Credible
Get Rates
  • Refinance Student Loans
    • Compare Options
      • Best Refinancing Companies
      • Lender Reviews
      • Refinance Student Loans
      • Student Loan Consolidation
    • Learn the Basics
      • Fixed vs. Variable Rates
      • Forgiveness Programs
      • Consolidation vs Refinancing
      • Repayment Plans
      • More on Student Refi
    • How to
      • Consolidate Your Student Loans
      • Pay Off Your Student Loans
      • Lower Your Interest Rate
    • Tools
      • Current Student Loan Refi Rates
      • Refinancing Calculator
      • Repayment Calculator
      • Student Loan Score Calculator
  • Student Loans
    • Compare Options
      • Private Student Loans
      • Parent Student Loans
      • Law School Loans
      • Medical School Loans
      • Graduate Student Loans
    • Learn the Basics
      • Student Loan Limits
      • Living Expenses
      • Applying for FAFSA
      • Federal Student Loans
      • Student Loan Interest Rates
      • More on Student Loans
    • How To
      • Pay for College
      • Take Out Student Loans
      • Apply Without Cosigner
      • Apply for Student Loans
      • Pay for Grad School
    • Tools
      • Best Private Student Loans
      • Current Student Loan Rates
      • Student Loan Interest Calculator: Estimate Payments
      • Lender Reviews
  • Personal Loans
    • Compare Options
      • Best Personal Loan Lenders
      • Lender Reviews
      • Get Personal Loan Rates
    • Learn the Basics
      • How to Qualify
      • How to Get a Loan
      • Where to Get a Loan
      • Personal Loans with Cosigner
      • Pay Off Credit Card Debt
      • More on Personal Loans
    • Best for
      • Credit Card Consolidation
      • Debt Consolidation Loans
      • Home Improvement Loans
      • Good Credit
      • Fair Credit
      • Bad Credit
    • Tools
      • Current Personal Loan Rates
      • Personal Loan Calculator
  • Mortgages
    • Compare Options
      • Mortgage Refinance
      • Home Loan
      • Best Mortgage Refinance Companies
      • Best Mortgage Lenders
      • Mortgage Preapproval
      • Mortgage Payment Calculator
    • Compare Rates
      • Mortgage Refinance Rates
      • 30-Year Fixed Refinance Rates
      • 15-Year Fixed Refinance Rates
      • Home Loan Rates
      • 15-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates
      • 30-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates
    • Learn the Basics
      • How to Buy a House
      • How to Refinance Your Mortgage
      • How to Get the Best Rate
      • Cash-Out Refinancing
      • More on Home Loans and Refi
    • Pay Off Mortgage
      • Home Equity to Pay Off Debt
      • Paying Off Mortgage Early
      • Mortgage Refinance Cost
  • Insurance
    • Insurance Products
      • Insurance Products
      • Learn more about home insurance
    • Compare Options
      • Compare Insurance Quotes
      • Home Insurance Guide
    • Learn the Basics
      • What Home Insurance Covers
      • How Much Home Insurance You Need
      • Estimate Your Home Replacement Cost
      • How to Change Home Insurance
  • Company
    • About
    • Reviews
    • Blog
    • Lenders
    • Editorial Guidelines
    • FAQs
    • Press
  • Find My Rate
Advertiser Disclosure

8 Student Loans for Part-time Learners

Part-time students can typically still take out student loans, though your options might be limited if you’re only taking one or two classes.

Lindsay VanSomeren Lindsay VanSomeren Edited by Ashley Harrison Updated October 27, 2022

image of school books and money bag for part time student loans

Our goal is to give you the tools and confidence you need to improve your finances. Although we receive compensation from our partner lenders, whom we will always identify, all opinions are our own. Credible Operations, Inc. NMLS # 1681276, is referred to here as "Credible."

To qualify for student loans, you typically need to be enrolled at least half time at your school. This often means taking at least six credits per semester.

So if you’re a part-time student, you might still be eligible for part-time student loans depending on how many credits you’ve signed up for and what type of loan you want to take out.

