Subsidized and Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loans are for eligible students to help cover the cost of higher education. Federal student loans are funded by the federal government.
Subsidized and Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loans are for eligible students to help cover the cost of higher education. Federal student loans are funded by the federal government.
How do I apply for a Federal Direct Loan?
Dependent vs. Independent definition
Your dependency status affects what information you'll include on the FAFSA and your loan limits. If you're a dependent student, you have to report information from both you and your parents. If you're an independent student, you only have to report your own information (and your spouse's, if you're married). The Federal Student Aid website provides a break down to help you determine if you are a dependent or independent student.
Maximum annual Federal Direct Loan limits for students
Academic Level | Annual LimitSubsidized &Unsubsidized | Annual LimitAdditionalUnsubsidized | TotalAnnualLimit |
---|---|---|---|
Freshman (≤ 29 credit hours earned) |
$3,500 | $2,000 | $5,500 |
Sophomore (≤ 59 credits earned) |
$4,500 | $2,000 | $6,500 |
Junior (accepted to a Bachelor’s program, 60+ credits) |
$ 5,500 | $2,000 | $7,500 |
Senior (accepted to a Bachelor’s program, 90+ credits) |
$ 5,500 | $2,000 | $7,500 |
Note: Additional Unsubsidized Loan funds of up to $4000 per year, (not included in chart) may be available for students whose parents are denied a Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS).
Freshman (≤ 29 credit hours earned) |
$3,500 | $ 6,000 | $ 9,500 |
Sophomore (≤ 59 credits earned) |
$4,500 | $ 6,000 | $ 10,500 |
Junior (accepted to a Bachelor’s program, 60+ credits) |
$5,500 | $ 7,000 | $ 12,500 |
Senior (accepted to a Bachelor’s program, 90+ credits) |
$5,500 | $ 7,000 | $ 12,500 |
Loan Proration for Graduating Borrowers
Per federal regulation KSU is required to prorate a dependent or independent undergraduate student's annual Stafford loan limits, when they are enrolled in one semester and will graduate in the same academic year. This mostly will affect students that will graduate from their program of study at the end of the fall term.
Loan Proration Formula
*The number of credit hours in an academic year is 24 credit hours.
Examples for Students Enrolled Full-Time (1 Semester)
Example of Dependent Student Proration Calculation
Example of Independent Student Proration Calculation
Examples for Students Enrolled Three-Quarter Time (1 Semester)
Example ff Dependent Student Proration Calculation
Example of Independent Student Proration Calculation
Examples for Students Enrolled Half-Time (1 Semester)
Example of Dependent Student Proration Calculation
Example of Independent Student Proration Calculation
For more information please visit the Federal Student Aid Website.