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11 Part-Time Student Loans in August 2025

Part-time students can typically still take out student loans, but your options are more limited if you’re below half-time enrollment.

Author
By Kelly Larsen

Written by

Kelly Larsen

Kelly Larsen is a student loans editor at Credible. She has spent over 10 years covering personal finance, with expertise in mortgage and debt management.

Written by

Kelly Larsen

Kelly Larsen is a student loans editor at Credible. She has spent over 10 years covering personal finance, with expertise in mortgage and debt management.

Edited by Renee Fleck

Written by

Renee Fleck

Renee Fleck is a student loans editor with over six years of experience. Her work has been featured in Fast Company, Morning Brew, and Sidebar.io, among other online publications. She is fluent in Spanish and French and enjoys traveling to new places.

Written by

Renee Fleck

Renee Fleck is a student loans editor with over six years of experience. Her work has been featured in Fast Company, Morning Brew, and Sidebar.io, among other online publications. She is fluent in Spanish and French and enjoys traveling to new places.

Reviewed by Richard Richtmyer

Written by

Richard Richtmyer

Richard Richtmyer is a senior editor with over 20 years of finance experience. He's an expert on student loans, capital markets, investing, real estate, technology, business, government, and politics.

Written by

Richard Richtmyer

Richard Richtmyer is a senior editor with over 20 years of finance experience. He's an expert on student loans, capital markets, investing, real estate, technology, business, government, and politics.

Updated August 8, 2025

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

Featured

Credible takeaways

  • You must be enrolled at least half-time in an eligible school and program to qualify for federal student loans.
  • Some private lenders offer student loans even if you're enrolled less than half-time.
  • Part-time enrollment allows for more flexibility in your schedule, but it also comes with downsides, like taking longer to graduate.

Federal student loans and many private student loans often require a minimum of half-time enrollment for you to be eligible. This generally means you must take at least six credit hours each semester. However, even if you're only taking one or two classes, you have options for student loan funding.

Sallie Mae, College Ave, and Ascent stand out for offering loans to students who are enrolled below half-time. However, you still need to meet other eligibility requirements to qualify.

Here's what you need to know about finding the best student loan lenders for your part-time status, including how to apply and the pros and cons.

11 best part-time student loans

Advertiser Disclosure

We receive compensation from the companies below if you purchase a product. Amount of compensation does not impact the ranking or placement of a particular product. Not all available financial products and offers from all financial institutions have been reviewed by this website. This content is not provided by Credible or any of the Providers on the Credible website. Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed here are those of the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by Credible.

Ascent: Best for No-Cosigner Loans

Ascent

4.9

Credible Rating

To determine the best student loan companies, Credible evaluated lenders based on several different categories, including: rates and fees, loan terms, eligibility, repayment options, and customer support. We assigned a score out of five stars to each lender based on our findings.
Read our full methodology.

on Credible's website

Min. Credit Score

Does not disclose

Fixed APR

2.89 - 14.93%

Variable APR

4.34 - 15.00%

Loan Amount

$2,001 to $400,000

Term

5, 7, 10, 12, 15, 20

Expert Insights

Ascent stands out for offering private student loans to students without a cosigner and who have limited credit. Its outcomes-based loan uses factors such as academic performance and graduation timeline instead of credit to determine eligibility. Students can also qualify for a cash-back graduation reward and choose from a wide range of repayment plans.

Advertiser Disclosure

We receive compensation from the companies below if you purchase a product. Amount of compensation does not impact the ranking or placement of a particular product. Not all available financial products and offers from all financial institutions have been reviewed by this website. This content is not provided by Credible or any of the Providers on the Credible website. Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed here are those of the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by Credible.

College Ave: Best for Extended Grace Periods

College Ave

4.8

Credible Rating

To determine the best student loan companies, Credible evaluated lenders based on several different categories, including: rates and fees, loan terms, eligibility, repayment options, and customer support. We assigned a score out of five stars to each lender based on our findings.
Read our full methodology.

on Credible's website

Min. Credit Score

Does not disclose

Fixed APR

2.89 - 17.99%

Variable APR

4.24 - 17.99%

Loan Amount

$1,000 up to 100% of the school-certified cost of attendance

Term

5, 8, 10, 15 (20 for health professionals)

Expert Insights

College Ave offers a wide range of borrower-controlled features that makes it especially compelling for those who want predictability and planning power with their student loans. From 5 to 20-year terms and multiple in-school payment options to profession-specific grace periods, College Ave offers more structure and flexibility than many of its competitors.

