How to Get a Student Loan Without a Co-Signer

College is expensive, which is why many students need loans to pay for tuition.

Typically, banks do not issue loans to anyone without credit history or that has poor credit history; this includes loans for college. On some occasions, banks will approve you for a student loan if you add a creditworthy co-signer to your loan application. If you are unable to provide a co-signer and your credit history is not adequate for loan approval, you can apply for federal student loans, which are not based on credit.

Instructions

1. Apply for federal student aid by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You can obtain the FAFSA application from any college financial aid office or online. The fastest way to file the FAFSA is online.

2. Gather your income information, such as your W2 and your most recent income tax return, prior to filling out the FAFSA; information on both forms is required to fill out the FAFSA.

3. Go to the FAFSA website to fill out the FAFSA. You may also fill out a paper version of the form if you do not have access to a computer. Enter your name, Social Security Number, address, date of birth, marital status and any dependents you have.

4. Provide the name of the college you are -- or will be -- attending, whether you live on or off campus and if you have even been convicted of drug related crimes. If you have been convicted of a drug related crime you do not qualify for federal student aid.

5. Enter your income information including your adjusted gross income, income tax withheld and any other income you receive from child support, alimony or other sources.

6. Review the information you provided on your FAFSA and submit it online or mail it to the address listed on the paper application. Once your FAFSA is processed, the federal government sends your results, which includes the dollar amount you are expected to contribute to your own education, to your college and the financial aid office determines how much federal aid you are given once you enroll in classes; the federal government determines how much aid you are eligible to receive, but your enrollment status and academic progress as noted by your school determine how much of those funds you will receive.

References

• Federal Student Aid: FAFSA