The amount you can borrow is based on your grade level and your status as a student. Independent students may be eligible to borrow more because they are paying for college without assistance from their family.
It is important to note that even if a student is financing their education on their own, dependency status is still determined by the school.
Based on your award letter, you may not always qualify for the maximum Stafford Loan amount. For additional loan funding, consider private student loans which allow you to borrow up to the total cost of education less other financial aid received.

	Dependent Undergraduate Student	Independent Undergraduate Student*
Freshman	$3,500 plus $2,000 in unsubsidized loans	$9,500 - Max of $3,500 can be in subsidized loans
Sophomore	$4,500 plus $2,000 in unsubsidized loans	$10,500 - Max of $4,500 can be in subsidized loans
Juniors and Seniors	$5,500 plus $2,000 in unsubsidized loans	$12,500 - Max of $5,500 can be in subsidized loans
Maximum Total Debt from Stafford Loans	$31,000 (maximum $23,000 subsidized)	$57,500 - Max of $23,000 can be in subsidized loans

*Independent student limits also apply to dependent students whose parent was denied a PLUS loan due to adverse credit history.

Stafford Loan Frequently Asked Questions