Advertiser Disclosure

We receive compensation from the companies below if you purchase a product. Amount of compensation does not impact the ranking or placement of a particular product. Not all available financial products and offers from all financial institutions have been reviewed by this website. This content is not provided by Credible or any of the Providers on the Credible website. Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed here are those of the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by Credible.

Custom Choice: Best for Discounts and Rewards

Custom Choice

4.5

Credible Rating

To determine the best student loan companies, Credible evaluated lenders based on several different categories, including: rates and fees, loan terms, eligibility, repayment options, and customer support. We assigned a score out of five stars to each lender based on our findings.
Read our full methodology.

on Credible's website

Min. Credit Score

Does not disclose

Fixed APR

3.24 - 15.71%

Variable APR

4.19 - 16.39%

Loan Amount

$1,000 to $99,999 annually $180,000 aggregate limit)

Term

7, 10, 15

Expert Insights

Custom Choice offers a compelling combination of rate discounts, graduation rewards, and zero fees. You can reduce your interest rate by 0.25 percentage points with autopay and earn a 2% principal reduction after graduating. With no fees, cosigner release after 36 payments, and hardship forbearance, it's a good option for students seeking both savings and support.

Advertiser Disclosure

We receive compensation from the companies below if you purchase a product. Amount of compensation does not impact the ranking or placement of a particular product. Not all available financial products and offers from all financial institutions have been reviewed by this website. This content is not provided by Credible or any of the Providers on the Credible website. Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed here are those of the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by Credible.

Sallie Mae: Best for Specialized Loans

Sallie Mae

4.4

Credible Rating

To determine the best student loan companies, Credible evaluated lenders based on several different categories, including: rates and fees, loan terms, eligibility, repayment options, and customer support. We assigned a score out of five stars to each lender based on our findings.
Read our full methodology.

on Credible's website

Min. Credit Score

Does not disclose

Fixed APR

2.89 - 17.49%

Variable APR

4.37 - 16.99%

Loan Amount

$1,000 up to 100% of school-certified cost of attendance

Term

10 - 20

Expert Insights

Sallie Mae stands out from the competition with one of the broadest selections of specialized private student loans on the market. Loans cover everything from undergraduate degrees to medical residencies, bar study, flight training, and trade schools. This makes Sallie Mae a good option for students pursuing specialized or less traditional educational paths.

Advertiser Disclosure

We receive compensation from the companies below if you purchase a product. Amount of compensation does not impact the ranking or placement of a particular product. Not all available financial products and offers from all financial institutions have been reviewed by this website. This content is not provided by Credible or any of the Providers on the Credible website. Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed here are those of the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by Credible.

Abe: Best for Payment Relief Options

Abe

4.3

Credible Rating

To determine the best student loan companies, Credible evaluated lenders based on several different categories, including: rates and fees, loan terms, eligibility, repayment options, and customer support. We assigned a score out of five stars to each lender based on our findings.
Read our full methodology.

on Credible's website

Min. Credit Score

660

Fixed APR

-

Variable APR

-

Loan Amount

$1,000 to $99,999 annually $180,000 aggregate limit)

Term

5, 7, 10, 15, 20

Expert Insights

Few private lenders match the borrower protections Abe offers. You'll find options like in-school default protection, extended grace periods, and multiple types of forbearance — including for job loss and illness. These features make Abe an especially good fit for students who want a safety net during unpredictable times.

Advertiser Disclosure

We receive compensation from the companies below if you purchase a product. Amount of compensation does not impact the ranking or placement of a particular product. Not all available financial products and offers from all financial institutions have been reviewed by this website. This content is not provided by Credible or any of the Providers on the Credible website. Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed here are those of the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by Credible.

Citizens: Best for Multiyear Approval

Citizens

4.3

Credible Rating

To determine the best student loan companies, Credible evaluated lenders based on several different categories, including: rates and fees, loan terms, eligibility, repayment options, and customer support. We assigned a score out of five stars to each lender based on our findings.
Read our full methodology.

on Credible's website

Min. Credit Score

640

Fixed APR

3.24 - 14.99%

Variable APR

4.99 - 15.47%

Loan Amount

$1,000 to $400,000 (depending on degree)

Term

5, 10, 15

Expert Insights

Citizens could be a great fit for borrowers who already bank with the lender and want to save more on their student loans. Customers can lower their interest rate by 0.25 percentage points with a loyalty discount, and by another 0.25 percentage points for enrolling in autopay. Citizens also offers multiyear approval, making it easier to get additional loans without repeated hard credit checks.

