The maximum student loan amount varies depending on the type of loan and the students status. According to the US Department of Education, the maximum subsidized aggregate loan limit for graduate or professional students is $65,500. For undergraduate students, the maximum combined amount of Direct Subsidized and Direct Unsubsidized Loans that can be borrowed each academic year ranges from $5,500 to $12,500, depending on their year in school and whether theyre a dependent or independent student. Graduate and professional students can borrow up to $20,500 in Direct Unsubsidized Loans each academic year. There are also maximum total amounts students can borrow over the course of their undergraduate education, known as "aggregate totals." Dependent students can borrow up to $31,000 in subsidized and unsubsidized student loans, with no more than $23,000 of the total in subsidized loans. Independent students can borrow up to $57,500 with the same cap on subsidized loans.