150 Percent Direct Subsidized Loan Limit Information

On May 6, 2013, we published interim final regulations in the Federal Register implementing the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) (Public Law 112-141) that added a new provision to the Direct Loan statutory requirements that limits a first-time borrower’s eligibility for Direct Subsidized Loans to a period not to exceed 150 percent of the length of the borrower’s educational program (“the 150% limit”). Under certain conditions, the provision also causes first-time borrowers who have exceeded the 150 percent limit to lose the interest subsidy on their Direct Subsidized Loans.

Federal Register Notices including Regulations

The following links are to the published Federal Register Notices and regulations pertaining to the 150% limit.

Dear Colleague Letters and Electronic Announcements

The following links are to the published Dear Colleague Letters and Electronic Announcements pertaining to the 150% limit.

Frequently Asked Questions

These Frequently Asked Questions provide information and operational guidance on implementing the 150% limit. Schools must review the interim regulations as published in the Federal Register on May 16, 2013 and associated guidance to ensure that they are in compliance with all of the 150% limit requirements.

The listing of Frequently Asked Questions will be updated periodically and include the date of the update. New and/or updated questions and answers will be marked NEW.

Training

Please see the following upcoming training opportunities and links to previously held webinars and other training.

Resources

These resources provide valuable information on the 150% limit.

Published: 03/28/2021