What is the maximum you can borrow for graduate school?

Asked by: Miss Petra Mante IV  |  Last update: February 5, 2026
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Graduate students can borrow as much as $20,500 per year in federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans, with a lifetime limit of $138,500, including undergraduate loans.

What is the maximum loan for grad school?

Graduate students are considered independent and have a lifetime loan limit of $138,500 for federal Subsidized and Unsubsidized loans. No more than $65,500 of this amount can be in subsidized loans. Annual limits for Direct Unsubsidized Loans for graduate students are set at $20,500.

What is the maximum amount for a Grad PLUS loan?

Grad PLUS Loans

Typically, graduate students can borrow $20,500 per year of Federal Direct Unsubsidized loans up to a cumulative aggregate limit of $138,500, including loans received for undergraduate study.

How much money can you get from FAFSA for graduate school?

What is the FAFSA limit for grad school? Graduate students can borrow up to $20,500 annually through the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan program. There's an aggregate limit of $138,500 for Direct Unsubsidized and Subsidized loans, which includes any loans from undergraduate studies.

What is the biggest student loan you can take out?

Undergraduate federal loan limits

You may be considered independent if you are over the age of 24, a military veteran, married or financially support yourself. Independent students can borrow $9,500 to $12,500 annually and up to $57,500 total.

5 Essential Things To Know About Grad Student Loans | Federal Student Loan Basics For Grad Funding

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How much student loan can I get for graduate school?

$138,500 for graduate or professional students-No more than $65,500 of this amount may be in subsidized loans. The graduate aggregate limit includes all federal loans received for undergraduate study. Notes: The graduate aggregate limit includes all federal loans received for undergraduate study.

Is 200k a lot in student loans?

This can leave borrowers with six-figure education debt worried that typical student loan advice may not apply to their situation. And the number of borrowers with high education debt is growing. As of 2023, there are one million federal student loan borrowers who owe $200,000 or more, according to StudentAid.gov.

How much loan do you get for masters?

A postgraduate loan, often referred to as a Masters loan or English postgraduate student loan, is a financial support scheme set up by the UK government helping students fund a Masters degree in England. As of the academic year 2024-25, you can borrow up to £12,471 to help fund both your tuition and living costs.

What is the Max Pell Grant for graduate students?

The maximum amount of money you can get from a Pell Grant is: $7,395 (2024–25). The amount granted depends on your Student Aid Index (SAI), cost of attendance, your status as a full-time or part-time student, and your plans to attend school for a full academic year or less.

Is it harder to get financial aid for graduate school?

The process of getting financial aid for graduate school is basically the same, with eligibility determined by financial need. However, FAFSA doesn't have a maximum income cutoff — meaning it's worth applying even if you think you make too much money.

Is there a cap for Grad PLUS loans?

** While there are no set aggregate limits on the Federal Direct Grad PLUS loan, the Office of Financial Aid reserves the right to limit or refuse certification of future federal student loans on a case-by-case basis to limit excessive borrowing.

How do loans work for graduate school?

They're disbursed directly to your graduate school.

Unlike personal loans or loans for some career-related activities (residency and relocation), the graduate student loan money goes to the school's financial aid office, not to you.

What is the lifetime limit for FAFSA?

The amount of Federal Pell Grant funds you may receive over your lifetime is limited by federal law to be the equivalent of six years of Pell Grant funding. Since the amount of a scheduled Pell Grant award you can receive each award year is equal to 100%, the six-year equivalent is 600%.

What is the maximum for Grad PLUS loan?

The Graduate PLUS Loan can cover the full cost of attendance for your graduate program, with the exception of other financial aid received. There is no aggregate loan limit.

How long it takes an average graduate to repay $100000 in student loans?

On average, it takes about 10–20 years to pay off a student loan.

What is the average loan amount for a masters degree?

Student loan borrowers pursuing undergraduate postsecondary education owe an average of $25,670. Borrowers who hold master's degrees owe an average of $69,140 each. The average law school debt is approximately $140,000. The average medical school debt is approximately $200,000.

Is there a cap on financial aid for graduate school?

Graduate students can borrow as much as $20,500 per year in federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans, with a lifetime limit of $138,500, including undergraduate loans.

Is there a salary cap for the Pell Grant?

Pell Grants are need-based awards. Although students with family incomes up to $45,000 may be eligible, most awards go to students with family incomes below $20,000.

Can grad students get Pell Grants in 2024?

A student who completes a master's program has earned a degree beyond the baccalaureate level, making the student ineligible for a Pell Grant even if they do not have a bachelor's degree and enroll in an undergraduate program.

How much can a graduate student borrow?

For federal direct student loans, undergraduates can borrow up to $12,500 annually and up to $57,500 total. Graduate students can borrow up to $20,500 annually and $138,500 total, including their undergraduate borrowing. Federal PLUS loans are capped at your school's total cost of attendance.

How many credits is a master's?

Credits. To successfully complete a Masters course, for example, you'll need 180 credits. Each module carries a multiple of 15 credits (15, 30, 45, 60 or 90), which you get when you successfully pass your assessments.

What is the average amount of loans after grad school?

According to a study from the National Center for Education Statistics study from the National Center for Education Statistics, the average student loan debt for graduate school is about $88,220. However, debt varies widely based on the level and type of degree you seek and.

How to pay off $180000 in student loans?

How to pay off student loans fast
  1. Make extra payments. ...
  2. Make biweekly payments. ...
  3. Consolidate and refinance. ...
  4. Avoid capitalized interest. ...
  5. Pick the right repayment plan. ...
  6. Enroll in autopay. ...
  7. Use a cash windfall. ...
  8. Find a job that offers student loan forgiveness.

How many people have over $100,000 in student loans?

Overall, only 1% of all U.S. adults owed at least $100,000. Young college graduates with student loans are more likely than those without this kind of debt to say they struggle financially.