DPT Program
Annual Loan Limits & Disbursement Dates
Morsani College of Medicine Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
This page provides information regarding the following topics for students enrolled in the Morsani College of Medicine Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program:
Earliest possible disbursement dates
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan limits
Important federal borrowing updates
Loan eligibility and disbursement timing may vary based on enrollment, academic progression, financial aid processing, and applicable federal regulations.
Important Update (2026–2027 Academic Year)
Federal student loan regulations are changing. These updates may affect:
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan borrowing limits
Graduate PLUS Loan eligibility
Overall federal funding options for some graduate and professional students
Federal borrowing eligibility and loan options may vary based on individual circumstances and applicable federal regulations.
Students are encouraged to review financial aid offers carefully and plan ahead for future enrollment periods.
What This Means for You
Your financial aid eligibility and borrowing options may differ from previous academic years depending on your individual eligibility and federal borrowing requirements.
Students may experience differences in the following areas depending on individual eligibility:
Annual federal borrowing limits
Graduate PLUS Loan eligibility
Overall federal loan availability
Funding options available to help cover educational expenses
We encourage students to take the following steps when planning for future enrollment periods:
Review financial aid offers carefully
Monitor official university communications regarding federal financial aid updates
Contact the USF Health Office of Financial Aid with questions regarding eligibility or borrowing options
The USF Health Office of Financial Aid is available to assist students with questions regarding eligibility, borrowing options, and financial planning.
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Disbursement dates represent the earliest date financial aid funds may be applied to a student account for the applicable enrollment period.
Actual disbursement timing may vary based on:
Enrollment verification
Financial aid processing
Completion of outstanding requirements
Applicable federal regulations
Disbursement of financial aid funds does not necessarily mean a refund will be issued on the same date.
Students borrowing federal loans must complete the following requirements before funds can disburse:
Entrance Counseling
Master Promissory Note (MPN)
Graduate PLUS Entrance Counseling, if applicable
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Fall 2026
Spring 2027
Summer 2027
1st Year (2029)
8/10/2026
1/11/2027
5/24/2027
2nd Year (2028)
8/17/2026
1/11/2027
5/24/2027
3rd Year (2027)
8/17/2026
1/11/2027
N/A
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan Limits
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan eligibility and annual borrowing limits may vary based on individual eligibility and applicable federal regulations.
Loan eligibility may vary based on the following factors:
Enrollment history
Borrowing history
Program eligibility
Applicable federal regulations
Some continuing students may remain eligible for federal interim exception provisions, while other students may be subject to revised federal borrowing limits beginning with the 2026–2027 academic year.
Eligibility is determined individually based on federal regulations and student-specific circumstances.
Students with questions regarding borrowing eligibility or available funding options should contact the USF Health Office of Financial Aid.
2026-2027 Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan Limits
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Students Eligible for Interim Exception Provisions
2nd Year (2028)
$20,500*
3rd Year (2027)
$20,500*
*$10,250 for Fall and Spring terms; Eligible for Graduate PLUS borrowing
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Students Subject to Revised Federal Borrowing Limits
1st Year (2029)
$20,500
2nd Year (2028)
$20,500
3rd Year (2027)
$20,500
2025-2026 Annual federal disbursement dates and loan limits:
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Fall 2025 Spring 2026 Summer 2026 1st Year (2028) 8/11/2025 1/12/2026 6/1/2026 2nd Year (2027) 8/18/2025 1/12/2026 5/26/2026 2rd Year (2026) 8/18/2025 1/12/2026 N/A -
Year Annual loan limit 1st Year (2028) $20,500 * 2nd Year (2027) $20,500 * 3rd Year (2026) $20,500 *
Questions About Your Loan Eligibility or Funding Options?
Federal loan eligibility and borrowing options may vary based on individual circumstances and applicable federal regulations.
Students with questions regarding the following topics should contact the USF Health Office of Financial Aid for individualized assistance:
Borrowing eligibility
Loan limits
Disbursement timing
Available funding options