You can get student loans as a non-degree-seeking student, but your options are more limited. Federal aid is usually reserved for students pursuing a certificate or degree, but some certificate and career-training programs still qualify. If federal aid isn’t available, private lenders may offer loans for trade school, coding boot camps, or other non-degree programs.
Can you get student loans without pursuing a degree?
Yes. Some certificate programs, trade schools, and career-training programs qualify for federal student loans.
Table of Contents
- Best student loans for non-degree students
- Can non-degree students get financial aid?
- Do you need to be enrolled in a degree program to get financial aid?
- Private student loans for non-degree programs
- How to choose the best non-degree student loan
- Resources for certificate programs
- Is borrowing for a certificate program worth it?
- Alternatives to student loans
- FAQ
Best student loans for non-degree students
Some federal aid may be available for certificate programs, but many students rely on private lenders that offer loans for career training, trade school, or non-degree programs.
Can non-degree students get financial aid?
Yes, some non-degree students can qualify for financial aid, but it depends on the program and school. Federal aid typically goes to students enrolled in degree programs, but some certificate programs, career training programs, and prerequisite coursework may still qualify.
If your program doesn’t qualify for federal aid, you might still have options. Private lenders sometimes offer student loans for trade schools, certificate programs, and other career training programs. Some students may rely on employer tuition assistance, scholarships, or payment plans offered by their school.
When federal student loans are available
Federal student loans are available only if your program meets certain eligibility requirements. In general, the program must be offered by an accredited school that participates in federal financial aid programs.
You may qualify for federal loans if you are enrolled in:
- A certificate or career-training program that prepares you for a specific profession
- Prerequisite coursework required for admission into a degree program
- An eligible program at a community college, university, or vocational school
If your program does not lead to a recognized credential or is offered by a school that does not participate in federal aid programs, you typically will not qualify for federal student loans.
Federal student loan options
If your non-degree program qualifies for federal aid, you may be able to borrow Direct Subsidized Loans or Direct Unsubsidized Loans.
- Direct Subsidized Loans are available to undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need. The federal government pays the interest on these loans while you’re in school at least half time.
- Direct Unsubsidized Loans are available to undergraduate, graduate, and professional students regardless of financial need. Interest begins accruing as soon as the loan is disbursed.
Here are the current interest rates and borrowing limits.
| Loan | Rate | Undergrad (per year) | Grad (per year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Subsidized | 6.53% | $3,500 – $5,500 | Not eligible |
| Direct Unsubsidized | 6.53% or 8.08% | $5,500 – $7,500* | $20,500 |
Federal student loans offer benefits that most private loans don’t, including:
- Income-driven repayment plans
- Potential loan forgiveness programs
- Flexible deferment and forbearance options
Because of these protections, it’s generally wise to use federal loans first before turning to private lenders.
How to apply for federal student aid
To apply for federal student aid, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA determines your eligibility for federal student loans as well as other forms of aid.
Submitting the FAFSA may make you eligible for:
- Federal student loans
- Federal and state grants
- Work-study programs
Many schools also use FAFSA information to award institutional scholarships or grants. Even if you’re unsure whether your program qualifies for aid, completing the FAFSA can help you understand what funding options may be available.
Do you need to be enrolled in a degree program to get financial aid?
No, you don’t always need to pursue a full degree to qualify for financial aid. Some certificate or career-training programs qualify for federal aid if they lead to a recognized credential and are offered by a school that participates in federal financial aid programs. For example, students sometimes take preparatory classes before applying to medical school or graduate programs.
Private student loans for non-degree programs
Private lenders set their own eligibility and program requirements. Unlike federal loans, you or your cosigner will need a good credit score to qualify. You may also need a source of income to prove that you can repay the loans.
Many private lenders have specific types of loans for cosmetology school, trade school, or other certificate programs. Here are our top picks.
College Ave
Why we picked it
College Ave offers a variety of student loans, including a Career Loan for students not pursuing a degree. Borrowers can opt for a fixed or variable interest rate and land a 0.25% rate discount if they enroll in automatic payments.
The lender allows students to choose a repayment term that works for their budget. Those who add a cosigner can remove it after meeting certain repayment criteria.
