Wichita State University
Schedule of Loan Reductions
Schedule of Loan Reductions
Beginning in the 2026–2027 academic year, federal loan amounts for students enrolled less than full-time will be reduced based on their enrollment level. Your loan eligibility will be determined by the number of credit hours in which you are enrolled and academically engaged. This federal requirement is called the Schedule of Reductions (SOR).
SOR applies to undergraduate, graduate, and professional students and affects Direct Subsidized Loans, Direct Unsubsidized Loans, and Graduate PLUS Loans. Parent PLUS Loans for dependent students are not affected by SOR.
Schedule of Reductions Calculation
Step 1: Calculate Enrollment Percentage
(Number of Credit Hours Enrolled ÷ Number of Credit Hours for Full-time status) x 100 = Reduced Annual Loan Limit Percentage*
*Percentages are rounded using standard mathematical rounding rules: values ending in 0 to 4 are rounded down, and values ending in 5 to 9 are rounded up to the nearest whole percent.
Step 2: Calculate the Maximum Annual Loan Eligibility
Reduced Annual Loan Limit Percentage x Annual Loan Maximum* for Grade Level = Reduced Annual Eligibility
*Annual maximum loan may vary based on actual eligibility and Cost of Attendance.
Examples:
Undergraduate Student
A dependent freshman undergraduate student enrolled in 9 credit hours each semester (18 credit hours for the academic year) would be eligible for up to 75% of the annual Federal Direct Loan limit. Since the annual loan limit for a dependent freshman is $5,500, the maximum annual loan eligibility would be $4,125.
Step 1: Calculate Enrollment Percentage
18 Enrolled Credit Hours ÷ 24 Credit Hours for Full-time status x 100 =75%
Step 2: Calculate the Maximum Annual Loan Eligibility
75% x $5,500 = $4,125 maximum annual loan
Graduate Student
A graduate student enrolled in 5 credit hours each semester (10 credit hours for the academic year) would be eligible for up to 56% of the annual Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan limit. Because full-time annual enrollment for a graduate student is 18 credit hours, the student's enrollment percentage is 55.55%, rounded to 56%. Based on the annual loan limit of $20,500, the maximum annual loan eligibility would be $11,480.
Step 1: Calculate Enrollment Percentage
10 Enrolled Credit Hours ÷ 18 Credit Hours for Full-time status x 100 = 56% (round up from 55.55%)
Step 2: Calculate the Maximum Annual Loan Eligibility
56% x $20,500 = $11,480 maximum annual loan
Enrollment Level
Your enrollment level is considered when determining your Federal Direct Loan eligibility. Students who enroll and remain full-time for the academic year are eligible for the maximum annual loan amount. Students enrolled at the three-quarter-time, half-time, or less-than-half-time level may have reduced loan eligibility. To receive a Federal Direct Loan, you must be enrolled at least half-time.
| Undergraduate Enrollment Level | Fall/Spring/Summer |
|---|---|
| Full Time | 12+ Credit Hours Per Term |
| Three-Quarters Time | 9 to 11.5 Credit Hours Per Term |
| Half Time | 6 to 8.5 Credit Hours Per Term |
| Less than Half Time | 5.5 or Less Credit Hours Per Term |
| Graduate Enrollment Level | Fall/Spring | Summer |
|---|---|---|
| Full Time | 9+ Credit Hours Per Term | 6+ Credit Hours Per Term |
| Half Time | 5 to 8.5 Credit Hours Per Term | 3 to 5.5 Credit Hours Per Term |
| Less than Half Time | 4.5 or Less Credit Hours Per Term | 2.5 or Less Credit Hours Per Term |
Loan Eligibility Chart
Use these charts to estimate your loan eligibility based on your anticipated enrollment level for either the academic year (annual) or by semester (term). Loan amounts are estimates only and are subject to final eligibility review and determination.
