As a kid, summer meant one thing: No school for three months. But when you’re older and focused on finishing your college degree as fast as possible, taking summer classes can actually be appealing.
And we’ve found several ways to pay for summer classes, from scholarships and grants to work-study programs. Most notably, though, you can take out student loans; summer courses are eligible for both federal and private loans, just like classes during any other semester.
Key takeaways
- You can use federal student loans to pay for summer classes.
- Fill out the FAFSA to see how much federal aid you qualify for.
- Use grants, scholarships, and work-study funds to pay for summer coursework before taking on student loan debt.
- If you’ve maxed out financial aid, you can use private student loans for summer courses, too.
Table of Contents
- Will student loans cover summer classes?
- Your student loan options
- Alternative financial aid options
- How do people pay for summer classes?
- How to apply for student loans: Summer courses
- How repayment works for summer session loans
- Can I use FAFSA money for summer classes?
- Best private student loans for summer classes
- FAQ: How do you get student loans for summer classes?
Will student loans cover summer classes?
Student loans will cover summer classes, but you should see what other federal student aid, such as grants and work-study programs, you qualify for before taking out any loans.
Much like during the regular school year, you can qualify for federal loans to help cover the cost of summer classes, as long as you’re enrolled at least half-time. If you’ve exhausted all your options through the federal government student loan program, you can also apply for private student loans to pay for the summer term.
Half-time enrollment refers to a student taking at least half the number of credits required for full-time status, typically around six to eight credit hours per term, depending on the school.
Your options for student loans for summer semester
If you still have a funding gap after grants, work-study, and scholarship money, the next step is figuring out your borrowing options. So, how do I get a student loan for summer classes? You’ll typically want to start with federal loans to cover your summer coursework before considering private lenders.
Federal student loans for summer classes
You can use federal student loans to pay for summer classes as long as you’re enrolled at least half-time at an accredited institution. These loans are available through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and apply to the full academic year. (This includes summer, depending on how your school structures its calendar.)
Here are the federal loan options that may be available to you this summer:
- Federal Direct Subsidized Loan: Available to undergraduate students with financial need. The U.S. Department of Education pays the interest while you’re in school at least half-time, during the grace period, and during any deferment periods. These are the most affordable federal loan options, but borrowing limits apply.
- Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan: Available to both undergraduate and graduate students regardless of financial need. Unlike Subsidized Loans, interest accrues while you’re in school. These loans have higher annual limits than Subsidized Loans and are often used to supplement aid.
- Parent PLUS Loans: Federal loans parents can take out on behalf of their undergraduate children. They require a credit check and have a higher interest rate than Subsidized or Unsubsidized Loans, but they can cover the full cost of attendance, including summer tuition and related expenses.
To be eligible for any of these loan options (or any federal financial aid), you must first complete the FAFSA form. While the federal deadline for the 2025 – 2026 school year is June 30, 2026, your school may have an earlier deadline for summer aid, so check with your financial aid office. Most schools apply leftover aid from the fall and spring semesters to summer classes, but some may offer additional summer-specific funding.
Private student loans for summer courses
Private student loans are a last-resort option to pay for summer courses. Only once you’ve used up all your federal aid and maxed out all your federal student loans should you turn to private loans from banks, credit unions, and online lenders.
Private student loans often have higher interest rates and fewer benefits than federal loans. Qualifying for private loans may also be more challenging; in many cases, you might need a parent or loved one with good credit to cosign the loan for you. Typically, private lenders let you borrow up to the full cost of attendance, including the cost of summer classes.
Alternative financial aid options for summer classes
While you’ll most likely need to take out student loans for summer classes, you should first see what other aid you can get by filling out the FAFSA.
- Summer grants and scholarships: Grants and scholarships are the best kind of student aid because they’re “free money,” meaning you don’t need to repay them. For instance, undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need on their FAFSA can often qualify for Pell Grants (maximum $7,395 for the 2026 – 2027 award year). You might also qualify for scholarships from your school or other organizations.
- Work-study: When you receive your financial aid package, you might also be offered placement in a federal work-study program at your school. This means you’d work a part-time job (often related to your field of study) to help cover the cost of your education, including summer classes. That said, you might make more money from a part-time summer job independent of a work-study program, depending on the pay rates available.