Advertiser Disclosure

We receive compensation from the companies below if you purchase a product. Amount of compensation does not impact the ranking or placement of a particular product. Not all available financial products and offers from all financial institutions have been reviewed by this website. This content is not provided by Credible or any of the Providers on the Credible website. Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed here are those of the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by Credible.

SoFi: Best for Member Perks

SoFi

4.3

Credible Rating

To determine the best student loan companies, Credible evaluated lenders based on several different categories, including: rates and fees, loan terms, eligibility, repayment options, and customer support. We assigned a score out of five stars to each lender based on our findings.
Read our full methodology.

on Credible's website

Min. Credit Score

Does not disclose

Fixed APR

-

Variable APR

-

Loan Amount

$1,000 to $100,000

Term

5, 7, 10, 15

Expert Insights

SoFi offers borrower-friendly benefits rarely seen among student loan lenders. Perks include cash back for strong grades, a loyalty discount on future loans, and cosigner release after just 12 months. With flexible terms and competitive rates, SoFi is a standout option for students seeking long-term value.

Advertiser Disclosure

We receive compensation from the companies below if you purchase a product. Amount of compensation does not impact the ranking or placement of a particular product. Not all available financial products and offers from all financial institutions have been reviewed by this website. This content is not provided by Credible or any of the Providers on the Credible website. Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed here are those of the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by Credible.

ELFI: Best for flexible repayment

ELFI

4.2

Credible Rating

To determine the best student loan companies, Credible evaluated lenders based on several different categories, including: rates and fees, loan terms, eligibility, repayment options, and customer support. We assigned a score out of five stars to each lender based on our findings.
Read our full methodology.

on Credible's website

Min. Credit Score

680

Fixed APR

2.99 - 14.22%

Variable APR

5.00 - 13.97%

Loan Amount

$1,000 up to cost of attendance

Term

5, 7, 10, 15

Expert Insights

ELFI stands out for offering a broad range of repayment terms — 5, 7, 10, or 15 years — so you can tailor your loan to fit your budget and timeline. Whether you want to pay off your loan quickly or stretch payments over time, ELFI gives you the tools to choose. This flexibility makes it a strong option if you're seeking maximum control over your repayment plan.

Advertiser Disclosure

We receive compensation from the companies below if you purchase a product. Amount of compensation does not impact the ranking or placement of a particular product. Not all available financial products and offers from all financial institutions have been reviewed by this website. This content is not provided by Credible or any of the Providers on the Credible website. Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed here are those of the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by Credible.

Nelnet Bank: Best for Competitive Rates

nelnet

4.2

Credible Rating

To determine the best student loan companies, Credible evaluated lenders based on several different categories, including: rates and fees, loan terms, eligibility, repayment options, and customer support. We assigned a score out of five stars to each lender based on our findings.
Read our full methodology.

on Credible's website

Min. Credit Score

Mid to high 600’s FICO

Fixed APR

-

Variable APR

-

Loan Amount

$1,000 to $500,000

Term

5, 10, 15

Expert Insights

Nelnet Bank stands out among private student loan lenders for offering low starting rates and high loan limits across undergraduate, graduate, and health professional programs. You can qualify for a Nelnet Bank student loan with mid-600s credit or apply with a cosigner to improve your chances of approval and secure a better rate.

Advertiser Disclosure

We receive compensation from the companies below if you purchase a product. Amount of compensation does not impact the ranking or placement of a particular product. Not all available financial products and offers from all financial institutions have been reviewed by this website. This content is not provided by Credible or any of the Providers on the Credible website. Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed here are those of the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by Credible.

INvested: Best for Indiana Students

INvested

3.6

Credible Rating

To determine the best student loan companies, Credible evaluated lenders based on several different categories, including: rates and fees, loan terms, eligibility, repayment options, and customer support. We assigned a score out of five stars to each lender based on our findings.
Read our full methodology.

on Credible's website

Min. Credit Score

670

Fixed APR

4.59 - 8.59%

Variable APR

6.74 - 10.79%

Loan Amount

$1,001 up to 100% of school certified cost of attendance

Term

5, 10, 15

Expert Insights

INvestEd offers unique value for Indiana students, with eligibility limited to state residents or those attending school in the state. This includes competitive interest rates, cosigner release after just 12 on-time payments, and generous forbearance and deferment options. As a nonprofit, INvestEd combines affordability with a strong commitment to local borrowers.

