If you’re looking into a certificate program, there’s a good chance you’ll need help paying for it. Most private lenders do lend for certificate programs, though eligibility requirements vary.
Private student loans for certificate programs can cover tuition and other costs, even if federal aid isn’t part of the picture. We’ve put together this guide to help you understand your lending options and what lenders look for when reviewing your application.
Key takeaways
- Not all certificate programs qualify for federal or private loans.
- Private student loans are often used when federal student aid isn’t available.
- Many lenders require good credit or a cosigner.
- Comparing multiple lenders helps you find the best rates.
What are private student loans for certificate programs?
These are loans from private lenders that help you pay for career-focused programs. If federal student loans don’t cover enough, private student loans are another way of borrowing money for school. Private lenders base your approval on your credit score, and you may need a cosigner.
These loans are commonly used for vocational and professional training programs that don’t lead to a traditional degree. Not every lender offers them, though, and eligible certificate programs vary by lender. Before you apply, check with the lender to make sure your program qualifies.
Table of Contents
- What are private student loans?
- Federal student loans for certificate programs
- Private student loans for certificate programs
- What certificate programs qualify for FAFSA?
- Can you get financial aid for a certificate program?
- What to consider before borrowing
- How to get a private student loan for a certificate program
- Alternatives to student loans
- How to choose a private student loan
- FAQ
Federal student loans for certificate programs
Federal funding is available for higher education programs offered through Title IV-eligible institutions (meaning schools approved to offer federal financial aid). Eligibility depends on federal requirements, including program structure and credential type.
To access federal loans and aid, you’ll need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which evaluates your financial need and determines what you qualify for.
Here’s what federal student loans can offer:
| Federal loan type | Who it’s for | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Subsidized Loans | Undergrads with financial need | No interest while enrolled half-time |
| Direct Unsubsidized Loans | Undergrads or grads, no need required | Interest accrues during school |
| Grad PLUS Loans | Graduate or professional students | Requires credit check; highest interest and fees |
What federal student loans for certificate programs typically include
Federal loans come with fixed rates, deferment, income-driven repayment (IDR) options, and potential forgiveness programs for eligible borrowers. If you’re eligible, start with Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans.
Here’s what federal borrowers can access:
- Fixed interest rates set by the federal government
- Access to income-contingent repayment plans
- Deferment and forbearance options
- Loan forgiveness programs (if eligible)
When filling out the FAFSA, you’ll need to provide:
- Personal identification information
- Tax and income details
- School selection information
If your certificate program isn’t covered by federal aid or you’ve hit federal borrowing limits, private lenders may be a good next step.
Private student loans for certificate programs
Private student loans for certificate programs give you a way to cover costs that federal aid can’t reach. Credit approval requirements, interest rates, repayment terms, and eligible programs all vary by lender. It’s worth comparing a few options before you commit. Look specifically at APR ranges, whether the lender requires a cosigner, and how flexible repayment is after you graduate or complete your program.
Best overall student loans for certificate programs: College Ave
Why it’s one of the best
College Ave offers career loans with reasonable fixed and variable interest rates. Funding is available for various educational levels, including associate, bachelor’s, and graduate degree programs. You don’t need to seek a degree to qualify; certificate programs are eligible for loan funding.
You can add a cosigner to improve your approval chances or help you secure more favorable loan terms. College Ave does allow cosigner release when certain conditions are met. You or your cosigner must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident.
- Career loans cover up to 100% of costs
- Borrowers do not need to be seeking a degree to qualify
- Minimum loan amount is $1,000
Loan details
| Rates (APR) | 4.22% – 17.99% |
| Loan amounts | $1,000 – 100% of certified costs |
| Repayment terms | 5, 8, 10, or 15 years |
Best private student loans for certificate programs with cosigners: Sallie Mae
Why it’s one of the best
Sallie Mae offers career training loans for certificate programs, covering all program-related costs for one year. The Smart Option Student Loan for career training has no origination fees or prepayment penalties, and you can choose a repayment term that best fits your budget.