Annual Loan Eligibility Chart
Use this chart to estimate your annual loan eligibility based on your anticipated enrollment level. Loan amounts are estimates only and are subject to final eligibility review and determination.
| Credit Hours Enrolled Per Year | Credit Hours Enrolled Per Term | Enrollment Intensity |
Freshman Annual Loan Amount |
Sophomore Annual Loan Amount |
Junior/Senior Annual Loan Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24 | 12 | 100% | $5,500 | $6,500 | $7,500 |
| 22 | 11 | 92% | $5,060 | $5,980 | $6,900 |
| 20 | 10 | 83% | $4,565 | $5,395 | $6,225 |
| 18 | 9 | 75% | $4,125 | $4,875 | $5,625 |
| 16 | 8 | 67% | $3,685 | $4,355 | $5,025 |
| 14 | 7 | 58% | $3,190 | $3,770 | $4,350 |
| 12 | 6 | 50% | $2,750 | $3,250 | $3,750 |
| Credit Hours Enrolled Per Year | Credit Hours Enrolled Per Term | Enrollment Intensity |
Freshman Annual Loan Amount |
Sophomore Annual Loan Amount |
Junior/Senior Annual Loan Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24 | 12 | 100% | $9,500 | $10,500 | $12,500 |
| 22 | 11 | 92% | $8,740 | $9,660 | $11,500 |
| 20 | 10 | 83% | $7,885 | $8,715 | $10,375 |
| 18 | 9 | 75% | $7,125 | $7,875 | $9,375 |
| 16 | 8 | 67% | $6,365 | $7,035 | $8,375 |
| 14 | 7 | 58% | $5,510 | $6,090 | $7,250 |
| 12 | 6 | 50% | $4,750 | $5,250 | $6,250 |
| Credit Hours Enrolled Per Year | Credit Hours Enrolled Per Term | Enrollment Intensity |
Graduate Annual Loan Amount |
Professional (Clinical Psychology) Annual Loan Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 | 9 | 100% | $20,500 | $50,000 |
| 16 | 8 | 89% | $18,245 | $44,500 |
| 14 | 7 | 78% | $15,990 | $39,000 |
| 12 | 6 | 67% | $13,735 | $33,500 |
| 10 | 5 | 56% | $11,480 | $28,000 |
Semester (Term) Loan Eligibility Chart
Use this chart to estimate your semester (term) loan eligibility based on your anticipated enrollment level. Loan amounts are estimates only and are subject to final eligibility review and determination.
| Credit Hours Enrolled Per Term | Enrollment Intensity |
Freshman Term Loan Amount |
Sophomore Term Loan Amount |
Junior/Senior Term Loan Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | 100% | $2,750 | $3,250 | $3,750 |
| 11 | 92% | $2,530 | $2,990 | $3,450 |
| 10 | 83% | $2,283 | $2,698 | $3,113 |
| 9 | 75% | $2,063 | $2,438 | $2,813 |
| 8 | 67% | $1,843 | $2,178 | $2,513 |
| 7 | 58% | $1,595 | $1,855 | $2,175 |
| 6 | 50% | $1,375 | $1,625 | $1,875 |
| Credit Hours Enrolled Per Term | Enrollment Intensity |
Freshman Term Loan Amount |
Sophomore Term Loan Amount |
Junior/Senior Term Loan Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | 100% | $4,750 | $5,250 | $6,250 |
| 11 | 92% | $4,370 | $4,830 | $5,750 |
| 10 | 83% | $3,943 | $4,358 | $5,188 |
| 9 | 75% | $3,563 | $3,938 | $4,688 |
| 8 | 67% | $3,183 | $3,518 | $4,188 |
| 7 | 58% | $2,755 | $3,045 | $3,625 |
| 6 | 50% | $2,375 | $2,625 | $3,125 |
| Credit Hours Enrolled Per Term | Enrollment Intensity |
Graduate Term Loan Amount |
Professional (Clinical Psychology) Term Loan Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 100% | $10,250 | $25,000 |
| 8 | 89% | $9,123 | $22,250 |
| 7 | 78% | $7,995 | $19,500 |
| 6 | 67% | $6,868 | $16,750 |
| 5 | 56% | $5,740 | $14,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
The information provided is based on our current understanding of applicable laws and regulations and is subject to change.