Here’s what you should know about part-time student loans:

  • 8 part-time student loans to consider
  • How to take out student loans as a part-time student
  • Federal student loans as a part-time student
  • What is the difference between a part-time and full-time student?
  • What happens to your student loans if you drop below half-time?

8 part-time student loans to consider

If you’re enrolled at least half time, you might be eligible for federal student loans or private student loans — though keep in mind that you’ll typically need to meet other qualifying criteria, too.

Here are Credible’s partner lenders that offer private student loans to part-time students:

LenderFixed rates from (APR)Variable rates from (APR)Loan amountsLoan terms (years)Cosigners allowed


Credible Rating
Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.
View details
4.62%+10 5.31%+10 $2,001 to $400,0007 to 15 years
(depending on loan type)
Yes
  • Fixed APR: 4.62%+10
  • Variable APR: 5.31%+10
  • Min. credit score: Does not disclose
  • Loan amount: $2,001 to $400,000
  • Loan terms (years): 5, 7, 10, 12, 15, 20
  • Repayment options: Full deferral, fixed/flat repayment, interest only, academic deferment, military deferment, forbearance, loans discharged upon death or disability
  • Fees: None
  • Discounts: 0.25% to 1.00% automatic payment discount, 1% cash back graduation reward
  • Eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident or DACA student enrolled at least half-time in a degree-seeking program
  • Customer service: Email, phone
  • Soft credit check: Yes
  • Cosigner release: After 12 on-time principal and interest payments
  • Loan servicer: Launch Servicing, LLC


Credible Rating
Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.
View details
4.99%+1 4.59%+ $1,000 to $350,000
(depending on degree)
5, 10, 15Yes
  • Fixed APR: 4.99%+1
  • Variable APR: 4.59%+
  • Min. credit score: 720
  • Loan amount: $1,000 to $350,000
  • Loan terms (years): 5, 10, 15
  • Loan types: Any private or federal student loan
  • Repayment options: Full deferral, full monthly payment, interest only, immediate repayment, academic deferment, military deferment, forbearance, loans discharged upon death or disability
  • Fees: Late fee
  • Discounts: Autopay, loyalty
  • Eligibility: Available in all 50 states (international students can apply with a creditworthy U.S. citizen or permanent resident cosigner)
  • Customer service: Email, phone, chat
  • Soft credit check: Yes
  • Cosigner release: After 36 months
  • Loan servicer: Firstmark Services


Credible Rating
Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.
View details
3.99%+2,3
3.99%+2,3 $1,000 up to 100% of the school-certified cost of attendance5, 8, 10, 15Yes
  • Fixed APR: 3.99%+2,3
  • Variable APR: 3.99%+2,3
  • Min. credit score: Does not disclose
  • Loan amount: $1,000 up to cost of attendance
  • Loan terms (years): 5, 8, 10, 15, 20
  • Repayment options: Full deferral, full monthly payment, fixed/flat repayment, interest only, immediate repayment, academic deferment, forbearance, loans discharged upon death or disability
  • Fees: Late fee
  • Discounts: Autopay
  • Eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and be making satisfactory academic progress.
  • Customer service: Email, phone
  • Soft credit check: Yes
  • Cosigner release: After 24 months
  • Loan servicer: College Ave Servicing LLC

custom choice

Credible Rating
Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.
View details
3.65%+ 5.16%+ $1,000 to $99,999 annually
($180,000 aggregate limit)
7, 10, 15Yes
  • Fixed APR: 3.65%+
  • Variable APR: 5.16%+
  • Min. credit score: Does not disclose
  • Loan amount: $1,000 to $99,999 annually ($180,000 aggregate limit)
  • Loan terms (years): 7, 10, 15
  • Repayment options: Full deferral, immediate repayment, interest-only repayment, flat/full repayment, academic deferment, military deferment, forbearance, loans discharged upon death or disability
  • Fees: None
  • Discounts: Autopay
  • Eligibility: Available to borrowers in all 50 states. Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
  • Customer service: Phone, email
  • Soft credit check: Yes
  • Cosigner release: After 36 months
  • Loan servicer: American Education Services
  • Min. income: Does not disclose