Advertiser Disclosure

We receive compensation from the companies below if you purchase a product. Amount of compensation does not impact the ranking or placement of a particular product. Not all available financial products and offers from all financial institutions have been reviewed by this website. This content is not provided by Credible or any of the Providers on the Credible website. Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed here are those of the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by Credible.

MEFA: Best for Borrowers With Good Credit

MEFA

3

Credible Rating

To determine the best student loan companies, Credible evaluated lenders based on several different categories, including: rates and fees, loan terms, eligibility, repayment options, and customer support. We assigned a score out of five stars to each lender based on our findings.
Read our full methodology.

on Credible's website

Min. Credit Score

670

Fixed APR

3.29 - 8.89%

Variable APR

-

Loan Amount

$1,500 up to school’s certified cost of attendance less aid

Term

10, 15

Expert Insights

MEFA is best for borrowers with strong credit who want stable, low-cost college financing without the extras. It offers low, fixed-interest rates and zero fees. But there are no variable rates, autopay discounts, or short-term repayment options. If you meet its credit standards, MEFA's nonprofit model makes it a reliable, no-frills alternative to traditional private lenders.

Why you can trust our Credible experts

The Credible editorial team is independent and unbiased. Partners do not influence our editorial content. To help you find the best student loan for your situation, we conduct thorough research and analyze thousands of lender data points. Using data-driven methodologies, we score criteria that are important to you. This allows us to objectively rank student loan lenders and products. To learn more, read our methodology below.

Methodology

To determine the best part-time student loan lenders, Credible collected more than 1,000 points of data on two dozen companies and evaluated them on several different categories: repayment options, eligibility, interest rates, loan terms, and customer support. Based on our findings, we assigned a score out of five stars to each lender. Below are the weightings assigned to the general categories for the best student loan companies — which comprise individual criteria that are also weighted.

  • Repayment options: 30%
  • Eligibility: 25%
  • Interest rates: 20%
  • Loan terms: 15%
  • Customer support: 10%

While the best lender for you will depend on your unique needs and financial circumstances, these findings should help answer your questions and assist you in your search for the best student loan.

Learn more about our methodology.

Part-time vs. full-time students

Your enrollment status is determined by the amount of credit hours you're taking. A part-time student is generally one who's taking fewer classes than their school's definition of full-time enrollment. The Department of Education classifies full-time enrollment as at least 12 credit hours and half-time enrollment as at least six credit hours per term.

If your school uses “clock hour” programs or another nonstandard system for enrollment, you can contact the school to find out what it considers full-time or half-time. Some schools consider 24 clock hours per week to be full-time enrollment, while schools with a quarter system may consider 36 quarter hours per academic year to be full-time.

If you're at half-time enrollment or above, you can qualify for federal or private student loans. If you're below half-time enrollment, you may still be eligible for a loan from a private lender like Sallie Mae.

Keep in mind that many lenders prefer to issue larger loans over smaller ones, which may make it more difficult to qualify for a part-time student loan. According to data compiled by Credible, the rejection rate for applications for private student loans of less than $2,000 is around 40%, compared with 13% for loan amounts of $15,000 or more.

Can I get federal student loans as a part-time student?

To qualify for Direct Subsidized Loans, Direct Unsubsidized Loans, and Direct PLUS Loans, you must be enrolled at least half-time in an eligible school and program. If you plan to enroll in fewer classes than this, you unfortunately won't be able to take out a federal student loan.

However, applying for as many scholarships and grants as possible may help you cover the cost of your part-time education. It's still important to submit the FAFSA to find out what other aid you may qualify for.

How much can I borrow as a part-time student?

If you're enrolled at least half-time, you can borrow up to the annual limit for federal student loans each year, which varies by your year in school, loan type, and dependency status (dependent vs. independent). For example, a first-year dependent undergraduate student can borrow up to $5,500, with no more than $3,500 in subsidized loans. Federal loans also have aggregate limits, and once you meet these, you can't borrow any more funds.

Private student loans generally come with minimum and maximum loan amounts. For instance, Custom Choice offers loans from $1,000 to $180,000. However, many lenders allow you to borrow up to the school-certified cost of attendance.

tip Icon

Good to know

You may not qualify for the maximum student loan amount, especially as a part-time student. Your school calculates your cost of attendance and subtracts your Student Aid Index and any financial aid received to determine how much you can borrow.