What is the Schedule of Reductions?
Beginning with the 2026-27 academic year, federal regulations require Direct Loan
eligibility to be based on a student's enrollment level. Students enrolled full-time
may qualify for the full annual loan amount, while students enrolled less than full-time
may qualify for a reduced loan amount. If enrollment changes after a loan has been
awarded or disbursed, the loan may be recalculated and adjusted based on the student's
eligible enrolled credit hours. Students must remain enrolled at least half-time to
maintain Federal Direct Loan eligibility.
How many credit hours are considered full-time?
- Fall & Spring Terms:
- Full-time enrollment for Undergraduate Students is 12 Credit Hours
- Full-time enrollment for Graduate Students is 9 Credit hours
- Summer Term:
- Full-time enrollment for Undergraduate Students is 12 Credit Hours
- Full-time enrollment for Graduate Students is 6 Credit hours
How are my loans affected if I change my schedule before my loan is disbursed?
Your loan will be disbursed based on your credit hours enrollment at the time of disbursement. Changes in your semester course schedule may delay your loan disbursement.
How are my loans affected if I change my schedule after my loan is disbursed?
Your current and/or future loan eligibility may be affected. You may be required to repay part of or all of your disbursed loan.
Will my Parent PLUS Loan be reduced if I enroll less than full-time?
- Schedule of loan reductions does not apply to Parent PLUS Loans. However, there are limits to how much can be borrowed. There is an annual limit of $20,000 and maximum limit of $65,000 per dependent student. Students eligible for an interim exception may exceed these limits if specific eligibility criteria are met.
- If your Parent PLUS loan was certified as a full-time student, your Parent PLUS loan may be reduced due to change in your cost of attendance.
I am Graduate Student eligible for an interim exception; will my Graduate PLUS Loan be reduced if I enroll less than full-time?
Yes. Schedule of loan reductions applies to all borrowers and includes Federal Direct Subsidized, Federal Direct Unsubsidized, and Graduate PLUS Loans.
I am enrolled in 6 credit hours and my program considers my enrollment to be half-time or greater. Why am I not eligible for more loans?
Federal loans are required to be calculated based on your actual enrollment in financial aid eligible hours.
I am enrolled in 15 credit hours. What happens to my aid if I drop to 12 credit hours?
If you remain enrolled in at least a full-time status, there will be no affect to your loan. If you drop credit hours below full-time status, your current and/or future aid may be affected. You may be required to repay part or all of or disbursed loan.
My credit hour enrollment for the fall term is different from my enrollment for the spring term. How will this affect my loan eligibility?
Your Federal Direct Loan eligibility is initially offered based on the assumption that your enrollment will be the same in both the fall and spring terms.
- If your spring enrollment is lower than your fall enrollment, your loan amount will be reduced before disbursement.
- If your spring enrollment is higher than your fall enrollment, you may request a review for a possible loan increase by submitting an Update My Aid Decision request through your myWSU account.
I was not offered enough financial aid to cover my education expenses. What other funding options do I have?
- There are other funding options that can be considered to meet your educational costs such as alternative education loans, scholarships, and payment plans.
- Visit Additional Funding Options to learn more.
Not seeing your question? Visit Financial Aid Frequently Asked Questions for other financial aid topics.
For more information about the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), also known as the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, visit: One Big Beautiful Bill Act Updates | Federal Student Aid
*Information is contingent and subject to change. Wichita State University's Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships will update this page as guidance becomes available.
We're Here to Help
Our staff in the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships can answer your questions. Visit wichita.edu/finaidappt.