How to Pay for College Books and Supplies: Student Loans, Financial Aid, and More

As any college student knows, books are pricey, regardless of whether you rent or buy new or used books. You can use federal loans (which should be used first) and private student loans to cover these expenses.

If you’ve already been approved for a student loan and want to know how to apply the funds to your books and other educational supplies, skip ahead.

Table of Contents

1. Step 1. Apply for federal student loans
2. Step 2. Exhaust all other funding options
   1. Dip into your education savings account
   2. Seek grants and scholarships
   3. Ask about campus resources
3. Step 3. Apply for private student loans to cover funding gaps
4. FAQ about loans for books and supplies
   1. Can you get student loans for all school supplies? 
   2. What is the process to pay for books and supplies with loans?
      1. 1. Disbursement to your school
      2. 2. Tuition and other fees are paid
      3. 3. You’re reimbursed
      4. 4. Use the funds to pay for books and supplies
   3. What are the best ways to save money on books and supplies?
   4. Can can I budget for books and supplies?

Step 1. Apply for federal student loans

The federal government issues federal student loans. They come with repayment protections that private loans don’t and fixed interest rates that are likely lower if you or your cosigner don’t have excellent credit.

You must complete the FAFSA every academic year to get federal student loans. This doesn’t involve a credit check, but you will report your financial information. You’ll include your parents’ information if you’re a dependent student.

Tip

Every school sets its own FAFSA deadline. Submit your FAFSA no later than your school’s due date for the best chance at funding—and give yourself time to make alternate arrangements if necessary.

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After receiving your FAFSA, your college will compare your available resources to your cost of attendance (COA). If you qualify for financial aid, you could get the following types of federal student loans:

Loan type	Who’s it for?
Direct Subsidized Loan	Undergrad students
Direct Unsubsidized Loan	Undergrad, grad, & prof. students
Direct PLUS Loan	Grad & prof. students and parents

Unlike Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans, eligibility for Direct PLUS Loans is based on your or your parents’ creditworthiness.

How to apply for federal student loans

1. Set up a Federal Student Aid account online

To set up your account with Federal Student Aid, you’ll provide some personal information, such as your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. 

2. Complete and submit the FAFSA 

For the 2025 – 2026 school year, the deadline to submit the FAFSA is June 30, 2026. Your school and state each have their own deadlines, so you’ll want to check those first. 

As you fill out the FAFSA,  you’ll choose up to 20 schools you’d like to learn more about regarding financial aid. 

3. Review the FAFSA 

You’ll receive the FAFSA Submission Summary for review. The summary will list information about the schools you chose when you completed the FAFSA,  the financial aid you may be eligible for, and the next steps.

4. Review your federal financial aid offers

The schools you choose will send you financial aid offers, along with a deadline to accept their offer. 

5. Accept your school of choice’s offer

Follow the instructions to notify your school of choice and accept the financial aid offers you’d like. 

Accept your financial aid in this order if it applies to you:

1. Grants and scholarships
2. Work-study programs
3. Loans

Step 2. Exhaust all other funding options

Dip into your education savings account

Education savings accounts let you set aside money for tuition and related expenses in a tax-advantaged account. If you are a beneficiary of a 529 plan or Coverdell Education Savings account, you can use funds from your savings plan to purchase your books.

Tax-advantaged accounts are subject to IRS regulation, so keep records of how you spend your 529 plan or Coverdell withdrawals. If you don’t already have one of these savings plans, now is a good time to start one.

Pros

• No taxes on withdrawals

• Option to transfer unused funds to another beneficiary

Cons

• Penalties for non-education expenses

• No tax deductions for contributions

• Maximum age on some plans, such as 529s, is 30

Seek grants and scholarships

Yes, there are several grants and scholarships for books and school supplies. To find these scholarships, start by visiting:

• Your school’s financial aid office
• Online scholarship directories, such as FinancialAidFinder
• Local community organizations, such as local libraries, clubs, and community centers

When applying for these forms of financial aid:

1. Get the details on eligibility, deadlines, and required documentation.
2. Gather your application materials, including your transcripts, recommendation letters, and a well-written essay.
3. Use a checklist you can reference throughout the process so you don’t miss any steps.

