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, and private student loans, scholarships, or employer tuition assistance may help cover the cost.
Can you get student loans if you’re not 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-seeking students
- What does it mean to be a non-degree-seeking student?
- Can I get student loans as a non-degree-seeking student?
- Loan options for non-degree students
- Eligibility requirements for non-degree student loans
- How to apply for federal student aid
- Tips to get funding
- What private student loans are available for non-degree programs?
- How to choose the best non-degree student loan
- How do I know if my certificate program qualifies for federal financial aid?
- Alternatives to non-degree student loans
- FAQ: Non-degree-seeking student loans
Best student loans for non-degree-seeking 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.
What does it mean to be a non-degree-seeking student?
A non-degree-seeking student is someone who enrolls in classes at a college or university without intending to complete the course requirements to graduate with a degree.
Instead, non-degree-seeking students might take classes for professional development or to broaden their own knowledge simply out of an interest in learning. In some cases, students might be taking prerequisite courses for other programs, such as a nursing program at another school.
The traditional academic term for non-degree-seeking students is “non-matriculated students.” Although non-matriculated students seeking professional development or personal enrichment can earn course credit, they often cannot receive federal financial aid because they aren’t a part of an official undergraduate program or graduate program.
Can I get student loans as a non-degree-seeking student?
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 to pay for classes as a non-degree student.
Watch below: Can You Get Financial Aid for Trade School?
Loan options for non-degree students
If your non-degree program qualifies for federal aid, you may be able to borrow Direct Subsidized Loans or Direct Unsubsidized Loans.
- Federal 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.
- Federal 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 for Federal Direct Loans.
| 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 |
*Higher max amounts for independent undergraduate students.
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 student loan lenders.
Eligibility requirements for non-degree student loans
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’re enrolled in a certificate or career-training program that prepares you for a specific profession
- You’re completing prerequisite coursework required for admission into a degree program
- You choose an eligible program at a community college, university, or vocational school
- You are maintaining satisfactory academic progress, including maintaining a minimum average GPA (typically 2.0) and completing at least 67% of cumulative credits attempted
If your program doesn’t lead to a recognized credential or is offered by a school that does not participate in federal aid programs, you typically won’t qualify for federal student loans.
How to apply for federal student aid for non-degree-seeking students
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.
Tips to get funding for non-degree-seeking student loans
Ready to take some college courses as a non-degree-seeking student, but need help covering the associated school costs? Here are our tips to get student loans:
- Check for financial aid eligibility with your school: While federal financial aid is usually reserved for undergraduate and graduate students completing degrees, you might qualify if you’re enrolled in an eligible certificate program, career training program, or preparatory coursework for a degree program.
- Consider using a cosigner: There are more student loan options beyond the federal government. Private student loans are often available for trade schools, certificate programs, and general courses taken by non-degree-seeking students; to improve your approval odds (and get a lower interest rate), ask a parent or loved one to co-sign your loan. Just be sure you and your loved one have weighed all the pros and cons of cosigning a student loan.
- Save up before enrolling: Save money in a high-yield savings account before enrolling in classes, and use those funds to pay for tuition on your own. This reduces how much you need to borrow via student loans and might help you avoid private loans altogether.
What private student loans are available 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.
Best overall non-degree student loans: 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
Best non-degree student loans for cosigners: 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 payments, $25 flat monthly payments, 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
Best non-degree student loans for no cosigners: 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.
How do I know if my certificate program qualifies for federal financial aid?
LendEDU has many resources to find student loans for non-degree programs. Check out these options to help 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 boot camps
Is it worth taking out a loan for a certificate program?
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.
Personal loans
If you can’t qualify for any student loans and don’t have the money in savings to pay for school, consider a personal loan. While rates and fees are higher than student loans, personal loans are often easy to qualify for.
Note: You can use personal loans for almost anything, but many lenders may restrict you from using the funds for college education. Always read the fine print before applying.
FAQ: Non-degree-seeking student loans
Can you use FAFSA for certificate or post-bacc programs for non-degree-seeking students?
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.
However, you can’t use the FAFSA to qualify for financial aid as a non-degree-seeking post-baccalaureate student.
Can you get a non-degree student loan without a job?
Yes, you can get a non-degree-seeking student loan without a job. Most federal student loans do not require employment or a credit check and are available to non-degree-seeking students enrolling in eligible certificate and career-training programs. Private student loans, however, usually require proof of income or a creditworthy cosigner to qualify.
What type of non-degree student loan does not require a credit check?
Most federal student loans do not require a credit check; thus, non-degree-seeking students pursuing a certificate or career training may qualify for these loans even if they have poor credit or no credit history.
These federal student loans 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.
Can I get non-degree-seeking student loans online?
Yes, you can get non-degree-seeking student loans online. While you might be able to qualify for federal financial aid after filling out the FAFSA online, you’re more likely to qualify for private student loans from online lenders as a non-degree-seeking student.
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.
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About our contributors
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Written by Timothy Moore, CFEI®Timothy Moore is a Certified Financial Education Instructor (CFEI®) specializing in bank accounts, student loans, taxes, and insurance. His passion is helping readers navigate life on a tight budget.
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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.
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Reviewed by Gail Urban, CFP®Gail Urban, CFP®, AAMS®, has been a licensed financial advisor since 2009, specializing in helping individuals. Before personal financial advising, she worked as a business financial manager in several industries for about 25 years.