257,500 lifetime (i.e., all degrees/programs) borrowing limit. 

Program of Study Aggregate Limit - Dependent Students Aggregate Limit - Independent Students
Undergraduate Programs $31,000  (No more than $23,000 in Subsidized Loans) $57,500  (No more than $23,000 in Subsidized Loans)
Graduate Programs*   $100,000
Clinical Psychology Ph.D. Program   $200,000
Lifetime Limit (all degrees/programs)   $257,500

*This represents the aggregate limit for graduate programs at UNT with the exception of our Clinical Psychology Ph.D. Program.

Aggregate Federal Loan Limits - Legacy Provision 

The following are the aggregate loan limits under the federal student aid legacy provision.  Please see legacy provision for qualification details.

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 Loans

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.