Ask about campus resources

Look for some of the following campus resources to help with the affordability of books and supplies:

• Free ebook and audiobook database or research portalUse a credit card
• Short-term advance programs through the financial aid office
• Campus bookstore price match
• Campus library textbook reserves
• Student union programs
• Book-swapping programs (within the school of your major)

Step 3. Apply for private student loans to cover funding gaps

If a federal loan isn’t an option or if federal funding isn’t enough, look into private student loans. Much like auto loans or personal loans, you can get private student loans from banks, credit unions, and online lenders.

To simplify the private student loan process, we’ve researched several lenders that offer smaller student loan limits, so you can borrow only what you need. Here are our top four recommendations.

College Ave

Best private student loans

5.0 _/5

View Rates

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Why we picked it

College Ave offers loans to undergraduate, graduate, and career school students and parents. Applying online for a loan takes about three minutes, and you can use it for books and supplies.

Loans are available for $1,000 to 100% of tuition and related school expenses, with competitive interest rates and multiple repayment options during school and after graduation. 

• Student loans for undergraduates, graduates, parents, and career training
• You choose your repayment plan and term
• Application can be completed in as little as 3 minutes

Loan details

Rates (APR)	4.39% – 16.85%
Loan amounts	$1,000 – 100% of certified costs
Repayment terms	5, 8, 10, or 15 Years

Sallie Mae

Best for cosigners

4.8 _/5

View Rates

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Why we picked it

Sallie Mae offers loans starting at $1,000 for undergraduates, graduate students, and those in career training or trade programs. Standard loan terms are 10 years, and Sallie Mae offers several in-school repayment options. 

There’s a solid chance you’ll need a cosigner to get approved for an undergraduate Sallie Mae loan, and you can’t check your approval odds before you apply.

• Cosigner release after 12 months of consecutive on-time payments
• Get a decision within 15 minutes

Loan details

Rates (APR)	4.50% – 16.70%
Loan amounts	$1,000 – 100% of costs
Repayment terms	10 – 15 years

Earnest

Best for large loans

4.7 _/5

View Rates

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Why we picked it

Earnest stands out for its highly customizable loan terms and commitment to no fees. While many lenders market their financial products as having no fees, some really mean they have no fees to apply. With Earnest, you have no fees to apply and aren’t even charged a fee for late payments or paying off your loan early.

Earnest’s user-friendly application process and commitment to customer service make it an excellent choice for students looking for flexible loan options.

• Customizable repayment terms
• No fees
• Check your rate without affecting your credit

Loan details

Rates (APR)	4.29% – 15.85%
Loan amounts	$1,000 – 100% of costs
Repayment terms	5, 7, 10, 12, or 15 years

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How to apply for private student loans 

If you need additional funding, you can apply for private student loans. 

1. Enter your personal and loan information

Provide information, such as your name, Social Security number, and address, for the lender to verify your identity.

Then share the details about your school’s program, including the cost, when you’ll attend, and how much funding you’re requesting. 

2. Apply

You’ll have the option to apply on your own or with a cosigner. If you apply with a cosigner, they will complete a separate part of the application. Before doing so, make sure you both understand that the cosigner commits to making your loan payments if you don’t.

3. Provide some employment and annual income information

Provide info about your employment status and annual income, and then review your application. 

4. Complete and submit your application

Submit your application and view your prequalification.

5. Accept your loan 

If you’re approved and accept, the lender will share further details on when you can expect the funds—within the first few weeks of the semester.

FAQ about loans for books and supplies

Can you get student loans for all school supplies? 

Yes, both federal and private student loans can be used for many expenses, including several school supplies. 

Federal student loans, such as Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans, are known for having broad usage guidelines that allow for spending on various educational costs that contribute to your attendance.

Private student loans also cover similar educational costs, but their terms can vary between lenders. It’s crucial to always read the details provided by the private lender to understand all the permissible uses of the loan.

