In order to qualify to receive federal direct student loans, a valid FAFSA must be on file, and a student must be enrolled in and attending class for a minimum number of credits defined as at least half-time:
|
Fall |
Spring |
Summer |
| Undergraduate |
6 |
6 |
6 |
| Graduate, Doctorate |
4 |
4 |
4 |
Direct Loan Limits
The federal government sets limits on the amount of money a student can borrow. Catholic University awards students that have filed the FAFSA the maximum amount eligible under such limits. The annual limit applies to the most a student can borrow in an academic year, while the aggregate limit applies to the maximum a student can borrow in a lifetime. Independent students and dependent students whose parent is denied a Federal Direct PLUS loan are eligible for an additional Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan.
Below is a chart of annual and aggregate loan limits for the Federal Direct Loan Program
Annual Limits for Federal Direct Loans
Dependent Undergraduate
|
Completed Credits |
Subsidized |
Unsubsidized |
Total |
| Freshman |
0-29 |
$3,500 |
$2,000 |
$5,500 |
| Sophomore |
30-59 |
$4,500 |
$2,000 |
$6,500 |
| Junior & Senior |
60+ |
$5,500 |
$2,000 |
$7,500 |
Independent Undergraduate
|
Completed Credits |
Subsidized |
Unsubsidized |
Total |
| Freshman |
0-29 |
$3,500 |
$6,000 |
$9,500 |
| Sophomore |
30-59 |
$4,500 |
$6,000 |
$10,500 |
| Junior & Senior |
60+ |
$5,500 |
$7,000 |
$12,500 |
Graduate
|
Completed Credits |
Subsidized |
Unsubsidized |
Total |
| Graduate |
N/A |
N/A |
$20,500 |
$20,500 |
Aggregate Limits for Federal Direct Loans
|
Subsidized |
Total (Subsidized & Unsubsidized) |
| Dependent Undergraduate |
$23,000 |
$31,000 |
| Independent Undergraduate |
$23,000 |
$57,500 |
| Graduate |
N/A |
$138,500 |
