What is the maximum amount I can borrow for a federal student loan?

The maximum amount you can borrow for a federal student loan depends on various factors. For undergraduate students, the annual loan limits typically range from $5,500 to $12,500, depending on your grade level and dependency status. The aggregate loan limits, which include both subsidized and unsubsidized loans, are generally higher and can go up to $31,000 for dependent undergraduates and $57,500 for independent undergraduates. Graduate and professional students have higher loan limits, with annual maximums ranging from $20,500 to $40,500, and aggregate limits of $138,500. Furthermore, there are additional loan options such as Direct PLUS loans available for parents and graduate students. It is important to note that borrowing the maximum amount is not always advisable as it may lead to significant debt burden in the future.