You can use federal and private student loans for many different kinds of educational expenses, including books and supplies, such as:

• E-books and physical textbooks
• Book bags
• Course software
• Online access codes
• Laptops and printers
• Supplies, like notebooks, calculators, pens and pencils
• Lab equipment, like goggles, lab coats, and other protective wear
• Folders, trays, and pen holders
• Microwaves and refrigerators
• Towels, sheets, and toiletries

What is the process to pay for books and supplies with loans?

Whether you have federal student loans or private, your loan servicer will typically disburse funds to your school to cover costs. You can speak with your financial aid office or private lender for more details, but this is generally how the process works:

1. Disbursement to your school

Your financial aid will typically be disbursed to your school at least twice—once at the beginning of the semester, and once halfway into the academic year. First-year students or borrowers may not receive these funds until 30 days after the semester starts, depending on your school.

2. Tuition and other fees are paid

Your school will then take the funds and apply them to your tuition, room and board (if applicable), and other costs associated with your cost to attend.

3. You’re reimbursed

If there’s any money left over, your school must send it to you within 14 days through a:

• Student account you set up 
• Personal bank account via direct deposit
• Check in the mail

You should be able to choose how you’d like to receive your funds. Call your financial aid office or check your student portal for instructions if you’re unsure.

4. Use the funds to pay for books and supplies

Once you receive your reimbursement, you can then purchase books and supplies. Many school bookstores link your student account or give you a voucher, so the money will come straight from there. You may also be able to use your own funds and reimburse yourself from the account later.

If you need to buy your books and supplies before that 14-day window, you can. Any school using federal student aid is required to provide its students with a means to buy books and supplies by the first seven days of the semester. 

Call your school’s financial aid office and bookstore to find out how to purchase the materials you need while you wait for your refund.

What are the best ways to save money on books and supplies?

Even if you’re left with a good amount of money once your refund drops, books can still be expensive, especially if you get them brand-new from your school bookstore. So before you pay a visit there, here are ways you may be able to save on books and supplies.

• Go used: Local and online bookstores offer used textbooks you can buy or rent for less.
• Shop around: Textbook price comparison tools can help you quickly find the best places.
• Try digital: Digital copies of some textbooks are also available. This can be a cheaper—and lighter—alternative to the hard copy.
• Suggest book sharing: You and other classmates in the same program may be able to save if they buy some books while you buy others. This way, you can trade or get together for study sessions.
• Sell: When you’re done for the semester, you can try selling your textbooks online. Whatever you recoup can be used toward the cost of books and supplies in the following semester.

Can can I budget for books and supplies?

Budgeting for your books and supplies can help you avoid surprises. Here are our tips to get (and stay) on a budget:

1. Check your course requirements: After registering for classes, check online or your school’s bookstore to find out what required textbooks there are. This way, you can calculate the costs of each one ahead of time.
2. Explore your options: Remember, the campus bookstore is just one place you can purchase books, and it’s often the most expensive. Check out local stores near campus, online stores, and digital versions.
3. Use a budgeting app: You Need A Budget (YNAB) and PocketGuard are just two of many budgeting tools out there. They’ll help you link your bank accounts and track how much you spend and save in different categories. Your bank may also have its own expense tracker you can use.
4. Automate it: Don’t blow the extra money you have on shopping. Create a separate savings account for your books and supplies, and set up automatic transfers weekly, biweekly, or whatever works for you. You’ll want to be intentional about saving enough, though. For example, if you expect your books for next semester to cost $1,000, and have four months before the semester begins, save $250 each month ($1,000 / 4 = $250).

5. Scholarships and grants: Apply for scholarships and grants to help fund the cost of your books and supplies. Your school’s financial aid office can recommend which ones you may be eligible to apply for.

Can I get secondhand or free books and supplies?

You can absolutely find secondhand or free books. Try searching for them through:

• Online marketplaces, such as TextSurf, Amazon, and Chegg
• Community book exchanges
• Campus book-swapping programs
• Websites like Project Gutenberg 
• Social media platforms like Facebook

How we chose the best student loans for school supplies

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 student loans for books and supplies