Important Changes
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB/OB3), passed by Congress and signed into law on July 4, 2025, contained several provisions impacting federal student loans. These updates are highlighted on the website linked below. Additional details will be added to this site in the coming months. Unless otherwise noted, these changes will be effective July 1, 2026.
Direct Loan limits for new graduate students are changing. Stay tuned for updates.
Click here to review all the latest changes.
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 |
| 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 |