edvestinu student loan refinance

Credible Rating
Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.
View details
7.52%+7 6.65%+7 $1,000 to $200,0007, 10, 15Yes
  • Fixed APR: 7.52%+7
  • Variable APR: 6.65%+7
  • Min. credit score: 750
  • Loan amount: $1,000 to $200,000
  • Loan terms (years): 7, 10, 15
  • Repayment options: Full deferral, full monthly payment, interest only, immediate repayment, academic deferment, loans discharged upon death or disability
  • Fees: Late fee
  • Discounts: Autopay
  • Eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and have a minimum income of $30,000.
  • Customer service: Email, phone
  • Soft credit check: Yes
  • Cosigner release: After 36 months
  • Loan servicer: Granite State Management & Resources (GSM&R)


Credible Rating
Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.
View details
4.37%+8 5.86%+8 $1,001 up to 100% of school certified cost of attendance5, 10, 15Yes
  • Fixed APR: 4.37%+8
  • Variable APR: 5.86%+8
  • Min. credit score: 670
  • Loan amount: $1,001 up to cost of attendance
  • Loan terms (years): 5, 10, 15
  • Repayment options: Full deferral, full monthly payment, interest only, immediate repayment, academic deferment, forbearance
  • Fees: Late fee
  • Discounts: Autopay, reward for on-time graduation
  • Eligibility: Must be an Indiana resident or a U.S. citizen attending an eligible Indiana school
  • Customer service: Email, phone, chat
  • Soft credit check: Yes
  • Cosigner release: After 48 months
  • Loan servicer: American Education Services


Credible Rating
Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.
View details
4.89%+ N/A$1,500 or $2,000 up to school’s certified cost of attendance
(depending on school type and minus other aid received)
15Yes
  • Fixed APR: 4.89%+
  • Variable APR: N/A
  • Min. credit score: 670
  • Loan amount: $1,500 up to cost of attendance less aid
  • Loan terms (years): 10, 15
  • Repayment options: Full deferral, interest only, immediate repayment, academic deferral, forbearance
  • Fees: None
  • Discounts: None
  • Eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and be making satisfactory academic progress.
  • Customer service: Email, phone
  • Soft credit check: Yes
  • Cosigner release: After 48 months
  • Loan servicer: American Education Services (AES)


Credible Rating
Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.
View details
4.509 - 14.83%9 5.37%9 - 15.709 $1,000 up to 100% of school-certified cost of attendance10 to 20Yes
  • Fixed APR: 4.509 - 14.83%9
  • Variable APR: 5.37%9 - 15.709
  • Min. credit score: Does not disclose
  • Loan amount: $1,000 up to 100% of school-certified cost of attendance
  • Loan terms (years): 10 to 209
  • Repayment options: Full deferral, fixed/flat repayment, interest only, academic deferment, forbearance, loans discharged upon death or disability
  • Fees: Late fee, non-sufficient funds (NSF) fee
  • Discounts: Autopay
  • Eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Also available to non-U.S. citizen students (including DACA students) attending a school located in the U.S. who apply with a qualifying cosigner.
  • Customer service: Phone, chat
  • Soft credit check: Yes
  • Cosigner release: Borrowers can apply after graduation, 12 consecutive on-time principal and interest payments, and meeting certain credit requirements.
  • Loan servicer: Sallie Mae
Compare rates without affecting
your credit score. 100% free!


Compare Now

Lowest APRs reflect autopay, loyalty, and interest-only repayment discounts where available | 10Ascent Disclosures | 1Citizens Disclosures | 2,3College Ave Disclosures | 7EDvestinU Disclosures | 8INvestEd Disclosures | 9Sallie Mae Disclosures

Ascent

Ascent offers part-time student loans only for its credit-based loans. If you’re enrolled at least half time and have either good credit or a creditworthy cosigner, you might be able to borrow $2,001 to $400,000 with Ascent.

Citizens

Citizens offers student loans from $10,000 to $50,000, depending on the degree and loan type.

You could also qualify for a 0.25% loyalty rate discount if you already have an account with Citizens — and could get another 0.25% off your rate if you sign up for autopay.

College Ave

College Ave is one of the few private lenders that will work with borrowers who are enrolled at less-than-half-time status. It also has a low minimum borrowing requirement of $1,000, which means you can likely borrow only what you need to cover one or two classes.

