Graduate Loan Proration Examples
Currently, graduate students are considered full-time at 9 credit hours per term during the Fall and Spring semesters, and 6 credit hours in the Summer term. The following are a few examples which show how graduate student federal loan eligibility may change based on number of credits enrolled.
Example 1: Full-Time Enrollment in Summer, Fall, and Spring
If you enroll in 6 credits in Summer, 9 credits in Fall, and 9 credits in Spring, you are enrolled in a total of 24 credits out of 24 full-time credits for the academic year, or 100% of full-time enrollment.
If the annual loan limit is $20,500, you may qualify for up to $20,500:
- Summer = $6,834
- Fall = $6,833
- Spring = $6,833
Example 2: Less Than Full-Time Enrollment in Summer, Fall, and Spring
If you enroll in 3 credits in Summer and 6 credits in Fall and 6 credits in Spring, you are enrolled in a total of 15 credits out of 24 full-time credits for the academic year, or approximately 63% of full-time enrollment. Your loan eligibility will be reduced proportionally.
If the annual loan limit is $20,500, you may qualify for approximately $12,915:
- Summer = $2,583
- Fall = $5,166
- Spring = $5,166
Example 3: Full-Time Enrollment in Fall and Spring
If you enroll in 9 credits in Fall and 9 credits in Spring, you are enrolled in a total of 18 credits out of 18 full-time credits for the academic year, or 100% of full-time enrollment.
If the annual loan limit is $20,500, you may qualify for up to $20,500:
- Fall = $10,250
- Spring = $10, 250
Example 4: Full-Time Enrollment in Fall and Half-Time Enrollment in Spring
If you enroll in 9 credits in Fall and 6 credits in Spring, you are enrolled in a total of 15 credits out of 18 full-time credits for the academic year, or approximately 83% of full-time enrollment. Your loan eligibility will be reduced proportionally.
If the annual loan limit is $20,500, you may qualify for approximately $17,015:
- Fall = $10,209
- Spring = $6,806
If you have questions about how these changes impact you, please contact the Graduate Financial Aid office at gradfinancialaid@loyola.edu.
Last Updated: April 17, 2026
Notes
Actual loan amounts may vary based on individual eligibility, program structure, and timing of disbursements.
Effective date and implementation details are pending and may be subject to change in accordance with final regulations.