How To Get Student Loans and Financial Aid for Gunsmithing School

If you have a passion for firearms and like to build, fix, or make your own guns, a gunsmithing program could help you turn that passion into a career. These programs come in several forms, including online courses, certificate programs, and associate degrees. Costs can vary widely depending on the school and training type.

Federal and private student loans can help cover the cost, but your financing options will depend on whether your gunsmithing program is eligible for federal financial aid.

Learn about how to pay for your gunsmithing education, including federal financial aid options and student loans that are available to you.

Current private student loan rates

Best student loans for gunsmithing school

Federal loans are often the best way to borrow for gunsmithing school due to their relatively low interest rates and borrower benefits such as income-driven repayment plans and access to forgiveness programs. However, not all gunsmithing programs qualify for federal aid. If yours doesn't, private student loans may be the next best alternative.

Here's an overview of your loan options:

• Federal student loans: Federal loans for gunsmithing training may be available through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) if your school is accredited and participates in the Title IV federal aid program. You can check your school's accreditation status using the Department of Education's search tool.
• Private student loans: If federal financial aid isn't an option, you can turn to private student loans for trade school or community college loans, depending on the gunsmithing program. However, not all private lenders offer loans for trade or associate degree programs, so you'll need to check a lender's eligibility requirements before applying.

Federal loans for gunsmithing training

Federal student loans for gunsmithing school may be available, but it depends on the school.

“If the trade school is accredited and participates in federal student aid programs, then the student can file the FAFSA form to determine eligibility,” says Samantha Heflin, certified student loan professional (CSLP) and certified financial planner (CFP) at Apella Wealth.

If your school qualifies for federal aid, you may be eligible for the following loans:

• Direct Subsidized Loans: If your gunsmithing program is part of an undergraduate program and you possess financial need, you may be eligible for Direct Subsidized Loans. These loans are exclusively available to students with financial need in an undergraduate program.
• Direct Unsubsidized Loans: Undergraduate, graduate, and professional students may qualify for Direct Unsubsidized Loans. Financial need isn't a requirement, but the loans don't have any interest subsidies.
• Direct PLUS Loans: If you're in an eligible graduate or professional program, you may qualify for Direct PLUS Loans. Unlike the other Direct Loans, PLUS loans allow you to borrow up to the cost of attendance, taking into account other financial aid.

Private loans for gunsmithing programs

If your gunsmithing school isn't part of the federal financial aid program, you can look into private student loans to fill any gaps.

Multiple lenders offer private student loans for trade school or associate degree programs, including:

• Sallie Mae offers a Career Training Smart Option Student Loan to students attending select trade schools and certificate programs.
• College Ave offers career loans to students enrolled in associate's, bachelor's, and graduate degree programs.
• Ascent offers loans for career training and bootcamp programs at select schools. You can use the lender's school search to confirm your school's eligibility.

Private student loans typically cover tuition, fees, technology, and supplies. Approval depends on your credit score and income, unlike federal loans. If you have a qualified cosigner willing to take on the risk of the loan, you may boost your chances of approval and get a lower interest rate.

Financial aid for gunsmithing school

Gunsmithing school financial aid may be available in the form of grants and scholarships. Both are types of gift aid, meaning you don't need to repay the funds you're awarded.

Start by contacting your school to ask about any available gunsmithing scholarships and grants. You can also look into different firearms associations, groups, and schools that may have opportunities for students. For example, some gunsmithing scholarships are available from:

• The American Custom Gunmakers Guild Foundation (ACGG) 
• The Amateur Trapshooting Association
• Mathew Sheehan Memorial Gunsmithing Scholarship at Montgomery Community College

Some schools also offer tuition payment plans. For example, Modern Gun School (MGS) Trade School provides an option to help make costs more manageable:

“While we do not offer federal financial aid, we provide flexible monthly payment plans that allow students to spread out tuition costs with no interest, making it easier to invest in your future without a heavy upfront burden,” says Kevin J McCloskey, president of Modern Gun School.

MGS Trade School also accepts education benefits for military members and veterans, including the Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and VA Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E) benefits.

Finally, check if your employer offers tuition reimbursement or educational assistance. In some cases, you may also qualify for workforce development funds or GI Bill benefits to help cover gunsmithing training.

Cost of gunsmithing school

The cost of gunsmithing school varies and depends on both the school and the program. Here are some example costs for gunsmith training:

These costs can vary widely. Remember, you also need to consider if you're in-state or out-of-state, potential relocation costs, housing, and expenses for tools and materials.

Gunsmithing career and salary outlook

Before choosing a gunsmithing program, consider your future earning potential as well. While the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) doesn't have exact data on gunsmithing, it tracks Metal and Plastic Machine Workers who earned a median salary of $46,800 per year in 2024. According to Glassdoor, an employment website that provides job and salary insights, gunsmithing can pay anywhere between $59,000 and $105,000 per year.

Gunsmithing training can prepare you to work in a variety of roles, according to McClosekey, including:

• Firearms dealerships
• Hunting and sporting goods shops
• Armory and range management
• Manufacturer or wholesaler sales and support
• Independent gunsmithing business

Tips for responsible borrowing

Figuring out how to pay for vocational firearm programs can be a challenge, but there are ways to keep costs manageable:

• Review costs and income: Research your program's tuition and compare it with expected earnings after graduation to make sure the loan is something you can realistically repay.
• Maximize grants and scholarships: Before turning to student loans, search for scholarships and grant opportunities. Every dollar in gift aid is a dollar you don't have to repay with interest, which can significantly lower your total loan cost.
• Understand repayment options: Before you sign any loan agreement, know your interest rate, repayment period, and minimum monthly payment. These details will determine how much the loan truly costs and whether it fits within your future budget.
• Pay more than the minimum: If you do take out a student loan, making extra payments (when possible) can lower your loan balance faster and reduce the amount of interest you'll pay over time.