Custom Choice

The Custom Choice Loan is available from $1,000 to $99,999 annually ($180,000 aggregate limit) with a three- or five-year term. You can use funds to cover past due balances.

Plus, if you graduate with at least a bachelor’s degree, you could get a 2% principal reduction on your loan.

EDvestinU

You’ll typically need very good to excellent credit (or a cosigner with this type of credit) to qualify for a student loan from EDvestinU.

If you’re enrolled at least half time and meet EDvestinU’s other requirements, you might be able to borrow $1,000 up to your school’s cost of attendance. Plus, you could get 0.50% off your rate if you sign up for autopay.

INvestED

INvestED loans are available only to students enrolled at least half time who are living or going to college in Indiana.

There are mo application, origination, or disbursement fees if you take out a student loan with INvestEd — but there is a 0.25% rate discount if you sign up for automatic payments.

MEFA

MEFA could be a good choice if you’re partway through your degree or plan to start attending school full time later on. This is because MEFA allows borrowers to defer their loans for up to five years while they’re still in school.

Sallie Mae

Sallie Mae is another lender that allows borrowers to be enrolled less than half time.

However, keep in mind that you’ll need to be enrolled at least half time if you want to use a Sallie Mae loan to cover personal expenses on top of school tuition and fees. With Sallie Mae, you can borrow $1,000 up to 100% of school-certified cost of attendance.

Learn More: How to Get a Student Loan for Online College

How to take out student loans as a part-time student

If you decide to take out student loans as a part-time student, follow these four steps:

  1. Fill out the FAFSA. To apply for federal student loans and other federal aid, you’ll need to complete theFree Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). How much you qualify for in federal student loans will depend on your financial information, enrollment status, dependency status, and what year you are in school.
  2. Take any scholarships or grants first. You might qualify for school-specific college scholarships or grants through the FAFSA. Unlike student loans, you won’t have to worry about repaying these types of financial aid. You can also find scholarships and grants elsewhere — such as through local or national businesses or nonprofit organizations.
  3. Opt for federal loans next. If you still need to borrow money to cover your school expenses, federal student loans are usually a good place to start. This is because federal student loans come with federal benefits and protections, including access to income-driven repayment plans and student loan forgiveness programs. Your school will let you know what federal student loans you’re eligible for after you submit the FAFSA.
  4. Use private loans to fill the gaps. If you’ve exhausted your scholarship, grant, and federal student loan options, private student loans could help fill any financial gaps left over. A private student loan is also likely your only student loan option if you’re enrolled less than half time.
Tip: You’ll generally need good to excellent credit to qualify for a private student loan. Some lenders offer private student loans for bad credit, but these loans generally come with higher interest rates compared to the rates offered to borrowers with good credit.

If you’re struggling to get approved, another option is to apply with a cosigner. Even if you don’t need a cosigner to qualify, having one could get you a lower interest rate than you’d get on your own.

No matter if you take out federal or private student loans, be sure to consider how much the loans will cost you over time. This way, you can plan for any added expenses. You can find out how much you’ll owe over the life of your federal or private student loans using our student loan calculator below.

Enter your loan information to calculate how much you could pay

? Enter the total amount borrowed $
? Enter your annual interest rate %
or
? Enter the amount of time you have to repay your loan years
Total Payment $
Total Interest $
Monthly Payment $

With a $ loan, you will pay $ monthly and a total of $ in interest over the life of your loan. You will pay a total of $ over the life of the loan, assuming you're making full payments while in school.


Need a student loan?
Compare rates without affecting your credit score. 100% free!

Check Personalized Rates

Checking rates won’t affect your credit score.

Check Out:

  • How to Get Student Loans, Grants, and More for Adult Learners
  • Graduate Student Loans

Federal student loans as a part-time student

If you’re attending school on at least a half-time basis, you might be eligible for federal student loans.

This generally means signing up for at least six credits per semester, though your school might have its own definition of half time.

Your school will use your enrollment status to calculate your cost of attendance, which helps determine how much you might be able to borrow in federal loans.

