Hi Heather, I just found your site and am very impressed. Thanks for all the information and help! My question has to do with debt maximums….I believe the lifetime limit is $129,000? Does that include interest as it multiplies over time or is it just for the original amount borrowed? I used about $80,000 to get my masters degree and after a few years out on IBR, my amount is pushing $124,000. I can’t believe it, but I’m actually considering returning to school again. Will I be maxed out based on the original loan amount or the current total owed? Thanks so much.

You like education, huh?  You’ll find the borrowing limits here: http://studentaid.ed.gov/types/loans/subsidized-unsubsidized  It depends on degree programs, dependency status, etc.  The limits refer to the original principal balance and generally affect undergraduates more because although there are strict limits on Stafford loans, GradPLUS loans are limited only by the Cost of Attendance as determined by the school.