Note: Financial aid is given on a first-come, first-served basis. Fill out your FAFSA as early as you can to ensure you get the assistance you need.
How do people pay for summer classes?
As a student, you can pay for summer classes using federal financial aid, grants, or private student loans if federal aid isn’t enough.
| Option | Best for | Requires FAFSA? |
|---|---|---|
| Federal student loans | Repayment flexibility and fixed rates | Yes |
| Pell Grants | Students with financial need | Yes |
| Parent PLUS Loans | Parents covering costs | Yes |
| Private student loans | When federal aid runs out | No |
| Work-study programs | Offsetting costs with part-time work | Yes |
How to apply for student loans: Summer courses
Before applying for student loans for summer classes, confirm which FAFSA year your school uses for summer enrollment.
Applying for federal student loans for summer courses
- Check your eligibility.
- Complete the FAFSA.
- Review your financial aid award letter.
- Accept your aid through your school’s financial aid portal.
Applying for a private student loan for the summer term
- Check your eligibility.
- Compare lenders and rates.
- Gather required documents such as income information and school details.
- Apply online and accept your loan after approval.
How repayment works for summer session loans
Summer student loans follow the same repayment rules as loans used during fall or spring semesters.
For federal student loans, repayment usually begins after a grace period that starts when you graduate, leave school, or drop below half-time enrollment. Borrowers may also choose income-driven repayment plans after entering repayment.
Private student loans may allow deferment while you’re in school, interest-only payments, or small fixed payments during enrollment. If you need help managing your repayment options, consider using the Summer student loan tool.
Can I use FAFSA money for summer classes?
Yes, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can pay for summer classes if you still have federal aid eligibility for the academic year. Students may qualify for Direct Subsidized Loans, Direct Unsubsidized Loans, or Pell Grants if they meet financial aid requirements.
However, your eligibility may depend on how much federal aid you have already used during the fall and spring semesters.
Which FAFSA year covers summer?
Which FAFSA year covers summer classes depends on your school. Some schools use the previous year’s FAFSA to determine aid for summer courses, and others use the next school year’s. Contact your school’s student aid office to determine when to apply for student loans for summer classes.
Either way, to qualify for aid during the summer, you need to be enrolled at least half-time. You also cannot exceed your max aid for a school year; that is, if you’ve already used up all your available aid for the regular academic year, you won’t have any left to cover summer classes.
How many summer credits do you need for FAFSA?
You need at least six summer credit hours to be eligible for federal financial aid. FAFSA aid requires at least half-time enrollment, and the Federal Student Aid office considers six credit hours half-time.
Is it too late for summer FAFSA?
The federal FAFSA deadline each year is June 30, but your school and your state may have earlier deadlines. To determine whether it’s too late to get FAFSA aid for summer classes, you need to find out which FAFSA year your school uses for summer coursework and what the deadline is for that year.
Keep in mind: Schools, states, and the federal government have limited funds. If you apply at the last minute for FAFSA, there may be less (or no) aid to cover the cost of your summer classes.
Choose the best private student loans for summer classes for you
If federal loans don’t fully cover your summer costs, private student loans can help bridge the gap. Because private lenders make lending decisions based on credit and income, you’ll likely need to add a creditworthy cosigner to any application you submit for a private student loan.
Start by seeing if you can qualify for a competitive rate with one of the best private lenders offering summer student loans below.
Best overall choice for summer student loans: College Ave
Why we picked it
College Ave offers student loans for undergraduates, graduates, and parents who want to cover the educational costs of summer school.
There are no application or origination fees to apply, and a decision can be received in just three minutes with an online application. Term lengths range from five to 15 years, and College Ave lets you choose your term, repayment plan, and a fixed or variable interest rate.
- Choose your repayment terms
- Covers up to 100% of your certified costs
- Only takes 3 minutes to apply and receive a credit decision
Loan Details
| Fixed Rates (APR) | 4.13% – 17.99% |
| Variable Rates (APR) | 4.13% – 17.99% |
| Loan amounts | $1,000 – 100% of certified costs |
| Repayment terms | 5, 8, 10, or 15 years |
| Repayment plans | Full, interest-only, $25 flat, or deferred |
| Enrollment | No restrictions |
| States | 50 states |
| Credit score | Mid-600s and above |
| Annual income | $35,000 |
Best student loans for summer courses for cosigners: Sallie Mae
Why we picked it
Sallie Mae is one of the oldest and largest student loan lenders. It offers private student loans for undergraduates, graduates, parents, professional certification courses, and study abroad programs.
