As an undergraduate student, the maximum you can borrow in the federal Stafford student loan program is $23,000 as a dependent student or $46,000 as an independent student. Once you reach this maximum you will not be eligible to borrow additional federal loans until you enter a graduate degree program or pay down a portion of the borrowed amount. The aid office will continue to award you grants as long as you continue to meet the awarding guidelines including meeting the school’s Satisfactory Academic Progress guidelines. The school is required by federal law to monitor your academic progress. One area they monitor is how many courses you have attempted. You are only eligible to receive aid (including loans) up to 150% of what it takes to graduate with your degree. For example, say your degree requires 120 hours. You can only receive aid for up to 180 hours (120 * 150%). Once you have attempted over 180 hours the aid office can deny you additional aid. You can always appeal if you have special circumstances (sickness, working on two degrees, etc.) but the school’s decision is final.