{"id":37040,"date":"2019-10-07T16:58:42","date_gmt":"2019-10-08T00:58:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/?p=37040"},"modified":"2023-10-11T16:37:02","modified_gmt":"2023-10-11T23:37:02","slug":"best-student-loans-for-bad-credit-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/student-loans\/bad-credit\/","title":{"rendered":"3 Best Student Loans for Bad Credit"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Having poor or thin credit can be a major obstacle when you need to borrow money \u2014 for example, you might have a hard time getting approved for a private student loan. But you still have some options available.<\/p>\n<p>Understanding how to find the best student loans for bad credit can help you find the right financing for your needs.<\/p>\n<p><b>Here\u2019s what you need to know about getting a student loan with bad credit or no credit history:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#fed-loans-bad-or-no-credit\">Federal student loans for bad credit or no credit<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#psl-bad-no-credit\">Best private student loans for bad credit or no credit<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#our-methodology\">Our methodology<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#how-to-get-student-loan-bad-credit\">How to get a student loan with bad credit<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#adding-a-cosigner\">Adding a cosigner may get your application approved<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#find-a-cosigner\">How to find a cosigner<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#how-to-improve-credit-score\">How to improve your credit score<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#isa-alternative\">Income Share Agreements: An alternative to student loans for bad credit<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#bad-credit-student-loan-faqs\">Bad credit student loan FAQs<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a name=\"fed-loans-bad-or-no-credit\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Federal student loans for bad credit or no credit<\/h2>\n<p>Before you look into private student loans, make sure you\u2019ve exhausted all your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/student-loans\/federal-student-loans-guide\/\">federal student loan options<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Most federal student loans don\u2019t require a good credit score, and all borrowers get the same interest rates regardless of credit history. Federal student loan borrowers also have access to flexible repayment options, deferment, forbearance, and student loan forgiveness programs.<\/p>\n<p>The U.S. Department of Education offers three types of federal student loans:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Direct Subsidized Loans:<\/b> Undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need may be eligible for Direct Subsidized Loans. The government pays the interest on these loans while you\u2019re in school and for the six-month grace period after you graduate.<\/li>\n<li><b>Direct Unsubsidized Loans:<\/b> Any undergraduate or graduate student can qualify for unsubsidized loans, regardless of financial need, but you\u2019re responsible for all the interest. So you\u2019ll either have to pay interest or let it accrue while you\u2019re in school and during the grace period.<\/li>\n<li><b>Direct PLUS Loans:<\/b> Parents of undergraduate students, graduate students, and professional students may qualify for Direct PLUS Loans, which have a higher interest rate than other federal student loans.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a name=\"psl-bad-no-credit\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Best private student loans for bad credit or no credit<\/h2>\n<p>These Credible partner lenders offer student loans for bad credit.<\/p>\n\n<table id=\"tablepress-962\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-962 table table-border-top table-rounded table-no-img-margin table-capitalized-column-titles tbody-has-connected-cells\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<th class=\"column-1\"><strong>Lender<\/strong><\/th><th class=\"column-2\"><strong>Fixed rates from (APR)<\/strong><\/th><th class=\"column-3\"><strong>Variable rates from (APR)<\/strong><\/th><th class=\"column-4\"><strong>Loan amounts<\/strong><\/th><th class=\"column-5\"><strong>Min. credit score<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><center><br \/>\n<br \/>\n        <div class=\"tablepress-rating-shortcode\">\n            <div class=\"heading__container\">\n                <span class=\"heading\">\n                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/lenders\/ascent\/\">Credible Rating<\/a>\n                                    <\/span>\n                                    <div class=\"even\" data-toggle=\"tip\" data-placement=\"top left\">\n                        <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"icon-help\" alt=\"Question mark icon to show more information\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/icon-help-dark.svg\">\n                        <span class=\"tip\">\n                            <span class=\"tip-content\">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. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/credible-rating-lender-methodology\/\">Read our full methodology.<\/a><\/span>\n                            <span class=\"tip-arrow\"><\/span>\n                        <\/span>\n                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"star-rating__container\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"4 star rating\">\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A three-quarter star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-three-quarter.svg\">\n                    <\/div>\n            <div class=\"details-link\">\n                <a href=\"#\" class=\"collapsed\" data-target=\"#ascent-psl\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" role=\"button\">View details<\/a>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <\/td><td class=\"column-2\">  <span>\n    2.69%+<sup>10<\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">  <span>\n    3.68%+<sup>10<\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">$2,001* to $400,000<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">Does not disclose<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n\t<td colspan=\"5\" class=\"column-1\">            <div id=\"ascent-psl\" class=\"collapse tablepress-lender-details__container\">\n                <ul>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Fixed APR:<\/span>\n                                  <span>\n    2.69%+<sup>10<\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Variable APR:<\/span>\n                                  <span>\n    3.68%+<sup>10<\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Min. credit score:<\/span>\n                                Does not disclose<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Loan amount:<\/span>\n                                $2,001* to $400,000 <\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Loan terms (years):<\/span>\n                                5, 7, 10, 12, 15, 20<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Repayment options:<\/span>\n                                Full deferral, fixed\/flat repayment, interest only, academic deferment, military deferment, forbearance, loans discharged upon death or disability<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Fees:<\/span>\n                                None<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Discounts:<\/span>\n                                0.25% to 1.00% automatic payment discount, 1% cash back graduation reward<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Eligibility:<\/span>\n                                Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident or DACA student enrolled at least half-time in a degree-seeking program<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Customer service:<\/span>\n                                Email, phone<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Prequalified rates with a soft credit check:<\/span>\n                                Yes<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Cosigner release:<\/span>\n                                After 12 on-time principal and interest payments<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Loan servicer:<\/span>\n                                Launch Servicing, LLC<\/li>\n                                    <\/ul>\n                            <\/div>\n        <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><center><br \/>\n<br \/>\n        <div class=\"tablepress-rating-shortcode\">\n            <div class=\"heading__container\">\n                <span class=\"heading\">\n                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/lenders\/invested\/#invested-private-student-loans\">Credible Rating<\/a>\n                                    <\/span>\n                                    <div class=\"even\" data-toggle=\"tip\" data-placement=\"top left\">\n                        <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"icon-help\" alt=\"Question mark icon to show more information\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/icon-help-dark.svg\">\n                        <span class=\"tip\">\n                            <span class=\"tip-content\">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. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/credible-rating-lender-methodology\/\">Read our full methodology.<\/a><\/span>\n                            <span class=\"tip-arrow\"><\/span>\n                        <\/span>\n                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"star-rating__container\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"4 star rating\">\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A half star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-half.svg\">\n                    <\/div>\n            <div class=\"details-link\">\n                <a href=\"#\" class=\"collapsed\" data-target=\"#invested-psl\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" role=\"button\">View details<\/a>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <\/td><td class=\"column-2\">  <span>\n    4.5%+<sup>8<\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">  <span>\n    6.47%+<sup>8<\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">$1,001 up to 100% of school certified cost of attendance<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">670<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-5\">\n\t<td colspan=\"5\" class=\"column-1\">            <div id=\"invested-psl\" class=\"collapse tablepress-lender-details__container\">\n                <ul>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Fixed APR:<\/span>\n                                  <span>\n    4.5%+<sup>8<\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Variable APR:<\/span>\n                                  <span>\n    6.47%+<sup>8<\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Min. credit score:<\/span>\n                                670<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Loan amount:<\/span>\n                                $1,001 up to cost of attendance<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Loan terms (years):<\/span>\n                                5, 10, 15<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Repayment options:<\/span>\n                                Full deferral, full