- 4 repayment options
- No origination or application fees
- Quick 3-minute online application
Loan details
| Rates (APR) | 3.99% – 17.99% |
| Loan amounts | $1,000 – 100% of school costs |
| Repayment terms | 5, 8, 10, or 15 years |
Eligibility requirements
- Be at least 16 years old
- Have a Social Security number
- Be enrolled in an eligible school
- Make satisfactory academic progress
- Meet credit and income requirements, or apply with a cosigner
Repayment terms
- Repayment terms of 5, 8, 10, or 15 years
- Full immediate payments, interest-only payments, flat payments of $25 per month, or deferred payments while you’re in school
Sallie Mae
Why we picked it
Sallie Mae’s Smart Option Student Loan for Career Training will cover a year’s worth of professional training or a trade certificate course. Borrowers can take out the full cost of their program without worrying about origination fees or prepayment penalties.
While in school, students can choose from interest-only, $25 monthly, or deferred payments. Sallie Mae’s six-month grace period gives students a break between when classes end and when payments are due.
- 3 repayment options
- No origination or prepayment penalties
- 10-minute application and approval process
Loan details
| Rates (APR) | 3.99% – 16.46% |
| Loan amounts | $1,000 – cost of attendance |
| Repayment terms | 10 – 15 years |
Eligibility requirements
- Open to students attending school full-time, half-time, or less than half-time
- Must meet credit and eligibility requirements or apply with a cosigner
Repayment terms
- Repayment terms of 10 – 15 years
- Can make interest-only or $25-per-month payments while in school or defer payments until after you graduate
Edly
Why we picked it
Edly offers career training loans to students with and without a cosigner. Its loans can be used for coding boot camps, allied health, and similar fields.
Unlike traditional student loans, Edly’s non-cosigned loans don’t have a specific period after graduation in which repayment begins. Instead, you must meet a minimum income requirement before payments start. This ensures you aren’t forced to make payments without the necessary funds.
However, if you borrow a loan with a cosigner, you’ll have to start making payments while in school. Minimum payments start at $100 per month.
- Repayment is based on your income
- Checking your rate doesn’t affect your credit
- Cosigner release is available after 12 months of consecutive on-time monthly payments
Loan details
| Rates (APR) | A company representative advised Edly’s rates are “around 20% – 24%” |
| Loan amounts | Up to $15,000 per year with a lifetime limit of $20,000 |
| Repayment terms | Income-based payments: Pay a percentage of your income after landing a job with a minimum annual salary of $30,000 |
Eligibility requirements
- Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Must be enrolled at least half-time in an eligible school
- Loans not available to residents of Colorado, Vermont, Maine, West Virginia, Connecticut, Nebraska, or Iowa
Repayment terms
- Income-based repayment
- Must pay at least $100 per month while in school for cosigned loan; payments start after graduation for non-cosigned loan
How to choose the best non-degree student loan
If federal student loans are available for your program, they’re usually the best place to start. Federal loans don’t require a credit check for most borrowers and offer flexible repayment options.
If you need additional funding from private lenders, compare loan offers carefully. Consider these factors before borrowing:
- Interest rate: Lower rates reduce the total cost of borrowing. Compare both fixed- and variable-rate options.
- Repayment start date: Some lenders require payments while you’re still in school, while others allow you to defer payments until after you finish your program.
- Cosigner requirements: Adding a cosigner may help you qualify or secure a lower interest rate.
- Loan limits: Make sure the lender offers enough funding to cover your program’s total cost.
- Program eligibility: Not all lenders support trade schools, certificate programs, or coding boot camps.
You can also use our student loan calculator to estimate monthly payments and the total interest you may pay over time. Comparing multiple lenders helps you find the most affordable option.
Student loan resources for certificate programs
If you’re considering a non-degree program, LendEDU has many resources to find loans to cover your educational costs.
- Student loans for certificate programs
- Student loans for continuing education
- Student loans for trade school and career training
- Student loans for acting school
- Student loans for cosmetology school
- Student loans for coding bootcamps
Is borrowing for a certificate program worth it?
If you’re considering a non-degree program, you must decide whether borrowing money to complete it makes sense. Before taking out a loan, ask yourself the following questions.
