Loans - Federal Stafford Loan Limits
Annual Stafford Loan Limits
Federal regulations specify the maximum Federal Stafford Loan amount any student can borrow each academic year, depending upon grade level. Actual eligibility is specified on the University of Maine Award Notification and may be less than the annual maximum:
| Grade Level and Dependency | Credit Hours Earned | Maximum Subsidized Stafford | Maximum Total Stafford (Subsidized and Unsubsidized) |
| Dependent first-year | Less than 24 | $3,500 | $5,500 |
| Dependent sophomore | 24-53 | $4,500 | $6,500 |
| Dependent junior or senior | 54 and above | $5,500 | $7,500 |
| Independent first-year | Less than 24 | $3,500 | $9,500 |
| Independent sophomore | 24-53 | $4,500 | $10,500 |
| Independent junior or senior | 54 and above | $5,500 | $12,500 |
| Graduate student | any credit hours | N/A | $20,500 |
NOTE: Dependent students whose parents are denied a Federal Direct PLUS Loan are eligible for the independent student limits if there is a valid Direct PLUS Loan denial (dated within the last year) on file with our office.
Lifetime Stafford Loan Limits
There are also lifetime limits regarding how much Stafford Loan you can borrow. The limits, effective July 1, 2008, are as follows:
| Grade Level and Dependency | Maximum Subsidized Stafford | Maximum Total Stafford (Subsidized and Unsubsidized) |
| Dependent undergraduate | $23,000 | $31,000 |
| Independent undergraduate | $23,000 | $57,500 |
| Graduate student | $65,500 | $138,500 |
Note: The graduate debt limit includes loans received for undergraduate study.