Can You Get Student Loans Without the FAFSA?

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is crucial in securing federal financial aid for higher education in the United States. It checks students’ eligibility for grants, work-study programs, and federal student loans.

However, some borrowers may bypass the FAFSA due to personal circumstances or privacy concerns. Others miss the deadlines. If you’re in one of these situations, you’ll have to find financial aid from private companies and lenders.

Why you should fill out the FAFSA before moving forward with other aid

The FAFSA is more than just a form—it’s the cornerstone of the federal financial aid system. Filling it out affords you eligibility for various forms of financial aid, including federal student loans, grants, and work-study programs. Grants and work-study programs, in particular, offer funding you don’t need to repay.

To complete the FAFSA, you and your parent/guardian must share several pieces of information:

• Social Security number or Alien Registration number
• Federal income tax returns and records of untaxed income, both of which you can access by creating an online account with the IRS
• Information on cash, savings, and investments
• A list of schools you’re interested in attending

The government uses data from the FAFSA to calculate your expected family contribution (EFC), which measures your family’s financial strength. Your EFC, in turn, determines the types of aid you qualify for and how much you can receive.

But not everyone wants to go this route. The detailed financial disclosure could deter some applicants. Others may have missed the application window—federal applications for the FAFSA open on October 1 and close on June 30 each year. Each state has its own deadline.

Others opt for other paths due to personal situations, such as immigration status or privacy concerns.

Our expert’s take

Catherine Valega

CFP®

The FAFSA completion has gotten easier. I recommend everyone take this step. Even if you won’t qualify for financial aid, it is required for merit aid and work-study jobs. Many of those jobs are easy and can afford extra spending money while you’re in college.

Student loans only available through the FAFSA

Completing the FAFSA is mandatory if you’re considering federal student loans. This application gives you access to various federal loan types, each tailored to meet different needs and financial situations.

Federal loans (FAFSA required):

• Direct Subsidized Loans: These loans are for undergraduate students demonstrating financial need. The government pays the interest while you’re enrolled at least half-time in school.
• Direct Unsubsidized Loans: Open to undergraduate and graduate students, these loans accrue interest immediately, which you are responsible for covering.
• Direct PLUS Loans: Available to graduate students and parents of dependent undergraduate students, these loans have higher borrowing limits but come with higher interest rates.

Federal student loans are often the first choice for students because they come with distinct benefits compared to private student loans:

• Lower interest rates: Most federal loans offer interest rates lower than those of private loans.
• Loan forgiveness programs: Federal loans provide access to various loan forgiveness programs, including Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
• Income-driven repayment plans: These repayment plans are flexible, allowing you to adjust payments based on your income, which can be useful in times of financial uncertainty.

What student loans are available without the FAFSA?

Unlike federal loans, private student loans don’t require you to complete the FAFSA. Why? Because private loans are offered by banks and financial institutions, not the government. These lenders have their own criteria for approval, primarily based on creditworthiness rather than financial need.

Here are some of the best private lenders that let you check your eligibility without affecting your credit score.

However, we recommend private student loans only to fill in any gaps after maxing out your federal loans and aid.

What should students and parents know about combining federal and non-FAFSA loans to cover education costs?

Catherine Valega

CFP®

I would always start with federal student loans for all the reasons mentioned in this article. However, one important rule of thumb, which many students and parents were not aware of or decide not to heed, is to only take a maximum amount of debt equal to your first year’s projected income.For example, if you’re studying to become a teacher, research your potential first-year teacher salary, which can be quite low depending on where you are in the country. If, however, you’re studying computer science or engineering, you might count on much higher starting salaries, thus making a higher debt-service amount feasible.You do not want to be riddled with debt payments that make it impossible to move out of your parent’s basements and start your own exciting adult life post-college.

Private student loans (FAFSA not required):

• Are offered by banks and financial institutions: These organizations set their own terms and conditions, separate from government regulations.
• Generally have credit-based approval: For most lenders, your credit score and history are pivotal in determining your eligibility and interest rate for a private loan. Many college students have yet to develop a credit score, which may mean higher interest rates on any financing obtained by private lenders.

Private student loan lenders do not require you to fill out a FAFSA for approval, but consider the pros and cons:

Pros

• Higher borrowing limits:

  Unlike federal loans, private loans may offer higher borrowing amounts, depending on the lender’s policies and your credit score.

• Fast approval

  While federal loans can take weeks to months for approval and disbursement, private loans often offer quick approval and access to funds if you have strong credit.

Cons

• Higher interest rates

  Most private loans have higher interest rates than federal loans.

• Fewer repayment options

  Many private loans lack income-driven repayment plans and loan forgiveness programs.

• Credit score impact

  Failing to make on-time payments can harm your credit score, making future borrowing more challenging. This is also true for federal loans, but they offer more repayment assistance options than private loans.

Other alternatives for funding without filling out the FAFSA

If you’re skipping the FAFSA or missed the deadline and have already considered private loans, other avenues exist, including institutional loans from colleges and personal loans from various lenders. Here’s what you should know about each.

• Institutional loans from colleges. Some educational institutions provide their own loan packages, often with favorable terms similar to federal loans. These loans aren’t as common as federal or private student loans, and they often come with specific eligibility criteria.
• Personal loans. Personal loans are an option, but they aren’t tailored for educational expenses and often have higher interest rates. Unlike federal loans, personal loans don’t offer benefits such as deferment options or income-driven repayment plans.

Our recommendation: Even when considering private student loans and these alternatives, remember that federal loans obtained through the FAFSA often provide the best terms. Lower interest rates and more flexible repayment options make federal loans a wise first choice for most borrowers.

What if I missed the FAFSA deadline?

Catherine Valega

CFP®

I recommend reaching out to your college of choice as soon as possible. If it cannot be flexible with you or offer other financing options, request an entry deferment, which maintains your acceptance to the college but delays your start date by one year.You can spend that extra year working and saving for college costs, ideally reducing the overall out-of-pocket amount you’ll owe toward your college education.

Key considerations for non-FAFSA student loans

If you’re opting for loans not tied to the FAFSA, it’s crucial to make an informed choice. Consider the following factors when evaluating lenders:

• Compare interest rates: Non-FAFSA loans often come with higher interest rates. However, rates can vary between lenders. Taking the time to compare these rates can result in substantial savings over the life of the loan.
• Review repayment options: Federal loans provide a range of repayment options, but non-FAFSA loans may offer fewer choices. Look into whether the lender offers deferment or income-driven repayment plans. It’s an important aspect that could affect your financial future.
• Read the fine print: Understanding loan terms is critical. Make sure to review all conditions, including late fees and prepayment penalties, to avoid surprises.
• Pay attention to customer reviews: Customer feedback can offer valuable insights into a lender’s reputation and quality of service. A thorough review of these can inform your decision and save you from future issues.

Find out our highest-rated private student loan lenders and read more about how to choose the right one for you on our best private student loans page.