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The Federal Direct Loan program is available to all students who are eligible to file a FAFSA. If financial need is demonstrated, the government will pay the interest on a student’s subsidized loan while the student is enrolled at least part-time. Students who do not demonstrate financial need will be responsible for interest from the day the unsubsidized loan is disbursed.

Both the subsidized and unsubsidized loans are eligible for payment deferment while the student is enrolled at least part-time. Students borrowing Federal Direct Loans have the same terms and conditions and interest rates as loans borrowed under the FFEL Program and will be offered loan fee rebates, more repayment plan choices and additional loan forgiveness options. For complete information on Federal Direct Loans, including origination fees, visit

On July 4, 2025, the " or OBBBA, was signed into law through the budget reconciliation process. The law includes major changes to student financial aid programs, including significant revisions to federal student loans. Most of these changes take effect for enrollment periods beginning on or after July 1, 2026. Visit our OBBBA website to learn more about changes to Direct Loan amounts and aggregate limits. 

Maximum Federal Direct Loan amounts

Credit hours needed	Federal Direct Loan	Additional Unsubsidized Loans for Independent Students	HEA
Freshmen 0-29 hours	$3,500 + $2,000 Unsubsidized	$4,000
Sophomore 30-59 hours	$4,500 + $2,000 Unsubsidized	$4,000
Junior 60-89 hours	$5,500 + $2,000 Unsubsidized	$5,000
Senior 90+ hours	$5,500 + $2,000 Unsubsidized	$5,000
Graduate/Law/Graduate Business		$20,500 (all are eligible)
Stritch School of Medicine		$20,500	$22,222 - $26,667

Interest rates for Federal Direct Loans vary year-to-year. Visit for the most up-to-date information.

Once a financial aid award is available, students can view loan amounts offered and scheduled disbursement dates by clicking on the Financial Aid tile on the Student Homepage of LOCUS. Once all requirements have been met and the loans disburse, the funds will apply toward applicable charges on the student account. Any excess funds will be refunded to the student by The Office of the Bursar. This typically occurs 3-5 business days after the excess credit is created.

To reduce of cancel a loan after the funds disburse, the student must submit the Student Financial Aid Adjustment Request form within 30 days from the time the loan disburses. Similarly, a parent must submit the Parent PLUS Loan Adjustment Request form within 14 days from the time of disbursement. All loan forms can be found here.

Lifetime aggregate limits

Loan Type	Dependent Undergraduate	Independent Undergraduate	Graduate/Law/Graduate Business	Stritch School of Medicine
Federal Direct Subsidized Loan	$23,000	$23,000	$65,500	$65,500
Total Federal Direct Loan	$31,000	$57,500	$138,500	$224,000

For additional information and requirements, see our Loan Specifics page.