You can choose from fixed or variable rates, with repayment terms extending 10 to 15 years. With Sallie Mae loans, you can add a cosigner to improve your chances of qualifying, especially if you have a limited or poor credit history. You can apply for cosigner release after completing your certificate program and meeting other conditions.
- Career training loans cover up to 100% of certificate program costs for one year
- Cosigners are accepted, with release available after 12 consecutive, on-time payments
- No prepayment penalties or origination fees
Loan details
| Rates (APR) | 4.25% – 15.70% |
| Loan amounts | $1,000 – 100% of certified costs |
| Repayment terms | 10 – 15 years |
Best student loans with a soft credit check for certificate programs: Ascent
Why it’s one of the best
Ascent offers private student loans for certificate programs and boot camp loans to help you cover tuition costs. The minimum loan is $2,000, and it’s possible to borrow up to 100% of the attendance costs. Ascent has generous aggregate borrowing limits for undergraduates and graduate students.
These loans are available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents, but Ascent also accepts applications from DACA recipients. You can add a cosigner, and you can apply for cosigner release after meeting minimum requirements.
Loan details
| Fixed Rates (APR) | 3.69% – 16.20%* |
| Loan amounts | $2,001 – $200,000 |
| Repayment terms | 5, 7, 10, 12, or 15 years |
What certificate programs qualify for FAFSA?
Programs like nursing, HVAC, welding, medical assisting, and cybersecurity may qualify for FAFSA if they’re offered through eligible institutions and meet federal requirements. To receive federal aid, your certificate program must:
- Be offered through a Title IV-participating school accredited by the Department of Education
- Meet minimum duration and credit/clock hour requirements
- Be considered a valid postsecondary credential
Please note that many short-term or non-degree boot camps fall outside these requirements, even reputable ones. It’s best to confirm eligibility with your school’s financial aid office or use the Federal School Code Lookup.
FAFSA-approved certificate programs
Examples of certificate programs offered at schools that commonly participate in federal student aid include:
- Practical Nursing Certificate – Wake Tech
- HVAC Certificate – Ivy Tech Community College
- Cybersecurity Certificate – Montgomery College
- Medical Assisting – Bunker Hill Community College
- Dental Assisting – Pima Community College
- Accounting Certificate – Salt Lake Community College
- Automotive Technology – Lone Star College
- Phlebotomy Certificate – Santa Fe College
- Welding Technology – Central Georgia Technical College
- Cosmetology Certificate – Houston Community College
- EMT Program – City College of San Francisco
- Digital Marketing Certificate – Portland Community College
- Electrician Certificate – Southern Maine Community College
- Business Office Technology – El Paso Community College
- Veterinary Assistant – Northern Virginia Community College
- Culinary Arts Certificate – Asheville-Buncombe Tech
- Child Development Certificate – San Diego Mesa College
- Graphic Design Certificate – Madison Area Tech College
- Construction Management – Fox Valley Tech
- Paralegal Certificate – Cuyahoga Community College
- Data Analytics Certificate – Community College of Philadelphia
For the above list, we verified that:
1. Each institution is Title IV-eligible
2. Each program is offered for credit (not just non-credit continuing education)
3. Each program meets duration and clock-hour requirements
Can you get financial aid for a certificate program?
Yes, several types of financial aid are available for certificate programs, including student loans for certificate programs, grants, scholarships, and work-study programs. What you can access depends on your program and institution. Here are your options:
- Loans: Federal loans or private student loans
- Grants: Pell Grants, state grants (often need-based)
- Scholarships: Offered by schools, employers, nonprofits
- Work-study: May be available at some Title IV institutions
You must complete the FAFSA to be considered for most federal and state aid.
Watch below: Can You Get Financial Aid for Trade School?
What to consider before borrowing
Before you start borrowing money for a certificate program, it’s worth taking stock of your options and what lenders will look for. Keeping these factors in mind can help you borrow smarter and avoid surprises down the road:
- Check program eligibility. Make sure your program is approved for federal or private loans before applying.