Terms range from five to 15 years, and borrowers can make fixed monthly or interest-only payments while in school or defer repayment until after graduation. Choosing to make interest-only payments while in school can lower your interest rate.
- Cosigners can be released in as little as 12 months with on-time payments
- Cover up to 100% of your certified costs
Loan Details
| Fixed Rates (APR) | 4.13% – 17.99% |
| Variable Rates (APR) | 4.13% – 17.99% |
| Loan amounts | $1,000 – 100% of certified costs |
| Repayment terms | 10 – 15 years |
| Repayment plans | Interest-only, $25 flat, or deferred |
| Enrollment | No restrictions |
| States | 50 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico |
| Credit score | Mid-600s and above |
| Annual income | Not disclosed |
Best for large student loans for summer term: Earnest
Why we picked it
Earnest offers summer student loans to undergrads, graduate students, and parents.
Students can prequalify online in just two minutes without affecting their credit score. There are no fees, including origination and late payment fees, and borrowers can skip one payment per year without penalties.
- No fees
- Skip one payment per year without penalty
- Check your rate without affecting your credit
Loan Details
| Fixed Rates (APR) | 4.13% – 17.99% |
| Variable Rates (APR) | 4.13% – 17.99% |
| Loan amounts | $1,000 – 100% of certified costs |
| Repayment terms | 5, 7, 10, 12, or 15 years |
| Repayment plans | Full, interest-only, $25 flat, or deferred |
| Enrollment | At least half-time |
| States | 49 states and D.C. (Nevada excluded) |
| Credit score | 650+ |
| Annual income | $35,000 |
Best summer student loans with advisors: ELFI
Why we picked it
ELFI student loans come with personalized customer service through a dedicated student loan advisor. This advisor can help you through the application process and offer support as new expenses arise during your summer classes.
- Assigned a student loan advisor
- 2,100+ borrowers have rated ELFI as “Excellent” on Trustpilot
Loan Details
| Fixed Rates (APR) | 3.69% – 14.22% |
| Variable Rates (APR) | 5.00% – 14.22% |
| Loan amounts | $1,000 – 100% of certified costs |
| Repayment terms | 5, 7, 10, or 15 years |
| Repayment plans | Full, interest-only, $25 flat, or deferred |
| Enrollment | At least half-time |
| States | 50 states, D.C., Puerto Rico |
| Credit score | 680+ |
| Annual income | $35,000 |
FAQ: How do you get student loans for summer classes?
What are the enrollment requirements for student loans for summer courses?
To receive federal student loans for summer classes, you typically must enroll at least half-time at an eligible college or university. Half-time enrollment requirements vary by school but often mean taking at least six credit hours for undergraduate students. As with federal loans for any semester, you’ll also need to:
- Be a U.S. citizen (or eligible non-citizen)
- Be enrolled in an eligible degree or certificate program
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress (minimum GPA and course completion)
If you enroll less than half-time, you may not qualify for federal student loans. However, some private lenders offer summer school loans for students taking fewer credits, though approval depends on credit and income requirements.
Can you get a student loan for summer classes if you have already used your loan limit?
If you already reached your federal student loan limit for the academic year, you may not be able to borrow additional federal loans for summer classes. In this case, you may need to wait until the next FAFSA year begins or explore other funding options such as Parent PLUS Loans, scholarships, payment plans, or the best private student loans.
Your school’s financial aid office can help you review your remaining eligibility.
Can you get student loans for summer semester at a community college?
Yes, you can get student loans for the summer semester at a community college. To be eligible for federal loans, you must be enrolled at least half-time (usually six credit hours for the summer), and you must not have maxed out your federal loan limits for the year. Check with your community college’s financial aid office for more details.
If you’ve used up all of your federal aid, you can also apply for a private student loan to pay for summer classes at a community college.
Recap of student loans for summer classes
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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 Natalie Slagle, CFP®Natalie Slagle, CFP®, is a founding partner and financial advisor at Fyooz Financial Planning LLC. Natalie’s experience includes banking, tax preparation, financial planning, and wealth management. She currently resides in Portland, Oregon, with her husband and beloved small dog.