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.

Maximum awards may also be limited by the budgeted cost of education and other aid awarded the student.

1. Subsidized (interest-free for the student while in school) loan, unsubsidized (interest-bearing) loan, or a combination of both based on eligibility determined by financial need.
2. Students in associate degree programs cannot be classified higher than sophomore.
   
3. Beginning July 1, 2012, graduate and professional students will no longer be eligible for in-school subsidy; the maximum $20,500 in borrowing will be made available to students in unsubsidized (interest-bearing while in school) loans based on eligibility.
4. Pharmacy students are eligible for an annual maximum of $33,000 if 9 months and $37,167 if 12 months.

Loan funding is also influenced by your attendance. 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.

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 "Current Combined Maximum" 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. Pharmacy Pharm D aggregate limit is $224,000.

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.