monthly payment, interest only, immediate repayment, academic deferment, forbearance<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Fees:<\/span>\n                                Late fee<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Discounts:<\/span>\n                                Autopay, reward for on-time graduation<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Eligibility:<\/span>\n                                Must be an Indiana resident or a U.S. citizen attending an eligible Indiana school<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Customer service:<\/span>\n                                Email, phone, chat<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Prequalified rates with a soft credit check:<\/span>\n                                Yes<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Cosigner release:<\/span>\n                                After 12 months<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Loan servicer:<\/span>\n                                American Education Services<\/li>\n                                    <\/ul>\n                            <\/div>\n        <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-6\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><center><br \/>\n<br \/>\n        <div class=\"tablepress-rating-shortcode\">\n            <div class=\"heading__container\">\n                <span class=\"heading\">\n                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/lenders\/mefa\/#mefa-private-student-loans\">Credible Rating<\/a>\n                                    <\/span>\n                                    <div class=\"even\" data-toggle=\"tip\" data-placement=\"top left\">\n                        <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"icon-help\" alt=\"Question mark icon to show more information\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/icon-help-dark.svg\">\n                        <span class=\"tip\">\n                            <span class=\"tip-content\">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. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/credible-rating-lender-methodology\/\">Read our full methodology.<\/a><\/span>\n                            <span class=\"tip-arrow\"><\/span>\n                        <\/span>\n                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"star-rating__container\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"4 star rating\">\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A half star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-half.svg\">\n                    <\/div>\n            <div class=\"details-link\">\n                <a href=\"#\" class=\"collapsed\" data-target=\"#mefa-psl\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" role=\"button\">View details<\/a>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <\/td><td class=\"column-2\">  <span>\n    3.29%+<sup><\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">N\/A<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">$1,500 or $2,000 up to school\u2019s certified cost of attendance<br \/>\n<small>(depending on school type and minus other aid received)<\/small><\/td><td class=\"column-5\">670<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-7\">\n\t<td colspan=\"5\" class=\"column-1\">            <div id=\"mefa-psl\" class=\"collapse tablepress-lender-details__container\">\n                <ul>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Fixed APR:<\/span>\n                                  <span>\n    3.29%+<sup><\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Variable APR:<\/span>\n                                N\/A<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Min. credit score:<\/span>\n                                670<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Loan amount:<\/span>\n                                $1,500 up to cost of attendance less aid<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Loan terms (years):<\/span>\n                                10, 15<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Repayment options:<\/span>\n                                Full deferral, interest only, immediate repayment, academic deferral, forbearance<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Fees:<\/span>\n                                None<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Discounts:<\/span>\n                                None<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Eligibility:<\/span>\n                                Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and be making satisfactory academic progress.<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Customer service:<\/span>\n                                Email, phone<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Prequalified rates with a soft credit check:<\/span>\n                                Yes<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Cosigner release:<\/span>\n                                After 48 months<\/li>\n                                                <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Loan servicer:<\/span>\n                                American Education Services (AES)<\/li>\n                                    <\/ul>\n                            <\/div>\n        <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-8\">\n\t<td colspan=\"5\" class=\"column-1\"><center><b>Compare rates without affecting<br> your credit score. 100% free!<\/b><br><br \/>\n<a class=\"btn btn-warning\" href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/student-loans\/start\">Compare Now<\/a><\/center><br><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-9\">\n\t<td colspan=\"5\" class=\"column-1\"><p style=\"text-align: center;\"><small>Lowest APRs reflect autopay, loyalty, and interest-only repayment discounts where available | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/credible-rating-lender-methodology\/\">Read our full methodology<\/a> | <sup>10<\/sup><a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/a\/ascent-student-loan-disclosure\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ascent Disclosures<\/a> | <sup>1<\/sup><a href=\"https:\/\/www.citizensbank.com\/student-lending\/DisclosureHub.aspx#rate-lowest\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Citizens Disclosures <\/a> | <sup>2,3<\/sup><a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/a\/college-ave-disclosures\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">College Ave Disclosures<\/a> | <sup>11<\/sup><a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/a\/cogfin-disclosures\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Custom Choice Disclosures<\/a> | <sup>7<\/sup><a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/a\/edvestinu-apr-details-inschool\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">EDvestinU Disclosures<\/a> | <sup>8<\/sup><a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/a\/invested-disclosures\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">INvestEd Disclosures<\/a> | <sup>9<\/sup><a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/a\/sallie-mae-homepage-disclosures\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Sallie Mae Disclosures<\/a><\/small><\/p><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n<ol>\n<li><a href=\"#ascent-lender\">Ascent<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#invested-lender\">INvestEd<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#mefa-lender\">MEFA<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><a name=\"ascent-lender\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3>1. Ascent<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/lenders\/ascent\/\">Ascent<\/a> offers student loans from $2,001 to $400,000 \u2014 though keep in mind that the maximum loan amount will depend on whether your credit is tested or not. You can choose from a variety of loan terms ranging from five to 20 years.<\/p>\n<p>Plus, if you graduate within five years of taking out an Ascent loan and sign up for automatic payments, you could get a 1% cashback graduation reward.<\/p>\n<div class=\"lender-rating__container-width\">\n    <div class=\"lender-rating__divider\"><\/div>\n    <div class=\"lender-rating__container\">\n        <div class=\"left-rating-col__wrap\">\n            <div class=\"lender-rating__ratings\">\n    <div class=\"logo__container\">\n                    <div class=\"logo__heading\">\n                <span>Ascent &#8211; PSL<\/span>\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n    <div class=\"editorial__container\">\n        <div class=\"number-rating__container\">\n            <span class=\"feat-branch\"><\/span>\n            <span class=\"feat-number\">4.9<\/span>\n            <span class=\"feat-branch right\"><\/span>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"heading__container\">\n            <span class=\"heading\">\n                                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/lenders\/ascent\/\">Credible rating<\/a>\n                            <\/span>\n                            <div data-toggle=\"tip\" data-placement=\"top left\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"icon-help\" alt=\"Question mark icon to show more information\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/icon-help-dark.svg\">\n                    <span class=\"tip\">\n                        <span class=\"tip-content\">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. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/credible-rating-lender-methodology\/\">Read our full methodology.<\/a><\/span>\n                        <span class=\"tip-arrow\"><\/span>\n                    <\/span>\n                <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n        <div class=\"star-rating__container\">\n            <div class=\"star-rating__background\">\n                <div class=\"star-rating\">\n                                <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A three-quarter star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-three-quarter.svg\">\n                        <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"star-rating-list__container\">\n        <div class=\"star-rating-group\">\n            <div class=\"star-rating-row\">\n                <span class=\"heading\">Rates and terms<\/span>\n                <div>\n                                <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"dark-star\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-dark-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"dark-star\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-dark-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"dark-star\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-dark-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"dark-star\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-dark-full.svg\">\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"dark-star\" alt=\"A half star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-dark-half.svg\">\n                        <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"star-rating-group\">\n            <div class=\"star-rating-row\">\n                <span class=\"heading\">Fees and Discounts<\/span>\n                <div>\n                                <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"dark-star\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-dark-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"dark-star\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-dark-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"dark-star\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-dark-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"dark-star\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-dark-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"dark-star\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-dark-full.svg\">\n                                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"star-rating-group\">\n            <div class=\"star-rating-row\">\n                <span class=\"heading\">Customer Experience<\/span>\n                <div>\n                                <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"dark-star\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-dark-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"dark-star\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-dark-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"dark-star\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-dark-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"dark-star\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-dark-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"dark-star\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-dark-full.svg\">\n                                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"right-rating-col__wrap\">\n                <div class=\"at-glance__container\">\n        <div class=\"heading\">\n            <span>Ascent Private Student Loans<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"categories__container\">\n                                <div class=\"col-md-6 col-xs-6 item__container p-x-0\">\n                        <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"glance-icon\" role=\"presentation\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/fixed-rates-icon.svg\">\n                        <div class=\"item__details\">\n                            <span class=\"item-label--bold icon\">\n                                Fixed APR                                                                    <div class=\"even\" data-toggle=\"tip\" data-placement=\"top left\">\n                                        <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"icon-help\" alt=\"Question mark icon to show more information\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/icon-help.svg\">\n                                        <span class=\"tip\">\n                                            <span class=\"tip-content\">Lowest fixed rate available from this lender <\/span>\n                                            <span class=\"tip-arrow\"><\/span>\n                                        <\/span>\n                                    <\/div>\n                                                            <\/span>\n                            <div class=\"item-label\">  <span>\n    2.69%+<sup>10<\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                                <div class=\"col-md-6 col-xs-6 item__container p-x-0\">\n                        <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"glance-icon\" role=\"presentation\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/variable-rates-icon.svg\">\n                        <div class=\"item__details\">\n                            <span class=\"item-label--bold icon\">\n                                Variable APR                                                                    <div class=\"odd\" data-toggle=\"tip\" data-placement=\"top left\">\n                                        <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"icon-help\" alt=\"Question mark icon to show more information\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/icon-help.svg\">\n                                        <span class=\"tip\">\n                                            <span class=\"tip-content\">Lowest variable rate available from this lender<\/span>\n                                            <span class=\"tip-arrow\"><\/span>\n                                        <\/span>\n                                    <\/div>\n                                                            <\/span>\n                            <div class=\"item-label\">  <span>\n    3.68%+<sup>10<\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                                <div class=\"col-md-6 col-xs-6 item__container p-x-0\">\n                        <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"glance-icon\" role=\"presentation\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/loan-amount-icon.svg\">\n                        <div class=\"item__details\">\n                            <span class=\"item-label--bold icon\">\n                                Loan amount                                                                    <div class=\"even\" data-toggle=\"tip\" data-placement=\"top left\">\n                                        <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"icon-help\" alt=\"Question mark icon to show more information\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/icon-help.svg\">\n                                        <span class=\"tip\">\n                                            <span class=\"tip-content\">Total amount you can borrow from this lender<\/span>\n                                            <span class=\"tip-arrow\"><\/span>\n                                        <\/span>\n                                    <\/div>\n                                                            <\/span>\n                            <div class=\"item-label\">$2,001* to $400,000 <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                                <div class=\"col-md-6 col-xs-6 item__container p-x-0\">\n                        <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"glance-icon\" role=\"presentation\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/term-length-icon.svg\">\n                        <div class=\"item__details\">\n                            <span class=\"item-label--bold icon\">\n                                Loan terms (years)                                                                    <div class=\"odd\" data-toggle=\"tip\" data-placement=\"top left\">\n                                        <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"icon-help\" alt=\"Question mark icon to show more information\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/icon-help.svg\">\n                                        <span class=\"tip\">\n                                            <span class=\"tip-content\">How many years you have to repay the loan<\/span>\n                                            <span class=\"tip-arrow\"><\/span>\n                                        <\/span>\n                                    <\/div>\n                                                            <\/span>\n                            <div class=\"item-label\">5, 7, 10, 12, 15, 20<\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n            <div class=\"cta__container\">\n    <div class=\"cta__text\">\n        <p><b data-stringify-type=\"bold\">Ready to find a student loan?<\/b><br \/>\nCompare rates from top private lenders to find the right student loan for you.<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/private-student-loans\/get-started\" class=\"cta_btn\">Check Personalized Rates<\/a>\n    <div class=\"disclaimer-text\">\n        <span>Checking rates won't affect your credit score<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n            <div class=\"lender-rating-details__container\">\n    <div class=\"details-heading\">\n        <a role=\"button\" class=\"details-toggle collapsed\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#lender_details_46554\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapseExample\">\n            <span>View Details<\/span>\n        <\/a>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"collapse collapse__section\" id=\"lender_details_46554\">\n        <div class=\"intro-paragraph\">\n            <span><\/span>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"details__list row\">\n            <div class=\"col-md-6 p-a-0\">\n                <ul>\n                                            <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Fixed APR:<\/span>   <span>\n    2.69%+<sup>10<\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/li>\n                                            <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Variable APR:<\/span>   <span>\n    3.68%+<sup>10<\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/li>\n                                            <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Min. credit score:<\/span> Does not disclose<\/li>\n                                            <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Loan amount:<\/span> $2,001* to $400,000 <\/li>\n                                            <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Loan terms (years):<\/span> 5, 7, 10, 12, 15, 20<\/li>\n                                            <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Repayment options:<\/span> Full deferral, fixed\/flat repayment, interest only, academic deferment, military deferment, forbearance, loans discharged upon death or disability<\/li>\n                                    <\/ul>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"col-md-6 p-a-0\">\n                <ul>\n                                            <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Fees:<\/span> None<\/li>\n                                            <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Discounts:<\/span> 0.25% to 1.00% automatic payment discount, 1% cash back graduation reward<\/li>\n                                            <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Eligibility:<\/span> Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident or DACA student enrolled at least half-time in a degree-seeking program<\/li>\n                                            <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Customer service:<\/span> Email, phone<\/li>\n                                            <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Prequalified rates with a soft credit check:<\/span> Yes<\/li>\n                                            <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Cosigner release:<\/span> After 12 on-time principal and interest payments<\/li>\n                                            <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Loan servicer:<\/span> Launch Servicing, LLC<\/li>\n                                    <\/ul>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>    <\/div>\n<p><b>Pros<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Options available for students who don\u2019t have a cosigner or credit history<\/li>\n<li>0.25% to 2.00% autopay discount<\/li>\n<li>Cosigner release offered (after 12 months)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Cons<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Limited repayment term options for fixed-rate loans<\/li>\n<li>Non-cosigned options not available to freshman and sophomores<\/li>\n<li>Cosigner release not available for international students<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b><i>Learn More: <\/i><\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/student-loans\/trade-school-loans\/\"><b><i>Paying for Trade School: Financial Aid and Student Loans<\/i><\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a name=\"invested-lender\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3>2. INvestEd<\/h3>\n<p>If you\u2019re an Indiana resident or are attending an Indiana school, you might qualify for a student loan from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/lenders\/invested\/#invested-private-student-loans\">INvestEd<\/a>. You can borrow $1,001 up to your school\u2019s cost of attendance (minus any other financial aid you\u2019ve received) and can choose a repayment term from five to 15 years.