- Credit score and cosigner. Many private lenders require a cosigner for approval or to get better rates. Learn more about student loans with a cosigner and student loans without a cosigner.
- Compare rates and terms. A lower APR means a lower total cost over time, and a shorter repayment term means you’ll pay off the loan faster.
- Look for protections. Federal loans offer deferment, forbearance, and income-driven repayment that private loans typically don’t.
- Repayment terms. Some loans require monthly payments while in school; others offer grace periods after you finish your program.
How to get a private student loan for a certificate program
Federal aid should always come first because it offers more borrower protections. If it’s not available or doesn’t cover enough, here’s how to move forward with a private lender:
- Check your program: Contact your school’s financial aid office to confirm whether your certificate program qualifies for federal or private student loans, and which lenders it works with.
- Complete the FAFSA: If you haven’t already, submit the FAFSA to determine what federal aid you can access before turning to private lenders.
- Compare lenders: Look closely at APR ranges, repayment flexibility, cosigner requirements, and whether the lender specifically funds certificate programs.
- Apply: Submit your application with your chosen lender. You can add a cosigner if needed to strengthen your approval.
The process takes some upfront research, but finding the right loan for your certificate program is manageable when you know what to look for.
Alternatives to student loans
Student loans aren’t your only option. Depending on your situation, you may be able to reduce what you need to borrow (or avoid it altogether) through one of these alternatives:
- Scholarships: Merit- or need-based awards that don’t need to be repaid. Check with your program, school, and field-specific organizations for opportunities.
- Grants: Need-based funding available through the FAFSA for federal and state programs that doesn’t need to be repaid.
- Payment plans: Many schools offer installment plans that let you spread tuition costs over the semester without borrowing.
- Employer assistance: Ask HR whether your employer offers tuition reimbursement or professional development funding.
- Personal loans: Some lenders allow personal loans to be used for educational expenses, but most don’t. Confirm that the lender permits this use before applying.
- Income-share agreements (ISAs): Instead of borrowing upfront, you agree to pay a percentage of your income after completing your program.
- Friend or family loans: A viable option for some, but draft a written agreement to protect both parties and outline repayment terms.
- Credit cards: Best avoided unless you can pay off the balance within a 0% intro APR period before interest kicks in.
Choosing the right private student loans for certificate programs: Key tips
The right private lender depends on your program costs, how much federal aid covers, and what you qualify for based on your credit and cosigner situation. Compare the lenders below to find the best rates and repayment terms for your certificate program. See what you can prequalify for without affecting your credit score.
Private student loans for certificate programs FAQ
Can you get a private student loan for a certificate program?
Yes, you can get a private student loan for a certificate program as long as your program meets the lender’s requirements. Complete the FAFSA first to find out what federal aid is available.
Does FAFSA cover certificate programs?
FAFSA can be used to access federal financial aid for certificate programs offered through Title IV-eligible schools and programs that meet federal requirements.
Can I use financial aid for online certificates or boot camps?
You can use financial aid for some online certificates, but most standalone boot camps don’t qualify unless offered through a partnered, federally approved school.
How do I know if my certificate program is eligible?
Contact your school’s financial aid office or search the Federal School Code Lookup to find out if your certificate program is eligible.
Can you get a grant for a certificate program?
Yes, you can get a grant for a certificate program. Pell Grants are the most common option for students with financial need and no prior degree. State grants, employer-funded grants, and FSEOG awards may also be available.
How do you apply for student loans for certificate programs?
You apply for student loans for certificate programs by completing the FAFSA first to access federal loans. If you need more funding, apply directly through a private lender’s website.
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About our contributors
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Written by Rebecca Lake, CEPF®Rebecca Lake is a certified educator in personal finance (CEPF®) and freelance writer specializing in finance.
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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 Chloe Moore, CFP®Chloe Moore, CFP®, is the founder of Financial Staples, a virtual, fee-only financial planning firm based in Atlanta, Georgia, and serving clients nationwide. Her firm is dedicated to assisting tech employees in their 30s and 40s who are entrepreneurial-minded, philanthropic, and purpose-driven.