Maximum Limits for Pell Grant and Loans
There are limits on the amount of Subsidized, Unsubsidized, and Pell Grant funds you can receive in a given year and degree program.
Annual and Lifetime Loan Limits
Federal unsubsidized and subsidized loan limits are based on your dependency status and academic class level/student classification. Once you meet or exceed the amounts set by the government we cannot award any more federal loans to you.
Check your current loan balances on myBoiseState under “My Account” or log in with your FSA ID at the National Student Loan Data Center (NSLDS) website.
| Dependent Student | Independent Student | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Limit | Lifetime Limit | Annual Limit | Lifetime Limit |
|
| Freshman First Year Undergraduate | $5,500 (Max $3,500 in subsidized loans) | $31,000 (Max $23,000 in subsidized loans) | $9,500 (Max $3,500 in subsidized loans) | $57,500 (Max $23,000 in subsidized loans) |
| Sophomore Second-Year Undergraduate | $6,500 (Max $4,500 in subsidized loans) | $31,000 (Max $23,000 in subsidized loans) | $10,500 (Max $4,500 in subsidized loans) | $57,500 (Max $23,000 in subsidized loans) |
| Junior / Senior Second Undergraduate Third Year and Beyond | $7,500 (Max $5,500 in subsidized loans) | $31,000 (Max $23,000 in subsidized loans) | $12,500 (Max $5,500 in subsidized loans) | $57,500 (Max $23,000 in subsidized loans) |
| Graduate | n/a | n/a | $20,500 (Unsubsidized Only) | $138,500 (Max $65,500 in subsidized loans. The graduate aggregate limit includes all federal loans received for undergraduate study) |
Pell Grant Limits
Federal Pell Grants are awarded annually based on financial need, enrollment, and cost of attendance. Amounts can change yearly.
-
-
- The maximum Federal Pell Grant award is $7,395 for the 2023–2024 award year.
-
- The Pell Grant is available for undergraduate students seeking their first bachelor degree for up to the equivalent of six full-time years of funding. Learn more about the limit and how usage is calculated.
- The National Student Loan Data Center (NSLDS) website can provide your current Pell Grant usage percentage.