<\/p>\n<div class=\"lender-rating__container-width\">\n    <div class=\"lender-rating__divider\"><\/div>\n    <div class=\"lender-rating__container\">\n        <div class=\"left-rating-col__wrap\">\n            <div class=\"lender-rating__ratings\">\n    <div class=\"logo__container\">\n                    <div class=\"logo__heading\">\n                <span>InvestED &#8211; PSL<\/span>\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n    <div class=\"editorial__container\">\n        <div class=\"number-rating__container\">\n            <span class=\"feat-branch\"><\/span>\n            <span class=\"feat-number\">4.6<\/span>\n            <span class=\"feat-branch right\"><\/span>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"heading__container\">\n            <span class=\"heading\">\n                                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/lenders\/invested\/#invested-private-student-loans\">Credible rating<\/a>\n                            <\/span>\n                            <div data-toggle=\"tip\" data-placement=\"top left\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"icon-help\" alt=\"Question mark icon to show more information\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/icon-help-dark.svg\">\n                    <span class=\"tip\">\n                        <span class=\"tip-content\">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. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/credible-rating-lender-methodology\/\">Read our full methodology.<\/a><\/span>\n                        <span class=\"tip-arrow\"><\/span>\n                    <\/span>\n                <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n        <div class=\"star-rating__container\">\n            <div class=\"star-rating__background\">\n                <div class=\"star-rating\">\n                                <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A half star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-half.svg\">\n                        <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"star-rating-list__container\">\n        <div class=\"star-rating-group\">\n            <div class=\"star-rating-row\">\n                <span class=\"heading\">Rates and terms<\/span>\n                <div>\n                                <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"dark-star\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-dark-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"dark-star\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-dark-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"dark-star\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-dark-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"dark-star\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-dark-full.svg\">\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"dark-star\" alt=\"A half star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-dark-half.svg\">\n                        <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"star-rating-group\">\n            <div class=\"star-rating-row\">\n                <span class=\"heading\">Fees and Discounts<\/span>\n                <div>\n                                <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"dark-star\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-dark-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"dark-star\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-dark-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"dark-star\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-dark-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"dark-star\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-dark-full.svg\">\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"dark-star\" alt=\"A three-quarter star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-dark-three-quarter.svg\">\n                        <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"star-rating-group\">\n            <div class=\"star-rating-row\">\n                <span class=\"heading\">Customer Experience<\/span>\n                <div>\n                                <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"dark-star\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-dark-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"dark-star\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-dark-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"dark-star\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-dark-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"dark-star\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-dark-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"dark-star\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-dark-full.svg\">\n                                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"right-rating-col__wrap\">\n                <div class=\"at-glance__container\">\n        <div class=\"heading\">\n            <span>INvestEd Private Student Loans<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"categories__container\">\n                                <div class=\"col-md-6 col-xs-6 item__container p-x-0\">\n                        <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"glance-icon\" role=\"presentation\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/fixed-rates-icon.svg\">\n                        <div class=\"item__details\">\n                            <span class=\"item-label--bold icon\">\n                                Fixed APR                                                                    <div class=\"even\" data-toggle=\"tip\" data-placement=\"top left\">\n                                        <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"icon-help\" alt=\"Question mark icon to show more information\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/icon-help.svg\">\n                                        <span class=\"tip\">\n                                            <span class=\"tip-content\">Lowest fixed rate available from this lender<\/span>\n                                            <span class=\"tip-arrow\"><\/span>\n                                        <\/span>\n                                    <\/div>\n                                                            <\/span>\n                            <div class=\"item-label\">  <span>\n    4.5%+<sup>8<\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                                <div class=\"col-md-6 col-xs-6 item__container p-x-0\">\n                        <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"glance-icon\" role=\"presentation\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/variable-rates-icon.svg\">\n                        <div class=\"item__details\">\n                            <span class=\"item-label--bold icon\">\n                                Variable APR                                                                    <div class=\"odd\" data-toggle=\"tip\" data-placement=\"top left\">\n                                        <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"icon-help\" alt=\"Question mark icon to show more information\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/icon-help.svg\">\n                                        <span class=\"tip\">\n                                            <span class=\"tip-content\">Lowest variable rate available from this lender<\/span>\n                                            <span class=\"tip-arrow\"><\/span>\n                                        <\/span>\n                                    <\/div>\n                                                            <\/span>\n                            <div class=\"item-label\">  <span>\n    6.47%+<sup>8<\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                                <div class=\"col-md-6 col-xs-6 item__container p-x-0\">\n                        <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"glance-icon\" role=\"presentation\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/loan-amount-icon.svg\">\n                        <div class=\"item__details\">\n                            <span class=\"item-label--bold icon\">\n                                Loan amount                                                                    <div class=\"even\" data-toggle=\"tip\" data-placement=\"top left\">\n                                        <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"icon-help\" alt=\"Question mark icon to show more information\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/icon-help.svg\">\n                                        <span class=\"tip\">\n                                            <span class=\"tip-content\">Total amount you can borrow from this lender<\/span>\n                                            <span class=\"tip-arrow\"><\/span>\n                                        <\/span>\n                                    <\/div>\n                                                            <\/span>\n                            <div class=\"item-label\">$1,001 up to cost of attendance<\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                                <div class=\"col-md-6 col-xs-6 item__container p-x-0\">\n                        <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"glance-icon\" role=\"presentation\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/term-length-icon.svg\">\n                        <div class=\"item__details\">\n                            <span class=\"item-label--bold icon\">\n                                Loan terms (years)                                                                    <div class=\"odd\" data-toggle=\"tip\" data-placement=\"top left\">\n                                        <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"icon-help\" alt=\"Question mark icon to show more information\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/icon-help.svg\">\n                                        <span class=\"tip\">\n                                            <span class=\"tip-content\">How many years you have to repay the loan<\/span>\n                                            <span class=\"tip-arrow\"><\/span>\n                                        <\/span>\n                                    <\/div>\n                                                            <\/span>\n                            <div class=\"item-label\">5, 10, 15<\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n            <div class=\"cta__container\">\n    <div class=\"cta__text\">\n        <p><b data-stringify-type=\"bold\">Ready to find a student loan?<\/b><br \/>\nCompare rates from top private lenders to find the right student loan for you.