You’ve decided to continue your education. Congratulations! It’s so exciting to have a great future on the horizon. That’s why we want to help you think through some options of how to fund your education, even if your credit isn’t stellar. When looking for a student loan, there are a few things you can keep in mind. Here are a few options that will make the process more clear and simple. I am here to help you in this ithinkie moment. You’re not alone!
Here are a few options
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- Because many students seeking student loans are just starting adulthood, most lenders do not expect the borrowers to have long, perfect credit histories. If you don’t meet the lenders’ criteria for a student loan on your own due to bad credit or limited credit, you can submit your application with a co-signer. This can be a parent, other relative, or even a friend who has a stronger credit profile. It’s important to note, a co-signer is not the same as a co-borrower. A co-signer signs his or her name to the loan along with yours as an extra layer of risk management for the lender to ensure repayment. This does not mean the co-signer is also receiving or using or making payments on the loan. That would be a co-borrower. Making the payments on time is still on you. He or she is just helping get you over the finish line.
- Federal student loans are a great place to start. Many federal student loans do not require you to have credit at all and will excise bad credit. Make sure to complete and submit your FAFSA (free application for federal student aid) on time and you may be surprised at how much you qualify for.
- While loans are many people’s go to for education funding (perhaps because they don’t generally have essay and GPA requirements), grants and scholarships are a fantastic way to pay for school. This can be done without having to rack up lots of debt. Grants and scholarships don’t require a great credit score, so bad credit shouldn’t keep you from applying. Also, there are thousands of wonderful organizations just waiting for the perfect applicant(s) to help out! Be that applicant! Yes, you’ll have to do more work on the front end. This will include things like essays, recommendations, special projects, etc. However, this all pales in comparison to the feeling of being saddled with debt for one or two decades.
Bad credit loans for school are entirely possible and aren’t as daunting as you may think. Follow our blog to learn more about how to find your education by comparing loan, scholarship, and grant options, and how to complete and submit the ever important FAFSA!
That’s what ithinkie!
Updated: June 26, 2026
