Can you get student finance with bad credit?
Emma Miller
Updated on February 08, 2026
Fear not: Bad credit doesn’t automatically disqualify you from getting a student loan. In fact, the most borrower-friendly student loans—those issued by the federal government—don’t assess your credit at all in most cases.
How can I go to college with no money and bad credit?
It’s generally recommended you rely on federal loans first, which you become eligible for after completing the FAFSA. Federal loans are the easy answer to how to go to college with no money and/or bad credit. They don’t require a credit check. They also come with repayment protections that private lenders don’t match.
Does credit score affect grants?
The short answer is “No”. Your credit score doesn’t directly affect your financial aid. The good news is, having bad credit or no credit won’t stand in the way of receiving federal financial aid! The first step to receiving financial aid is to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®).
Can you be denied student loans because of bad credit?
Having bad credit won’t disqualify you from getting a student loan. You can borrow federal student loans, which don’t factor in credit history. But, if federal student loans and other aid isn’t enough to pay for college, you may need a private student loan.
Do private loans look at your credit?
Most private lenders require you to have a credit score of at least 670 or higher on a 300-850 scale used by FICO, the most widely known credit score. If you don’t have a credit history, you’ll need a co-signer with a good credit score and a steady income in order to qualify for the loan.
What could be a good option available to you if you are behind on loan payments?
What could be a good option available to you if you are behind on loan payments? A financial institution may offer for you to pay a little now and pay the rest after your next pay day. They are less risky for the financial institution, and usually have a lower interest rate.
What is the minimum credit score for a student loan?
670
Student loans are the one corner of consumer finance where your credit score doesn’t always dictate your ability to borrow, especially if you take out federal student loans. However, private student loan lenders typically require you to have a credit score of at least 670.
Can you get a government grant if you have bad credit?
The government also gives grants for people who want to go to school or to unemployed people; so if you are unemployed and have a bad credit rating, don’t be discouraged from applying for a government grant as you do not necessarily have to own a business to qualify.
Where can I get a student loan if I have bad credit?
If you need a student loan but have bad credit, the federal government provides student loans and grants for students who meet certain criteria. Sometimes, your credit score isn’t significant for these government loans and grants. You can also get a private loan from your local bank, but this will require you to have a cosigner.
Can a student with bad credit get an emergency loan?
A: Students who need an emergency loan to continue their education but have a bad credit history are definitely in a precarious situation. However if you have a cosigner for your loan that means you have a much greater chance of getting the loan approved. So if you have poor credit score you should defiantly look for a cosigner.
How can I pay for college with bad credit?
And while it may present a slightly more challenging path when financing college — bad credit does not spell the end for hopes of earning that degree. You can finance large expenses like tuition and housing with student or personal loans, as well as with money from scholarships and grants.