<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/private-student-loans\/get-started\" class=\"cta_btn\">Check Personalized Rates<\/a>\n    <div class=\"disclaimer-text\">\n        <span>Checking rates won't affect your credit score<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n            <div class=\"lender-rating-details__container\">\n    <div class=\"details-heading\">\n        <a role=\"button\" class=\"details-toggle collapsed\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#lender_details_46558\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapseExample\">\n            <span>View Details<\/span>\n        <\/a>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"collapse collapse__section\" id=\"lender_details_46558\">\n        <div class=\"intro-paragraph\">\n            <span><\/span>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"details__list row\">\n            <div class=\"col-md-6 p-a-0\">\n                <ul>\n                                            <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Fixed APR:<\/span>   <span>\n    4.5%+<sup>8<\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/li>\n                                            <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Variable APR:<\/span>   <span>\n    6.47%+<sup>8<\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/li>\n                                            <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Min. credit score:<\/span> 670<\/li>\n                                            <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Loan amount:<\/span> $1,001 up to cost of attendance<\/li>\n                                            <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Loan terms (years):<\/span> 5, 10, 15<\/li>\n                                            <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Repayment options:<\/span> Full deferral, full monthly payment, interest only, immediate repayment, academic deferment, forbearance<\/li>\n                                    <\/ul>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"col-md-6 p-a-0\">\n                <ul>\n                                            <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Fees:<\/span> Late fee<\/li>\n                                            <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Discounts:<\/span> Autopay, reward for on-time graduation<\/li>\n                                            <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Eligibility:<\/span> Must be an Indiana resident or a U.S. citizen attending an eligible Indiana school<\/li>\n                                            <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Customer service:<\/span> Email, phone, chat<\/li>\n                                            <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Prequalified rates with a soft credit check:<\/span> Yes<\/li>\n                                            <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Cosigner release:<\/span> After 12 months<\/li>\n                                            <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Loan servicer:<\/span> American Education Services<\/li>\n                                    <\/ul>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>    <\/div>\n<p><b>Pros<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>2% principal reduction for students who graduate from their program within six years<\/li>\n<li>0.25% autopay discount<\/li>\n<li>Competitive rates<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Cons<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Only available to borrowers who are Indiana residents or who are attending Indiana schools<\/li>\n<li>Long cosigner release period (48 months)<\/li>\n<li>Charges fees for late or returned payments<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b><i>Learn More: <\/i><\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/student-loans\/law-school-loans\"><b><i>Best Law School Loans for Law Students<\/i><\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a name=\"mefa-lender\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h3>3. MEFA<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/lenders\/mefa\/#mefa-private-student-loans\">MEFA<\/a> loans are available to students attending public or nonprofit universities. These loans start at $1,500 for public school students or $2,000 for private school students and could cover your school\u2019s cost of attendance (minus any other financial aid you\u2019ve received).<\/p>\n<div class=\"lender-rating__container-width\">\n    <div class=\"lender-rating__divider\"><\/div>\n    <div class=\"lender-rating__container\">\n        <div class=\"left-rating-col__wrap\">\n            <div class=\"lender-rating__ratings\">\n    <div class=\"logo__container\">\n                    <div class=\"logo__heading\">\n                <span>MEFA &#8211; PSL<\/span>\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n    <div class=\"editorial__container\">\n        <div class=\"number-rating__container\">\n            <span class=\"feat-branch\"><\/span>\n            <span class=\"feat-number\">4.4<\/span>\n            <span class=\"feat-branch right\"><\/span>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"heading__container\">\n            <span class=\"heading\">\n                                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/lenders\/mefa\/#mefa-private-student-loans\">Credible rating<\/a>\n                            <\/span>\n                            <div data-toggle=\"tip\" data-placement=\"top left\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"icon-help\" alt=\"Question mark icon to show more information\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/icon-help-dark.svg\">\n                    <span class=\"tip\">\n                        <span class=\"tip-content\">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. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/credible-rating-lender-methodology\/\">Read our full methodology.<\/a><\/span>\n                        <span class=\"tip-arrow\"><\/span>\n                    <\/span>\n                <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n        <div class=\"star-rating__container\">\n            <div class=\"star-rating__background\">\n                <div class=\"star-rating\">\n                                <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-full.svg\">\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"star-light\" alt=\"A half star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-light-half.svg\">\n                        <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"star-rating-list__container\">\n        <div class=\"star-rating-group\">\n            <div class=\"star-rating-row\">\n                <span class=\"heading\">Rates and terms<\/span>\n                <div>\n                                <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"dark-star\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-dark-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"dark-star\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-dark-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"dark-star\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-dark-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"dark-star\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-dark-full.svg\">\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"dark-star\" alt=\"A one-quarter star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-dark-quarter.svg\">\n                            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"star-rating-group\">\n            <div class=\"star-rating-row\">\n                <span class=\"heading\">Fees and Discounts<\/span>\n                <div>\n                                <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"dark-star\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-dark-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"dark-star\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-dark-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"dark-star\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-dark-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"dark-star\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-dark-full.svg\">\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"dark-star\" alt=\"A one-quarter star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-dark-quarter.svg\">\n                            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"star-rating-group\">\n            <div class=\"star-rating-row\">\n                <span class=\"heading\">Customer Experience<\/span>\n                <div>\n                                <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"dark-star\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-dark-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"dark-star\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-dark-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"dark-star\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-dark-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"dark-star\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-dark-full.svg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"dark-star\" alt=\"A full star\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/star-dark-full.svg\">\n                                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"right-rating-col__wrap\">\n                <div class=\"at-glance__container\">\n        <div class=\"heading\">\n            <span>MEFA Private Student Loans<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"categories__container\">\n                                <div class=\"col-md-6 col-xs-6 item__container p-x-0\">\n                        <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"glance-icon\" role=\"presentation\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/fixed-rates-icon.svg\">\n                        <div class=\"item__details\">\n                            <span class=\"item-label--bold icon\">\n                                Fixed APR                                                                    <div class=\"even\" data-toggle=\"tip\" data-placement=\"top left\">\n                                        <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"icon-help\" alt=\"Question mark icon to show more information\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/icon-help.svg\">\n                                        <span class=\"tip\">\n                                            <span class=\"tip-content\">Lowest fixed rate available from this lender <\/span>\n                                            <span class=\"tip-arrow\"><\/span>\n                                        <\/span>\n                                    <\/div>\n                                                            <\/span>\n                            <div class=\"item-label\">  <span>\n    3.29%+<sup><\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                                <div class=\"col-md-6 col-xs-6 item__container p-x-0\">\n                        <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"glance-icon\" role=\"presentation\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/variable-rates-icon.svg\">\n                        <div class=\"item__details\">\n                            <span class=\"item-label--bold icon\">\n                                Variable APR                                                                    <div class=\"odd\" data-toggle=\"tip\" data-placement=\"top left\">\n                                        <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"icon-help\" alt=\"Question mark icon to show more information\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/icon-help.svg\">\n                                        <span class=\"tip\">\n                                            <span class=\"tip-content\">Lowest variable rate available from this lender<\/span>\n                                            <span class=\"tip-arrow\"><\/span>\n                                        <\/span>\n                                    <\/div>\n                                                            <\/span>\n                            <div class=\"item-label\">N\/A<\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                                <div class=\"col-md-6 col-xs-6 item__container p-x-0\">\n                        <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"glance-icon\" role=\"presentation\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/loan-amount-icon.svg\">\n                        <div class=\"item__details\">\n                            <span class=\"item-label--bold icon\">\n                                Loan amount                                                                    <div class=\"even\" data-toggle=\"tip\" data-placement=\"top left\">\n                                        <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"icon-help\" alt=\"Question mark icon to show more information\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/icon-help.svg\">\n                                        <span class=\"tip\">\n                                            <span class=\"tip-content\">Total amount you can borrow from this lender<\/span>\n                                            <span class=\"tip-arrow\"><\/span>\n                                        <\/span>\n                                    <\/div>\n                                                            <\/span>\n                            <div class=\"item-label\">$1,500 up to cost of attendance less aid<\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                                <div class=\"col-md-6 col-xs-6 item__container p-x-0\">\n                        <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"glance-icon\" role=\"presentation\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/term-length-icon.svg\">\n                        <div class=\"item__details\">\n                            <span class=\"item-label--bold icon\">\n                                Loan terms (years)                                                                    <div class=\"odd\" data-toggle=\"tip\" data-placement=\"top left\">\n                                        <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"icon-help\" alt=\"Question mark icon to show more information\" src=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/credible\/assets\/images\/lender-rating\/icon-help.svg\">\n                                        <span class=\"tip\">\n                                            <span class=\"tip-content\">How many years you have to repay the loan<\/span>\n                                            <span class=\"tip-arrow\"><\/span>\n                                        <\/span>\n                                    <\/div>\n                                                            <\/span>\n                            <div class=\"item-label\">10, 15<\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n            <div class=\"cta__container\">\n    <div class=\"cta__text\">\n        <p><b data-stringify-type=\"bold\">Ready to find a student loan?<\/b><br \/>\nCompare rates from top private lenders to find the right student loan for you.<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/private-student-loans\/get-started\" class=\"cta_btn\">Check Personalized Rates<\/a>\n    <div class=\"disclaimer-text\">\n        <span>Checking rates won't affect your credit score<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n            <div class=\"lender-rating-details__container\">\n    <div class=\"details-heading\">\n        <a role=\"button\" class=\"details-toggle collapsed\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#lender_details_46560\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapseExample\">\n            <span>View Details<\/span>\n        <\/a>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"collapse collapse__section\" id=\"lender_details_46560\">\n        <div class=\"intro-paragraph\">\n            <span><\/span>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"details__list row\">\n            <div class=\"col-md-6 p-a-0\">\n                <ul>\n                                            <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Fixed APR:<\/span>   <span>\n    3.29%+<sup><\/sup>\n  <\/span>\n<\/li>\n                                            <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Variable APR:<\/span> N\/A<\/li>\n                                            <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Min. credit score:<\/span> 670<\/li>\n                                            <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Loan amount:<\/span> $1,500 up to cost of attendance less aid<\/li>\n                                            <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Loan terms (years):<\/span> 10, 15<\/li>\n                                            <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Repayment options:<\/span> Full deferral, interest only, immediate repayment, academic deferral, forbearance<\/li>\n                                    <\/ul>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"col-md-6 p-a-0\">\n                <ul>\n                                            <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Fees:<\/span> None<\/li>\n                                            <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Discounts:<\/span> None<\/li>\n                                            <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Eligibility:<\/span> Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and be making satisfactory academic progress.<\/li>\n                                            <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Customer service:<\/span> Email, phone<\/li>\n                                            <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Prequalified rates with a soft credit check:<\/span> Yes<\/li>\n                                            <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Cosigner release:<\/span> After 48 months<\/li>\n                                            <li><span class=\"font-weight-bold\">Loan servicer:<\/span> American Education Services (AES)<\/li>\n                                    <\/ul>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>    <\/div>\n<p><b>Pros<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Might be able to defer payments for up to five years<\/li>\n<li>No fees<\/li>\n<li>Three repayment plans available<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Cons<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>No discounts<\/li>\n<li>Cosigner release only available to undergraduates who took out a 15-year loan; deferred payments; and made consecutive, on-time payments for 48 months<\/li>\n<li>Variable rates not offered<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b><i>Check Out: <\/i><\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/student-loans\/medical-school-loans\"><b><i>Best Medical School Loans<\/i><\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a name=\"our-methodology\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Our methodology<\/h2>\n<p>Credible identified the \u201cbest\u201d private student loan lenders by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/credible-rating-lender-methodology\/\">looking at data points<\/a> in the following categories, using the weighting system listed:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Minimum fixed rate: 26%<\/li>\n<li>Minimum variable rate: 13%<\/li>\n<li>Term length: 5%<\/li>\n<li>Repayment: 10%<\/li>\n<li>Fees: 10%<\/li>\n<li>Discounts: 4%<\/li>\n<li>Customer experience: 10%<\/li>\n<li>Cosigner release: 10%<\/li>\n<li>Other: 12%<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a name=\"how-to-get-student-loan-bad-credit\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>How to get a student loan with bad credit<\/h2>\n<p>If you\u2019re ready to take out a student loan, follow these four steps:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><b>Fill out the FAFSA.<\/b> Start by completing the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/student-loans\/applying-for-fafsa\/\">Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)<\/a>. Your school will use your FAFSA results to determine whether you\u2019re eligible for federal student loans and other federal <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/student-loans\/qualifying-for-financial-aid\/\">financial aid<\/a>, such as Pell Grants.<\/li>\n<li><b>Apply for scholarships and grants.<\/b> Unlike student loans, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/student-loans\/college-scholarships\/\">college scholarships<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/student-loans\/college-grants\/\">grants<\/a> don\u2019t have to be repaid \u2014 which makes them a great way to pay for school. There are no limits to how many scholarships and grants you can get, so it\u2019s a good idea to apply for as many as you can. You might also qualify for school-based scholarships, depending on your FAFSA information.<\/li>\n<li><b>Take out federal student loans.<\/b> You\u2019ll also need to fill out the FAFSA to apply for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/student-loans\/federal-student-loans-guide\/\">federal student loans<\/a>. These loans are generally a good place to start if you need to borrow money for school \u2014 mainly because they come with federal benefits and protections, such as access to income-driven repayment plans and student loan forgiveness programs. Additionally, most federal loans don\u2019t require a credit check, which could make them a great choice if you have bad credit.<\/li>\n<li><b>Consider private student loans to fill in the gaps.<\/b> After you\u2019ve exhausted your scholarship, grant, and federal student loan options, private student loans could help fill any remaining financial gaps. Before you take out a private student loan, be sure to consider as many lenders as you can to find the right loan for you.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><b><i>Learn More: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/student-loans\/student-loans-without-cosigner\/\">Taking Out Student Loans Without a Cosigner<\/a><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<p><a name=\"adding-a-cosigner\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Adding a cosigner may get your application approved<\/h2>\n<p>You\u2019ll typically need good to excellent credit to be eligible for a private student loan, which could make it hard to qualify if you have bad credit. If you\u2019re struggling to get approved, consider applying with a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/student-loans\/cosigner-explained\/\">cosigner<\/a> who has good credit to improve your chances.<\/p>\n<p>Even if you don\u2019t need a cosigner to qualify, having one could get you a lower interest rate than you\u2019d get on your own \u2014 which could save you money on your student loan.<\/p>\n<div class=\"basic-box\" style=\"border: 1px solid #E2E4E6;\"><div class=\"basic-box__inside\"><b>For example:<\/b> Say you take out a $15,000 student loan with a 10.46% APR and five-year repayment term. With these terms, you\u2019d end up paying $4,327 in interest with a total cost of $19,326.