Step 4
Step 5
Understand Your Direct Student Loan
Compare Financial Aid Award Package to Annual Budget
Though the Subsidized Loan is need-based aid and considered more attractive, due to its lack of interest rate while enrolled, it, like the Unsubsidized Loan, must be repaid to the federal servicer upon graduation. For further information on responsible borrowing and repayment practices visit studentloans.gov.
Calculate an estimate of basic living expenses for attending UK at seeblue.com/ calculator. Tuition and fees available at seeblue.com/tuition. Compare your annual financial aid award package total with the cost to attend UK and then develop a plan to cover any financial gaps. To explore additional funding options, review Parent Plus and alternative loans. Visit seeblue.com/loans.
The following table shows the maximum amount of money you may borrow each academic year in Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans depending on your grade level.
Undergraduate Grade Level
Dependent Student Annual Loan Limit*
Independent Student Annual Loan Limit
1st-year (0-30 credit hours)
$5,500
$9,500
2nd-year (31-59 credit hours)
$6,500
$10,500
3rd and 4th year (60+ credit hours)
$7,500
$12,500
Aggregate Limit
$31,000
$57,500
*Dependent students whose parents were denied the Parent PLUS may qualify for independent loan amounts.
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