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

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

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

You'll generally need good to excellent credit to qualify for a private student loan. Some lenders offer private student loans for bad credit, but these loans generally come with higher interest rates compared to the rates offered to borrowers with good credit.

Editor insight: “If you're having trouble getting approved, I recommend applying with a cosigner. Even if you don't technically need one to qualify, having a cosigner with strong finances could help you secure a lower interest rate than you'd get on your own. Just make sure you both understand the responsibilities involved.”

— Renee Fleck, Student Loans Editor, Credible

 

How to choose a part-time student loan

It’s typically best to start with federal student loans. But if you’ve exceeded your federal loan limits, you may need to turn to private student loans. When evaluating part-time student loan options, consider the following factors:

  • Interest rates: Private student loans can have fixed or variable interest rates, and minimum and maximum rates vary by lender.
  • Loan amounts: The loan amount you’re offered depends on your credit, enrollment status, cost of attendance, and other factors. 
  • Repayment plans: Private lenders may offer the option to make full payments, interest-only payments, or fixed payments while you’re enrolled in school.
  • Fees: Pay attention to any fees the lender charges. Common fees include late fees, returned payment fees, and insufficient funds fees.
  • Discounts: A lender may offer you a discount for enrolling in autopay or meeting other requirements. Rate discounts can help you save on your overall loan cost.
  • Hardship options: Not all lenders offer hardship options such as forbearance if you’re struggling to make payments, so it’s a good idea to ask potential lenders about this.

What happens to my student loans if I drop below half-time?

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

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

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

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Keep in mind

Some student loans don’t offer a grace period, which means you may have to start making payments right away. Check with your school to see what counts as half-time status. Then contact your servicer or lender so you know when to begin repayment.

If you decide to take out private student loans to pay for school as a part-time student, be sure to consider as many lenders as possible to find the right loan for you.

No matter if you take out federal or private student loans, be sure to consider how much the loans will cost you over time. This way, you can plan for any added expenses.

Benefits and drawbacks of being a part-time student

 

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Pros

  • More flexibility
  • Costs less
  • Can help you change careers
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Cons

  • May not qualify for federal aid
  • Takes longer to graduate
  • May have fewer choices for schools and programs

While most people think of higher education in terms of being a full-time student, there are plenty of reasons why you might want to be a part-time learner instead. Of course, there are also disadvantages to being enrolled part-time.

Pros

  • More flexibility: Part-time enrollment can be a great option for parents or students who want to work while they attend school, as it allows you to have more freedom in your schedule.
  • Costs less: Taking fewer courses will cost you less money, which can make attending college more manageable if money is tight.
  • Can help you change careers: If you're working full-time but are interested in changing careers, taking a few college classes can help you gain the knowledge and skills you need to switch to a different career path.

Cons

  • May not qualify for federal aid: If you're enrolled less than half-time, you won't be able to qualify for federal student loans.
  • Takes longer to graduate: Being a part-time student rather than a full-time student means it'll take you longer to complete your courses and graduate. It could take you multiple years longer to get your degree.
  • May have fewer choices for schools and programs: You may have a harder time finding a school that offers a part-time program in what you want to study, as some schools only offer full-time programs.

Tips for finding the best part-time student loans

The following tips can help you find the best private part-time student loans:

  1. Prequalify with multiple lenders: Many lenders allow you to prequalify for a loan on their websites without affecting your credit. This is a good way to gauge the interest rate you may be offered.
  2. Compare rate quotes: Once you have a few quotes, compare them side by side to determine which is best for your financial situation. Consider factors like interest rates, repayment terms, fees, and discounts.
  3. Apply: Once you've selected the right lender for you, formally apply on its website. Note that you'll likely need to provide supporting documentation with your application, such as pay stubs or tax returns.
  4. Consider your options after receiving a decision: If the lender denies your application, think about applying with a cosigner or waiting until you've improved your credit before reapplying on your own. You typically need at least a 670 FICO score and a steady income for approval, so holding off until you can meet these requirements, or applying with someone who does, can improve your odds of getting a loan.

FAQ

What is considered half-time for student loans?

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How much of my Pell Grant will I get for part-time?

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Can I get student loans if I’m a part-time student?

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Can I get a scholarship if I’m enrolled part-time?

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Can I use the FAFSA as a part-time student?

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Which part-time student loan is the best?

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Meet the expert:
Kelly Larsen

Kelly Larsen is a student loans editor at Credible. She has spent over 10 years covering personal finance, with expertise in mortgage and debt management.