<\/p>\n<p>But if you applied with a cosigner and were able to qualify for a five-year loan with an 8.17% APR, you\u2019d pay $3,322 in interest with a total cost of $18,322 \u2014 saving you $1,004.<\/div><\/div>\n<p>No matter if you have a cosigner or not, be sure to consider how much a student loan will cost you in the future. This way, you can prepare for any added expenses.<\/p>\n<p>You can find out how much you\u2019ll owe over the life of your federal or private student loans by using our student loan calculator below:<\/p>\n<div class=\"calculator loan\">\n<div class=\"inputs container\">\n\n\t<p>Enter your loan information<span class=\"hidden-md-up\"> to calculate how much you could pay<\/span><\/p>\n\n  <div class=\"row form-groups\">\n  <div class=\"col-xs-8 col-lg\">\n    <div class=\"form-group\">\n  \t\t<label for=\"loan-amount\">Loan amount<\/label>\n  \t\t<span class=\"badge badge-pill\" data-toggle=\"tip\" data-placement=\"top left\">\n  \t\t\t?\t<span class=\"tip \">\n\t\t<span class=\"tip-content\">Enter the total amount borrowed<\/span>\n\t\t<span class=\"tip-arrow\"><\/span>\n\t<\/span>\n\t  \t\t<\/span>\n  \t\t<span class=\"input-group loan-amount\">\n  \t\t\t<span class=\"input-group-addon\">$<\/span>\n  \t\t\t<input type=\"number\" value=\"20000\" step=\"1000\" name=\"loan-amount\" id=\"loan-amount\" aria-label=\"Loan amount\" class=\"form-control\" inputmode=\"numeric\" pattern=\"[0-9]*\">\n  \t\t<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n  <div class=\"col-xs-6 col-lg\">\n    <div class=\"form-group\">\n  \t\t<label for=\"interest-rate\">Interest rate<\/label>\n  \t\t<span class=\"badge badge-pill\" data-toggle=\"tip\" data-placement=\"top left\">\n  \t\t\t?\t<span class=\"tip \">\n\t\t<span class=\"tip-content\">Enter your annual interest rate<\/span>\n\t\t<span class=\"tip-arrow\"><\/span>\n\t<\/span>\n\t  \t\t<\/span>\n  \t\t<span class=\"input-group interest-rate\">\n  \t\t\t<input type=\"number\" value=\"4\" step=\".01\" min=\".01\" max=\"100\" name=\"interest-rate\" id=\"interest-rate\" aria-label=\"Interest rate\" class=\"form-control\">\n  \t\t\t<span class=\"input-group-addon\">%<\/span>\n  \t\t<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n\t\t<span class=\"between\">or<\/span>\n  <\/div>\n  <div class=\"col-xs-6 col-lg\">\n    <div class=\"form-group\">\n  \t\t<label for=\"loan-term\">Loan term<\/label>\n  \t\t<span class=\"badge badge-pill\" data-toggle=\"tip\" data-placement=\"top left\">\n  \t\t\t?\t<span class=\"tip \">\n\t\t<span class=\"tip-content\">Enter the amount of time you have to repay your loan<\/span>\n\t\t<span class=\"tip-arrow\"><\/span>\n\t<\/span>\n\t  \t\t<\/span>\n  \t\t<span class=\"input-group loan-term\">\n  \t\t\t<input name=\"loan-term\" value=\"10\" step=\"1\" min=\"1\" max=\"50\" id=\"loan-term\" aria-label=\"Loan term\" type=\"number\" class=\"form-control\" inputmode=\"numeric\" pattern=\"[0-9]*\">\n  \t\t\t<span class=\"input-group-addon\">years<\/span>\n  \t\t<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"outputs container\">\n\n  <div class=\"results row\">\n  <div class=\"col-xs-6 col-sm-4 col-md-6 col-lg-4\">\n  \tTotal Payment\n  \t<big>$<span class=\"total-payment\"><\/span><\/big>\n  <\/div>\n  <div class=\"col-xs-6 col-sm-4 col-md-6 col-lg-4\">\n  \tTotal Interest\n  \t<big>$<span class=\"total-interest\"><\/span><\/big>\n  <\/div>\n  <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-4 col-md-12 col-lg-4\">\n  \tMonthly Payment\n  \t<big>$<span class=\"monthly-payment\"><\/span><\/big>\n  <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <p class=\"results-sentence\">\n    With a\n    <strong>$<span class=\"output-loan-amount\"><\/span><\/strong>\n        loan, you will pay\n    <strong>$<span class=\"monthly-payment\"><\/span><\/strong>\n    monthly and a total of\n    <strong>$<span class=\"total-interest\"><\/span><\/strong>\n    in interest over the life of your loan. You will pay a total of\n    <strong>$<span class=\"total-payment\"><\/span><\/strong>\n    over the life of the\n    loan, assuming you're making full payments while in school.\n  <\/p>\n\n  <hr \/>\n  <div class=\"cta\">\n    \n<p><strong>Need a student loan?<\/strong><br \/>\nCompare rates without affecting your credit score. 100% free!<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"btn btn-lg btn-warning\" href=\"\/student-loans\/start\">Check Personalized Rates<\/a><\/p>\n<p><small>Checking rates won&#8217;t affect your credit score.<\/small><\/p>\n  <\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p><a name=\"find-a-cosigner\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>How to find a cosigner<\/h2>\n<p>A cosigner can be anyone with good credit \u2014 such as a parent, another relative, or a trusted friend \u2014 who\u2019s willing to share responsibility for the loan. Just keep in mind that they\u2019ll be on the hook if you can\u2019t make your payments.<\/p>\n<p>Asking someone to cosign a loan and put their credit on the line is a big deal, so it\u2019s important to prepare before you make the request. Here are a few things you can do:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><b>Have a plan.<\/b> It\u2019s a good idea to make a plan for how you\u2019ll handle your loan if you\u2019re approved with your cosigner\u2019s help. This should include when you\u2019ll be making payments and what happens in case you can\u2019t make a payment on time.<\/li>\n<li><b>Use teamwork.<\/b> Go through the loan process with your cosigner so you\u2019ll both fully understand the terms you\u2019re agreeing to.<\/li>\n<li><b>Know the risks.<\/b> Make sure your cosigner understands the risks that come with cosigning a loan. While a cosigner can help you get approved with their good credit, they\u2019ll be liable if you don\u2019t make your payments. Missing payments will also damage your cosigner\u2019s credit \u2014 as well as yours.<\/li>\n<li><b>Be open and honest.<\/b> Be transparent when it comes to discussing the risks of cosigning a loan and what happens if you don\u2019t make your payments.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><a name=\"how-to-improve-credit-score\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>How to improve your credit score<\/h2>\n<p>If you can wait to borrow for school, it might be a good idea to spend some time improving your credit first. Whether you\u2019re a new borrower just starting to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/student-loans\/build-credit-for-college-student\/\">build your credit<\/a> or someone with less-than-perfect credit, here are a few ways to potentially boost your score:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Become an authorized user.<\/b> Ask someone you trust (such as a parent or relative) to add you as an authorized user on one of their credit card accounts. This could help raise your score as the owner of the account uses and pays off the card \u2014 without you even having to use the card yourself.<\/li>\n<li><b>Report utility bills to credit bureaus.<\/b> Services like Experian Boost will report various bills \u2014 such as phone, utilities, or streaming services \u2014 to the credit bureaus. This could improve your overall payment history, which might boost your credit score.<\/li>\n<li><b>Dispute credit report errors.<\/b> If your credit report contains errors, they could be dragging your credit score down. You can use a site like AnnualCreditReport.com to review your credit reports for free. If you find any errors, be sure to dispute them with the appropriate credit bureaus.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b><i>Check Out: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/student-loans\/summer-school-student-loans\/\">Summer Financial Aid and Student Loans for Summer School<\/a><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<p><a name=\"isa-alternative\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Income Share Agreements: An alternative to student loans for bad credit<\/h2>\n<p><b>Best for:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Students who\u2019ve maxed out their federal aid and aren\u2019t able to find a cosigner for a private student loan<\/li>\n<li>Students who are confident they\u2019ll have a good, steady income after graduation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If you can\u2019t get a private student loan but still need additional funds for college, an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/student-loans\/income-share-agreements\/\">Income Share Agreement<\/a> may be an option worth considering. An ISA can be easier to obtain than some types of student loans, but it may end up being more expensive in the long run.<\/p>\n<p>With an ISA, a lender (who is either your college or a private lender) provides you with a lump sum now to use toward your college expenses. In exchange, you sign a contract to pay the lender a certain percentage of your gross monthly income \u2014 typically anywhere from 2% to 17% \u2014 for a set number of years (usually two to 10) once you leave school. There\u2019s no interest on the money you borrow with an ISA.<\/p>\n<p>Income Share Agreements have a minimum income threshold that you\u2019ll need to earn before you have to begin paying your lender. They also have a payment cap, which is the most you\u2019ll have to repay. These caps may be set as high as 2.5 times the amount you borrowed.<\/p>\n<p>Unlike private student loans, you don\u2019t need a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/student-loans\/denied-with-cosigner\/\">cosigner<\/a> or good credit to get approved for an ISA. If you\u2019re on track to complete a degree in a desirable field with good earnings, that\u2019s usually enough to make you a good candidate for an ISA. But that doesn\u2019t mean it\u2019s always the best choice.<\/p>\n<p>Before committing to an ISA, consider these points:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>It\u2019s hard to predict the total cost.<\/b> Although you don\u2019t pay interest in the traditional sense on an ISA, it can be difficult to predict what your total repayment costs will be, because the total amount you\u2019ll repay depends on your future earnings.<\/li>\n<li><b>You can\u2019t refinance your way to a better deal.<\/b> Unlike a student loan, you can\u2019t refinance an ISA with another lender to get more favorable terms. If you want to pay an ISA off early, you can pay the amount that brings you up to your payment cap, if you have one.<\/li>\n<li><b>You may not be able to borrow as much as you need.<\/b> Your funding limit will depend on your expected earnings. For example: If a lender agrees to provide funding up to 15% of your expected annual income after graduation, and your expected earnings are $67,000 a year with your degree, you could qualify for $10,000 in funding. That may not be enough to completely cover any funding gap.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>How do I know if an income share agreement is right for me?<\/h3>\n<p>Ultimately, the decision to go with an ISA or a student loan might depend on more than just which might provide the lowest total repayment cost. An ISA can be cheaper to repay than a student loan and provide flexibility in repayment if your career hits a bump in the road.