Are you confident you’ll complete the program?
Certificate programs can be difficult to complete while working full-time, so only students who are certain they can finish should take out loans.
Will the certificate increase your income?
Not every training or certificate will result in a huge salary jump. If you won’t see a large increase in income, you may want to reconsider or find another funding option.
What is the opportunity cost?
Can you keep working while in the program, or do you need to stop working to study? If you can’t work, you may need to take out more loans to cover your living expenses.
Even if the certificate increases your income, is the increase worth the debt?
Borrowing $25,000 to make an extra $1,000 per year makes less sense than borrowing $50,000 to earn an extra $20,000 per year.
Do you have a plan for repaying the loan?
You’ll need to repay the loan after you leave school, so be sure you have room in your budget for payments.
Is the loan within your debt limit?
If you’re a first-time non-degree student, try to limit your total student loan debt to 50% of the first-year salary for the job you’re seeking and never more than 100% of the first-year salary.
Alternatives to non-degree student loans
Employer tuition assistance
Some employers offer tuition assistance or reimbursement programs that can help pay for certificate programs or job-related training. These programs are common in industries such as healthcare, technology, and skilled trades. In many cases, you must remain employed with the company for a certain period after completing the program to keep the benefit.
Scholarships and grants
Scholarships and grants can reduce or eliminate the need to borrow. Many organizations offer funding specifically for certificate programs, trade schools, and career training. Check with your school’s financial aid office, professional associations in your field, and local community organizations for opportunities.
School payment plans
Some schools allow students to spread tuition payments over several months through a payment plan. These plans usually charge little or no interest, making them more affordable than borrowing. Payment plans can be a good option if you can cover the program cost gradually while enrolled.
Savings or part-time work
If possible, consider paying for part of your program with savings or income from a part-time job. Even covering a portion of your tuition this way can reduce how much you need to borrow. Some students also work while completing certificate programs to manage both living expenses and tuition.
FAQ
Can non-degree students get financial aid?
Yes, some non-degree students can qualify for financial aid. Certain certificate programs and prerequisite coursework may be eligible for federal student loans if the school participates in federal aid programs. If federal aid isn’t available, private student loans, scholarships, or employer tuition assistance may help cover the cost
Can you use FAFSA for certificate programs?
Yes, you can use the FAFSA for certificate programs if the program is eligible for federal financial aid. The school must participate in federal aid programs, and the certificate must lead to a recognized credential or career. Completing the FAFSA determines whether you qualify for federal loans, grants, or work-study.
Can you get a personal loan for school?
It’s possible. However, many lenders don’t want to lend to students for their education because personal loans don’t have the lender protections that student loans do. Student loans are difficult to discharge in bankruptcy. Personal loans are dischargeable, so most lenders have decided that issuing personal loans to cover tuition is too risky.
Can you get a student loan without a job?
Yes, you can get a student loan without a job. Most federal student loans do not require employment or a credit check. Private student loans, however, usually require proof of income or a creditworthy cosigner to qualify.
What type of student loan does not require a credit check?
Most federal student loans do not require a credit check. These include Federal Direct Subsidized Loans, available to undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need, and Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans, available to undergraduate, graduate, and professional students regardless of financial need. Although phased out in 2017, Federal Perkins Loans might still be available at some institutions.
How we selected the best non-degree-seeking student loans
LendEDU evaluates student loan lenders to help readers find the best student loans. Our latest analysis reviewed 725 data points from 25 lenders and financial institutions, with 29 data points collected from each. This information is gathered from company websites, online applications, public disclosures, customer reviews, and direct communication with company representatives.
These star ratings help us determine which companies are best for different situations. We don’t believe two companies can be the best for the same purpose, so we only show each best-for designation once.
Recap of the best non-degree-seeking student loans
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About our contributors
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Written by Rebecca SafierRebecca Safier is a personal finance writer with years of experience writing about student loans, personal loans, budgeting, and related topics. She is certified as a student loan counselor through the National Association of Certified Credit Counselors.
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Edited by Kristen Barrett, MATKristen Barrett is a managing editor at LendEDU. She lives in Cincinnati, Ohio, with her wife and their pack of senior rescue dogs. She has edited and written personal finance content since 2015.