Federal Loan Maximums

Eligibility is split between two versions of the same student loan. The title denotes if the government is subsidizing (paying) the interest on students' behalf while they are enrolled.

Unsubsidized loans are therefore interest-bearing while the student is enrolled. The student can elect to make interest-only payments while in school or allow the interest to capitalize onto the principal (resulting in being charged interest-on-interest when in repayment). Arrangements for paying interest only while enrolled can be made with your loan servicer.

The chart below illustrates current maximum annual eligibility that is based on the student's current class level. Figures are maximum award amounts, and fees are taken out prior to disbursement on loan amount borrowed.

Students must attend at least half-time to be eligible for loans. Beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year, loan eligiblity will be prorated based on enrollment level. Maximum awards may also be limited by the budgeted cost of education and other aid awarded the student.

1. Subsidized loans (interest-free for the student while in school) are based on financial need, not all students qualify. 
2. Students in associate degree programs cannot be classified higher than sophomore.
3. Legacy Provision: If a borrower has a Direct Unsubsidized Loan made before July 1, 2026, while enrolled in a credentialed program, the borrower can continue to borrow from the program for 3 academic years or the remainder of their expected time to credential, whichever is less.
4. Professional programs include MED, Law, and PharmD programs. The Department of Education has not yet finalized the full list of professional vs. graduate programs. 

Students must attend at least half-time to be eligible for loans. Beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year, loan eligiblity will be prorated based on enrollment level. Students who attend year-round (particularly co-op students) should be aware of limited summer options and the possible need to reserve some loan funds for summer.

Loan awards are made using the best information on file at the time of awarding to project your appropriate class level and loan amount. Students must attend at least half-time to be eligible for loans. Beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year, loan eligiblity will be prorated based on enrollment level.

Once you have accepted any portion of your loan, your financial aid award offered amount will then reflect your accepted amount. Students who decline a portion of their loan may later ask to have their loan increased/reinstated if they remain eligible for the loan.

Undergraduate students who review their financial aid award and find their Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loan combined amount is less than the "Total Annual Loan Limit" on the chart or who change class level mid-year may be eligible for additional funding. An exception would be for students whose total aid package has reached the budgeted cost of education.

Students may be able to increase their loans within the above described limits if they did not accept their full annual amount or they increase class level mid-year.  Consult Enrollment Services (enrollmentservices@uc.edu; 513-556-1000; campus locations) to have eligibility evaluated.

Loan increases, when a student is deemed eligible, will appear as part of the award package within 5 business days. Please do not make multiple requests within a week's timeframe.

In addition to the above annual limits, students are limited in what they can borrow over their educational lifetime. The following chart details the federal limits to Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans.

1. Or the combined aggregate limit based on Subsidized eligibility determined by financial need.
2. The aggregate loan limit effective for Graduate students until June 30,2026 includes loans received for undergraduate study.
3. The aggregate loan limit for Graduate students (effective July 1, 2026) is $100,000 for borrowers who are not and have never been professional students.
4. Professional programs include MED, Law, and PharmD programs. The Department of Education has not yet finalized the full list of professional vs. graduate programs. 
5. The aggregate loan limit for Professional Students is $200,000 minus any amount that was received as a graduate student.

*Students who are enrolled in health profession programs and who previously were eligible for higher annual and aggregate limits can continue to receive loans at those higher limits while they remain eligible for the Legacy Provision. However, once the student takes an action that causes them to lose eligibility for the exception, they’ll become subject to the new borrowing limits listed above.

Eligibility in these loan programs is based on official university classification and ceases when limits are met even if a student has not completed their academic program. Of particular concern are students who attend part-time but take out their full, annual loan eligibility. They can more easily borrow their lifetime limit in loans prior to completing their degree.

Limits are also cumulative and do not begin anew with a new degree program.

Students can check on their borrowing history by reviewing information contained within their FAFSA Submission Summary sent to you when you complete the FAFSA each year or by viewing your loan account information at the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) accessed via the Federal Student Aid website.