Stafford Loan Limits

<p>My daughter borrowed just under 3K her freshman year. She would have been eligible for an additional 2K or so of unsubsidized federal loans. I expect her to borrow up to her limit sophomore and junior years but she also wants to go abroad fall of junior year, in addition to the $6500 limit for junior year, can she also borrow the 2K she didn't use freshman year as long as she doesn't exceed the aggregate limit?</p>

<p>No. The loan limits are based on the student’s standing in the current year. You can’t get unused funds in a subsequent year.</p>

<p>A student that is progressing slowly can actually get the freshman loan amount more than once. For instance if they get the freshman amount their first year in school but do not have enough credits to be considered a sophomore their 2nd year, then they are only eligible for the freshman amount in year 2 because they are still a freshman. (The aggregate limits still apply).</p>

<p>Thanks! I was afraid it worked that way - and it helps looking ahead at how to fund things for semesters abroad when costs go above and beyond those charged by our home school. Some of the semester abroad programs look so much more valuable than the “summer vacation” variety but they are more expensive, especially in Europe. Planning ahead is good, planning far ahead is even better…</p>