What Are Low Credit Student Loans?
Low credit student loans are student loans designed for borrowers who have:
Looking for student loans with bad credit or no credit? Explore low credit student loan options, including federal aid and private loans with co-signers. Learn how to apply and boost approval chances.
Getting approved for student loans can be tough if you have bad credit or no credit history. Many traditional lenders rely heavily on credit scores to determine eligibility. But the good news is — you can still qualify for student loans with low credit. Whether you’re a first-time borrower or looking for alternative funding, there are federal and private options to consider.
This guide explains how student loans work for borrowers with low or poor credit, the best options available, and how to boost your chances of approval.
Low credit student loans are student loans designed for borrowers who have:
A low FICO score
Limited or no credit history
Previous credit issues like late payments or collections
These loans typically require additional safeguards, such as a co-signer, higher interest rates, or stricter repayment terms. However, some programs — especially federal student loans — don’t rely on credit checks at all.
Yes. You can still get student loans even with bad or no credit. Here's how:
Federal loans don’t require a credit check for most types (except PLUS loans). These include:
Direct Subsidized Loans
Direct Unsubsidized Loans
These are need-based and offered by the U.S. Department of Education. Almost all undergraduate students are eligible, regardless of credit score.
Private lenders like Sallie Mae, College Ave, or Earnest do check credit scores. But many still offer student loans to borrowers with low credit if they apply with a creditworthy co-signer.
No credit check required (except for Parent/Grad PLUS)
Fixed, lower interest rates
Income-driven repayment and forgiveness options
Deferment and forbearance support
Apply by completing the FAFSA at https://studentaid.gov
Many lenders allow co-signers to boost approval chances. These include:
Ascent Student Loans – Offers loans with no co-signer for eligible juniors/seniors
Sallie Mae – Flexible repayment terms and co-signer release
College Ave – Co-signer friendly and offers prequalification tools
Earnest – Requires strong financial background but flexible for grads with work history
Some state agencies and local credit unions offer loans with flexible underwriting:
RI Student Loan Authority
INvestEd (Indiana)
Credit unions like Navy Federal or Bellco
These often offer lower rates and friendlier terms for low-credit borrowers.
If your credit is holding you back, try these steps:
Apply with a Co-Signer
Choose someone with strong credit and income. A parent or guardian is common.
Build Credit While in School
Get a student credit card, pay bills on time, and avoid high debt.
Compare Lenders
Use loan marketplaces like Credible or LendKey to compare options that accept low credit scores.
Use Income-Based Repayment (for Federal Loans)
After graduation, you may qualify for payments based on income, not balance.
Higher Interest Rates – Private lenders may charge more to offset credit risk
Strict Repayment Terms – Fewer options to pause or lower payments
Dependency on Co-Signer – Co-signer is responsible if you default
Always read loan terms carefully and understand the total cost over time before accepting.
Payday or Predatory Loans – These often come with sky-high interest rates
Unlicensed Lenders – Always verify the lender is accredited and trustworthy
Borrowing More Than Needed – Only borrow what’s necessary to avoid long-term debt burdens
You don't need perfect credit to get a student loan. Federal loans remain the safest and most accessible choice for students with no or bad credit. If you need additional funding, private loans with a co-signer can help bridge the gap. Focus on improving your credit, comparing lenders, and only borrowing what you truly need.
With the right steps, low credit doesn’t have to mean no college.
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