Tip: Even if you’re only a part-time student, federal student loans could help you cover the cost of community college courses, pay for grad school, and more.

Just keep in mind that if you drop below half-time status, you’ll no longer be eligible for federal student loans.

Learn More: Summer Financial Aid and Student Loans for Summer School

What is the difference between a part-time and full-time student?

Whether you’re a part-time or full-time student generally depends on how many credits you’ve signed up for. Here’s how students are usually classified:

  • Full-time students:Typically means you’ve signed up for at least 12 credit hours
  • Half-time students: Typically means you’ve signed up for at least six credit hours
  • Less-than-half-time students: Usually means you’ve signed up for five or fewer credit hours
Keep in mind: In most cases, full-time and half-time students might qualify for both federal and private student loans.

Less-than-half-time students generally have fewer student loan options in comparison, as they aren’t eligible for federal student loans and most private student loans.

While being a part-time student might limit your student loan or financial aid options, it also comes with its own benefits. For example:

  • You’ll likely have more time for family, which can be important for adult learners.
  • You might have more time for a part-time or even full-time job.
  • You won’t need as much money to pay for school.
  • A part-time course load can be more sustainable for your physical and mental well-being, especially if schoolwork isn’t your forte.

Check Out: How to Get a Student Loan With No Credit Check

Loading widget - loan-score-tool

What happens to your student loans if you drop below half-time?

For most federal and private student loans, dropping below half-time status generally means you’ll have to begin repaying your loans.

Before you drop any classes, make sure to double-check how it will affect your enrollment status and whether you’ll need to start making student loan payments.

Tip: If your student loans have a grace period (typically six months), you’ll have that much time before you must start making payments if you drop below half time.

Also keep in mind that some student loans don’t offer a grace period, which means you might have to start making payments right away.

Make sure to check with your school to see what counts as half-time status. Then contact your servicer or lender so you know when to begin repayment.

If you decide to take out private student loans to pay for school as a part-time student, be sure to consider as many lenders as possible to find the right loan for you. Credible makes this easy — you can compare your prequalified rates from multiple lenders in two minutes.

Compare student loan rates from top lenders

      • Multiple lenders compete to get you the best rate
      • Get actual rates, not estimated ones
      • Finance almost any degree

See Your Rates
Checking rates will not affect your credit

Trustpilot

Keep Reading: Low-Interest Student Loans

About the author
Lindsay VanSomeren
Lindsay VanSomeren

Lindsay VanSomeren specializes in credit and loans. Her work has appeared on Credit Karma, Forbes Advisor, LendingTree, and more.

Read More

Home » All » Student Loans » 8 Student Loans for Part-time Learners

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)

Related Articles

Student Loans

What Happens to Financial Aid if I Drop a Class?

Student Loans

How Do Federal and Private Student Loans Work?

Student Loans

Everything you need to know about PNC student loans

  • Read More
    • Refi Student Loans
    • In School Loans
    • Personal Loans
    • Mortgages
    • Insurance
  • Resources
    • Lender Reviews
    • Loan Calculators
    • Student Loan Score Calculator
    • Data Insights
    • Debt Statistics
    • Sitemap
  • Compare
    • Student Loan Refinance
      • Current Student Loan Refi Rates
    • Student Loan Consolidation
    • Private Student Loans
      • Current Student Loan Rates
    • Personal Loans
      • Current Personal Loan Rates
    • Refinance Mortgage
      • Mortgage Refinance Rates
        • 15-Year Fixed Refinance Rates
        • 30-Year Fixed Refinance Rates
    • Home Loans
      • Home Loan Rates
        • 15-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates
        • 30-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates
    • Insurance
  • Top Lenders
    • Best Student Loan Refi Companies
    • Best Private Student Loans
    • Best Personal Loans
    • Best Mortgage Lenders
    • Best Mortgage Refinance Companies
  • Company
    • About
    • Reviews
    • Blog
    • Editorial Staff
    • Editorial Guidelines
    • News
    • Press
  • Legal
    • Terms of Use
    • Privacy Policy

© 2023 Credible


Credible Operations, Inc. NMLS ID# 1681276 | NMLS Consumer Access | Licenses and Disclosures
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.