Student Loans for Certificate Programs: Paying for Career Training

Certificate programs and vocational schools offer job skills training that allows you to earn a professional credential through a short-term program. Many certificate programs are available, including automotive repair, computer programming, nursing, and trucking.

While earning a certificate is typically quicker and less expensive than a college degree, not every student can afford vocational training on their own. While there are some student loans available for certificate programs, you must shop carefully for these loans to ensure your program qualifies. 

Here’s what you need to know about student loans for certificate programs.

Current private student loan rates

Can you get student loans for certificate programs?

Your certificate program may be eligible for federal student loans, but don’t assume that it is. 

“The eligibility requirements for federal financial aid for vocational schools/certificate programs are the same as for other postsecondary programs,” says Mark Kantrowitz, student loan expert and author of “How To Appeal for More College Financial Aid.” However, since vocational and certificate programs are shorter than traditional college programs, fewer of them meet the eligibility requirements.

Specifically, Kantrowitz explains that a program “must be accredited and have signed a program participation agreement with the U.S. Department of Education” to qualify for federal financial aid, including federal student loans.

Additionally, you’ll need to meet the basic eligibility requirements for federal financial aid. 

“The student must satisfy the general financial aid requirements, such as having a high school diploma/GED, being a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen, having a valid Social Security number, and maintaining satisfactory academic progress,” says Kantrowitz.

You can use the Department of Education's accreditation search tool to check if your program is eligible. If you do qualify for federal assistance, you'll need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Private student loans may be another option for certificate programs. Just be aware that many private lenders limit their loan offerings to students in traditional degree-granting programs. However, some lenders, such as Sallie Mae and Ascent, have loans specifically geared toward certificate programs and vocational schools.

Federal student loans for certificate programs

If you’re attending an accredited certificate program that participates in the federal Title IV aid program, you may qualify for federal student loans. This can include the following:

• Direct Subsidized Loans: These fixed-rate loans are available to undergraduate students, including those at accredited vocational schools, who demonstrate financial need. The federal government pays the accrued interest on Direct Subsidized Loans while you’re enrolled in school and during periods of deferment.
• Direct Unsubsidized Loans: These loans are available to undergraduate, graduate, or professional students, regardless of financial need. You’re responsible for the interest that accrues on these loans.
• Direct PLUS Loans: PLUS loans are available to graduate or professional students and parents of dependent undergraduate students. They’re intended to help cover remaining educational expenses after other financial aid has been exhausted. PLUS loan borrowers must not have adverse credit. Borrowers are responsible for all accrued interest.

To apply for federal student loans or any other federal financial aid, including Pell Grants or the work-study program, you'll need to submit the FAFSA. 

You must provide personal and financial information to complete the FAFSA, including:

• Your Social Security number (and your parents', if applicable)
• Your Alien Registration Number, if you’re not a U.S. citizen
• Federal tax information from your tax returns
• Current balances of checking and savings accounts

See More: Best Student Loan Options for Low-Income Students

Private student loans for certificate and trade schools

If your program is not eligible for federal student loans, you may consider taking out a private student loan for your vocational program. But you may find that not all private lenders offer loans for certificate programs. Since these programs are shorter than traditional programs, there are fewer options for vocational or trade schools.

When looking for a lender, keep the following in mind while you compare your loan options:

• Fees: Nearly all lenders charge some fees, including late and returned payment fees, so factor these into your decision. Try to find a lender with few or no fees.
• Interest rates: Your interest rate can be fixed or variable, and will be higher or lower depending on your credit. Aim to get the lowest interest rate you can qualify for, as this can help you save hundreds or even thousands of dollars on your loan.
• Repayment terms: Loan terms often range from 5 to 20 years or longer. Ensure that the lenders you’re considering offer a repayment term that works for you.
• Cosigner options: Can you apply with a cosigner to get better rates and terms? If so, can you release your cosigner after a certain period of time?

If you choose to take our private loans for your certificate program, Kantrowitz cautions against overborrowing. 

“Aim to have no more debt at graduation than your expected annual starting salary,” he advises. “If your total debt is less than your annual income, you should be able to repay your student loans in 10 years or less.”

Check Out: Lower Your Student Loan Interest Rate: Best Ways To Save on Interest in 2025

Other ways to pay for certificate programs

Student loans aren’t the only way to cover the cost of your certificate program. There are a number of other options for students entering vocational school, including: 

• Grants: Historically, Pell Grants have not been available for certificate or non-degree programs. However, “the new Workforce Pell Grant program will enable students in short-term programs of 8 to 15 weeks in duration to qualify for a Pell Grant,” says Kantrowitz. This change is so new that “negotiated rulemaking for this program just concluded in mid-December 2025,” explains Kantrowitz, and it will go into effect in July 2026. Your school’s financial aid office should be able to help you navigate this situation as it develops. You may also be able to find private grants from companies and professional organizations.
• Scholarships: Organizations such as nonprofits or professional groups may offer scholarships to help students like you get the training you need.
• Employer tuition reimbursement programs: In many cases, employers offer tuition reimbursement to employees for completing a certificate program that's relevant to their job. For example, if you work as a computer programmer, your company may pay for you to get certificates in various programming languages.
• Personal savings: Since certificate programs tend to be less expensive than degrees, you may be able to save up to pay for your program.
• Payment plans: Some schools offering certificate programs provide payment plans that allow you to pay over time.

You May Also Like: How To Pay for College: 7 Smart Options in 2025

How to apply for student loans for certificate programs

To apply for student loans for your certificate program, you’ll need to follow a few steps. It’s typically best to start with federal student loans, as they offer more benefits and protections than private student loans. 

See Also: How To Apply for Student Loans in 2025: Federal & Private