<\/p>\n<h3>Income share agreements vs. private student loans vs. federal PLUS loans<\/h3>\n\n<table id=\"tablepress-327\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-327 table table-border-top table-rounded table-capitalized-column-titles table-no-img-margin\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><\/td><th class=\"column-2\"><strong>ISAs<\/strong><\/th><th class=\"column-3\"><strong>Private student loans<\/strong><\/th><th class=\"column-4\"><strong>Federal PLUS Loans<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-striping row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><strong>Borrowing limit<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Depends on expected earnings<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Up to cost of attendance<br \/>\n<small>(subject to ability to repay)<\/small><\/td><td class=\"column-4\">Up to school-certified cost of attendance<br \/>\n<small>(no evaluation of ability to repay)<\/small><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><strong>Terms<br \/>\n<small>(years)<\/small><\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">2 to 10<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">5 to 15<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">10 to 25<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><strong>Credit requirements<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><ul><li>Cosigner not required<\/li><li>Can\u2019t have an adverse credit history<\/li><\/ul><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><ul><li>Cosigner typically required for undergrads<\/li><li>Min. credit score needed<\/li><li>Show ability to repay<\/li><\/ul><\/td><td class=\"column-4\">Can\u2019t have an adverse credit history<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n<p><a name=\"bad-credit-student-loan-faqs\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Bad credit student loan FAQs<\/h2>\n<p>Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about student loans for borrowers with bad credit.<\/p>\n<h3>What credit score do I need to get a student loan?<\/h3>\n<p>This depends on the type of student loan, as well as the lender. For example, most federal student loans don\u2019t require a credit check, so you might qualify regardless of your credit score.<\/p>\n<p>But if you want to take out a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/student-loans\/grad-plus-loans\/\">Grad PLUS Loan<\/a> or Parent PLUS Loan, you can\u2019t have an adverse credit history.<\/p>\n<p>For private student loans, the required credit score depends on the lender. You\u2019ll typically need good to excellent credit to qualify, which generally means a credit score of 700 or above. But keep in mind that some lenders work with borrowers who have scores lower than this.<\/p>\n<p><b><i>Learn More: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/student-loans\/community-college-student-loans\/\">How to Get Student Loans for Community College<\/a><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<h3>Do credit scores affect student loan rates?<\/h3>\n<p>While your credit score won\u2019t affect federal student loan rates, it will affect the rates you qualify for from private lenders. Generally, the higher your credit score, the lower the rate you might get on a private student loan.<\/p>\n<p>Also keep in mind that applying with a cosigner who has good credit could get you a lower interest rate.<\/p>\n<h3>How can I get a student loan with no credit check?<\/h3>\n<p>Unlike <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/student-loans\/best-private-student-loans\/\">private student loans<\/a>, most federal loans don\u2019t require a credit check, including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Direct Subsidized Loans:<\/b> These loans are available to undergraduate students with financial need. The government covers the interest that accrues on subsidized loans while you\u2019re in school.<\/li>\n<li><b>Direct Unsubsidized Loans:<\/b> These loans are available to both undergraduate and graduate students regardless of financial need. Unlike with subsidized loans, you\u2019re responsible for all interest that accrues on unsubsidized loans.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>To apply for federal student loans, you\u2019ll need to complete the FAFSA.<\/p>\n<p><b><i>See also: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/student-loans\/no-credit-check-student-loans\/\">How to Get a Student Loan With No Credit Check<\/a><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<h3>What is the average student loan interest rate?<\/h3>\n<p>Congress sets <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/student-loans\/2021-2022-federal-student-loan-interest-rates\/\">federal student loan interest rates<\/a> each year \u2014 the actual rate you get will depend on the type of federal loan you take out. Here are the current rates:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Direct Subsidized Loans:<\/b> <span data-sheets-value=\"{&quot;1&quot;:3,&quot;3&quot;:0.055}\" data-sheets-userformat=\"{&quot;2&quot;:577,&quot;3&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:3,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;0.00%&quot;,&quot;3&quot;:1},&quot;9&quot;:0,&quot;12&quot;:0}\">5.50%<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Direct Unsubsidized Loans (undergraduate):<\/b> <span data-sheets-value=\"{&quot;1&quot;:3,&quot;3&quot;:0.055}\" data-sheets-userformat=\"{&quot;2&quot;:577,&quot;3&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:3,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;0.00%&quot;,&quot;3&quot;:1},&quot;9&quot;:0,&quot;12&quot;:0}\">5.50%<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Direct Unsubsidized Loans (graduate and professional):<\/b> <span data-sheets-value=\"{&quot;1&quot;:3,&quot;3&quot;:0.0705}\" data-sheets-userformat=\"{&quot;2&quot;:577,&quot;3&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:3,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;0.00%&quot;,&quot;3&quot;:1},&quot;9&quot;:0,&quot;12&quot;:0}\">7.05%<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Direct PLUS Loans:<\/b> <span data-sheets-value=\"{&quot;1&quot;:3,&quot;3&quot;:0.0805}\" data-sheets-userformat=\"{&quot;2&quot;:577,&quot;3&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:3,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;0.00%&quot;,&quot;3&quot;:1},&quot;9&quot;:0,&quot;12&quot;:0}\">8.05%<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Private <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/student-loans\/student-loan-interest-rates\/\">student loan interest rates<\/a> are set by individual lenders according to market conditions. Here are the average rates offered to borrowers with credit scores above 720 who applied for a private student loan through Credible in June 2023:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Five-year variable-rate loans:<\/b> 7.16%<\/li>\n<li><b>10-year fixed-rate loans:<\/b> 6.95%<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b><i>Keep Reading: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/student-loans\/daca-student-loans\/\">Student Loans for DACA Recipients<\/a><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<h3>Can you be denied for student loans if you have bad credit?<\/h3>\n<p>You may get <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/student-loans\/denied-parent-plus-loan\/\">denied for a federal Direct PLUS Loan<\/a> or a private student loan if you have an adverse credit history. In either case, you may be able to qualify for the loan with a cosigner (known as an <a href=\"https:\/\/studentaid.gov\/help-center\/answers\/article\/what-are-my-options-if-denied-plus-loan\">endorser for Direct PLUS Loans<\/a>). Make sure you partner with a cosigner with good credit.<\/p>\n<p><b><i>Check Out: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/student-loans\/denied-with-cosigner\/\">What to Do If You\u2019re Denied a Student Loan With a Cosigner<\/a><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<div class=\"basic-box\" style=\"border: 1px solid #E2E4E6;\"><div class=\"basic-box__inside\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><strong>Compare student loan rates from top lenders<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"list--iconArrow accent--isGreen\">\n<li>Multiple lenders compete to get you the best rate<\/li>\n<li>Get actual rates, not estimated ones<\/li>\n<li>Finance almost any degree<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a class=\"btn btn-warning\" href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/student-loans\">See Your Rates<\/a><br \/>\n<small>Checking rates will not affect your credit<\/small><\/p>\n<p><!-- TrustBox widget - Micro Combo --><\/p>\n<div class=\"trustpilot-widget\" data-locale=\"en-US\" data-template-id=\"5419b6ffb0d04a076446a9af\" data-businessunit-id=\"5536ec090000ff00057eebe7\" data-style-height=\"20px\" data-style-width=\"100%\" data-theme=\"light\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.trustpilot.com\/review\/www.credible.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Trustpilot<\/a><\/div>\n<p><!-- End TrustBox widget --><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<p><i><a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/author\/dzinn\/\">Dori Zinn<\/a> contributed to the reporting for this article.<\/i><\/p>\n<small><em><strong>Methodology<\/strong>: Credible evaluated loan and lender data points in 10 categories to identify the \u201cbest companies\u201d for private student loans. We looked at interest rates, repayment terms, repayment options, fees, discounts, and customer service availability offered by 15 lenders. We also considered each company\u2019s eligibility, cosigner release options, whether the minimum credit score is available publicly, and whether consumers could request rates with a soft credit check.<\/em><\/small>\r\n\r\n<small><em>Credible receives compensation from its lender partners when a user of the Credible platform closes a loan with the lender.<\/em><\/small>\r\n\r\n<em><small><b><i>Read the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/credible-rating-lender-methodology\/\">full Credible rating lender methodology<\/a><\/i><\/b>.<\/small><\/em>\r\n\r\n<em><small><b><i>Learn about <\/i><\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/mission-editorial-guidelines\/\"><b><i>Credible\u2019s mission and promise to our readers<\/i><\/b><\/a><b><i>. <\/i><\/b><\/small><\/em>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Having poor or thin credit can be a major obstacle when you need to borrow money \u2014 for example, you might have a hard time getting approved for a private student loan. But you still&hellip; <a class=\"more \" href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/student-loans\/bad-credit\/\">Continue reading<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":114,"featured_media":37044,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[1499],"class_list":{"0":"post-37040","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","6":"hentry","7":"category-refinance-student-loans","8":"tag-student-loan-basics-sidebar","9":"best-student-loans-for-bad-credit-2","11":"post_tag-student-loan-basics-sidebar"},"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>3 Best Student Loans for Bad Credit for April 2026 | Credible<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Borrowing money for school when you have bad credit doesn\u2019t have to break the bank. Here are several options for student loans for bad credit.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.credible.com\/blog\/student-loans\/bad-credit\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"3 Best Student Loans for Bad Credit for April 2026 | Credible\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Borrowing money for school when you have bad credit doesn\u2019t have to break the bank. 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