Best student loans for bad credit in July 2024

What is a bad credit student loan? 

A bad credit student loan is a private or federal student loan that's tailored to individuals with a poor credit score — 580 or lower — or thin credit history. Like other student loans, they can only be used for approved academic related expenses, like tuition, books or room and board.

Most private student loan lenders require that borrowers be in excellent financial shape or have a creditworthy co-signer to get approved. However, lenders that cater to students with bad credit consider factors beyond their score, like academic performance, enrollment or projected career outcomes.

How bad credit student loans work 

Bad credit student loans are distributed by the Education Department or by a private loan servicer. Funds are often sent directly to your school and are reflected in your student account, rather than your bank account. 

It's common for bad credit lenders to tack on higher interest rates and offer smaller loan amounts than you'd get with a traditional student loan. This is because the lender assumes less risk with creditworthy borrowers. So, it's important to maximize your federal student loans before turning to private regardless of your credit standing. If you do need to take out a private loan, having a creditworthy co-signer can help improve your rate and loan terms. 

Bad credit student loans come with usage restrictions that are set by each lender. However, some private lenders are more lenient than others. For example, one lender may approve necessary technology expenses, like a laptop or tablet, while another could prohibit technology purchases. 

Types of bad credit student loans

Federal and private student loans are the two primary types of bad credit student loans. Aside from using a co-signer with good credit on a student loan, there aren't many other options for borrowers. 

Some schools offer private loans or need-based aid through the financial aid office. However, these may come with higher rates or could come with strict application timelines, so do your research and consult the aid office before applying. 

Pros and cons of bad credit student loans 

Taking out student loans can be an overwhelming process, especially for those with less-than-ideal credit. For most, a college education is a hefty expense so it's important to look at the potential advantages and disadvantages that come with a bad credit student loan.

Federal vs. private bad credit student loans 

Federal and private bad credit student loans serve the same purpose but are very different when it comes down to the details. Here are some of the key differences between federal and private student loans:

Current bad credit student loans interest rates 

Interest rates on federal and private student loans are rising, mainly due to the Federal Reserve’s rate hikes over the past year. Federal student loan rates for the 2024-25 school year broke long-standing records and increased by over a percentage point when compared to the 2023-24 academic rate ranges.

Though the Fed is holding rates steady now, it will take time for the rates to come back down. In the same vein, private rates are impacted by macroeconomic trends and have steadily been on the rise. 

If you are considering refinancing your loan or taking out a new private loan and don't expect rapid improvement to your credit score, it may be wise to take on a co-signer. 

Getting a bad credit student loan 

The application for bad credit loans is often completed online and is a relatively quick process. Before diving straight into the application, familiarize yourself with the steps and what the lender needs from you. 

How to get federal student loans

To apply for federal student loans, you just need to fill out the FAFSA. Once that’s processed, your school will send you a financial aid award letter, which discloses your loan eligibility and limit for that specific academic year. The only exception is the PLUS loan. It requires a credit check, though there is no minimum credit score.

If you accept the loan, the funds will be sent directly to your school. Your financial aid office will then deposit it and issue you a check for any leftover amount.

How to get private student loans 

Although the application and eligibility requirements vary by lender, it's standard for most to require the following information:

• Your full name.
• Date of birth.
• Social Security number.
• Financial information, like income and assets.
• Contact information.
• Your school and intended field of study

If you have a co-signer, they will also need to share these details when they apply. Keep in mind that some lenders have different requirements for co-signers, like a higher minimum credit score or income requirement. 

Before filling out the official application, lenders will often conduct a soft credit pull to see if you're eligible. Also known as prequalification, this process doesn't impact your credit score and lets you see your approval odds and predicted rates. If you're satisfied with your preliminary offer, you can then choose to go through with the formal application. 

Repaying a bad credit student loan 

Federal direct loans come in two forms, subsidized and unsubsidized. Subsidized loans have an interest-free six-month grace period after graduation. Federal unsubsidized loans begin accruing interest immediately after disbursement, but borrowers aren't required to make payments while in school.

Private student loans operate a bit differently, with some lenders requiring full or interest-only payments while enrolled. Others may not require payments until graduation, but keep in mind that interest will accrue during this time unless stated otherwise. 

Although each private lender is different, most have a couple fixed repayment options for borrowers to choose from that can range anywhere from five to 25 years. Some may offer alternative repayment plans or temporary hardship forbearance, but this isn't common. 

On the other hand, federal loans have a variety of forgiveness and repayment options, including fixed repayment options that last between 10 and 30 years. Borrowers who qualify can also enroll in an income-driven repayment (IDR) plan or an occupation-based plan, like Public Service Loan Forgiveness. These plans lower the borrower's monthly payment and forgive the remaining debt after making 20 to 25 years of qualifying payments.  

Alternatives to student loans 

If you don’t qualify for a bad credit student loan, there are several options you can explore, including not going to a four-year school altogether.

Before setting your sights on that degree, ask yourself the following questions:

• Is there an online coding bootcamp or certification program that I could enroll in?
• Does my career field absolutely necessitate a degree? 
• What is the ROI of my degree?
• Is there an apprenticeship program that suits my career goals? 

Keep in mind that some of the alternatives below are school dependent, but it doesn't hurt to look through every possibility. 

How we chose the best bad credit student loan providers  

To find the best bad credit student loan lenders, Bankrate's team of experts evaluated over 20 lenders. Each lender was then rated on a 14-point scale. The scale is split into three main categories:

Editorial disclosure: All reviews are prepared by Bankrate.com staff. Opinions expressed therein are solely those of the reviewer and have not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. The information, including rates and fees, presented in the review is accurate as of the date of the review. Check the data at the top of this page and the lender’s website for the most current information.