Merit Based Private Student Loans

Even with bad credit, it is possible to get the money you need in order to go to college.

First, fill out the paperwork for FAFSA. FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The application makes people cringe because it seems so long and complicated, but what is an hour or two of your day compared with not having the money to go to college?

When you fill out your FAFSA, you are applying for a Federal Stafford Loan. These types of loans are given without a credit check so your bad credit won’t be a factor when it comes to applying for these loans. If you are a citizen, have little or no income, and have not defaulted on any federal student loans, then you are sure to be approved.

Another loan that does not require good credit is the Perkins loan. Apply for this as soon as possible because they are given out as people apply and the funding will eventually run out. These loans are funded by the government and the college you are attending.

These two loans may not cover everything you need so you will probably have to apply for a private student loan. With a bad credit score, getting a private loan will probably be impossible without a cosigner.

A cosigner is someone who allows you to use their good credit to get a loan. If you are able to get a good cosigner, then you will be able to get your money for school. Choosing someone whose credit score is nearly as bad as or even worse than yours won’t help you. The loan companies don’t add credit scores together; rather they will literally be using the other person’s credit score as a basis for giving you a loan.

A cosigner takes a risk when they agree to cosign for you. If you do not pay on time or you default on the loan, they will be held accountable for payment. This will also reflect in their credit report. When someone trusts you enough to cosign for you, it is your responsibility to not betray their trust. Make your payments on time every month remembering that someone besides the loan company is counting on you doing so.