With an average annual cost of $9,400 for a four-year public university and $37,000 for four-year private universities, many students—U.S. citizens, international students, and temporary residents—will need financial aid for their education.
The different categories of non-U.S. citizens determine eligibility for federal student aid. Permanent residents are not classified as temporary residents and qualify for the same aid as U.S. citizens.
Every other status on the list below is considered a temporary resident, but not all are eligible for federal financial aid. Most temporary residents can access private student loans with a Social Security number or a qualified cosigner.
| Type of non-U.S. citizen | Definition | Eligible for federal student aid? |
| Permanent resident | Permanent residents have a “green card.” (The official names for the card are Permanent Resident Card, Resident Alien Card, or Alien Registration Receipt Card.) | Yes, eligible for the same aid as U.S. citizens |
| Conditional permanent resident | Residents with a green card valid for 2 years. Must file a petition at least 90 days before the conditional green card expires. | Yes |
| Person with nonimmigrant visa | For people who plan to visit for travel or obtain medical treatment in the United States. Must meet additional requirements to use this visa for school. | No, international students are not eligible for federal aid |
| Temporary protected | Temporary status is for people who live in a country where it is not safe to return home due to armed conflict, environmental disasters, or other extraordinary circumstances. It does not make individuals eligible for green cards. | No |
| Refugee | Residents who experienced persecution or fear persecution in their country due to race, religion, nationality, or political opinion. Refugees can apply for a green card after 1 year in the United States. | Yes |
| Person granted asylum | Similar to refugee status, but individuals can seek asylum at United States borders or from within the country. | Yes |
In this guide:
- Student loans for temporary U.S. residents
- How to apply for student loans if you’re a temporary resident
- Alternatives to student loans for temporary residents
Student loans for temporary U.S. residents
The U.S. government funds federal student loans. These loans may be eligible for federal repayment, deferment, and loan forgiveness programs. Their fixed interest rates are set by law. It’s wise to prioritize federal student loans when possible.
Private student loans are from private lenders, including banks, credit unions, and universities. These loans tend to have higher interest rates and are not eligible for federal repayment programs or forgiveness options.
Federal student loans for temporary U.S. residents
If you are a conditional permanent resident, a person granted asylum, or a refugee, you are eligible for federal student loans.
Students with nonimmigrant visas do not qualify for federal financial aid. However, we’ve researched private student loan options for international students. Students with temporary protected status do not qualify for federal assistance.
Permanent residents are eligible for the same federal loans as U.S. citizens, listed below.
| Loan type | Direct Subsidized |
| Eligible noncitizens | Conditional permanent residents, refugees, and persons granted asylum |
| Ineligible noncitizens | Temporary protected status and persons with nonimmigrant visas |
| Stipulations | Undergraduate students only |
| Current rates (APR) | 4.99% |
| Loan limits | Increase by $1,000 for the first 3 years of attendance $5,500 for first-year dependent students $9,500 for first-year independent students |
| Loan type | Direct Unsubsidized |
| Eligible noncitizens | Conditional permanent residents, refugees, and persons granted asylum |
| Ineligible noncitizens | Temporary protected status and persons with nonimmigrant visas |
| Stipulations | Undergraduate, graduate, and professional students |
| Current rates (APR) | 4.99% for undergraduates 6.54% for other degrees |
| Loan limits (independent students) | $9,500 (first-year undergraduate) $10,500 (second-year undergraduate) $12,500 (third-year and beyond undergraduate) $20,500 (graduate or professional) |
| Loan limits (dependent students) | $5,500 (first-year undergraduate) $6,500 (second-year undergraduate) $7,500 (third-year and beyond undergraduate) |
| Loan type | GRAD Plus |
| Eligible noncitizens | Conditional permanent residents, refugees, and persons granted asylum |
| Ineligible noncitizens | Temporary protected status and persons with nonimmigrant visas |
| Stipulations | Graduate and professional students |
| Current rates (APR) | 7.54% |
| Loan limits | $20,500 |
| Loan type | Parent PLUS |
| Eligible noncitizens | Conditional permanent residents, refugees, and persons granted asylum |
| Ineligible noncitizens | Temporary protected status and persons with nonimmigrant visas |
| Stipulations | Parent and student must have eligible resident status |
| Current rates (APR) | 7.54% |
| Loan limits | Cost of attendance minus other aid received |
Private student loans for temporary U.S. residents
Eligibility for private loans often depends on whether the applicant has a Social Security number. If so, they can apply for most private loans.
Most people with a green card also have a Social Security number, so they can apply for most private loans. This means many permanent residents, conditional permanent residents, refugees, people granted asylum, and people with temporary protected status can apply for private student loans.
Student loan borrowers who don’t have a Social Security number but are studying in the U.S. on an eligible visa might be able to apply for private student loans with a cosigner who is a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident.
| Private lenders | Loans for temporary residents? | Application questions about citizenship? |
| College Ave and Earnest | Yes, but temporary residents must have a Social Security number and a qualified cosigner who is a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident. | Yes |
| Sallie Mae | Yes, but temporary residents must have either a Social Security number or an eligible cosigner who is a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident. | Yes |
| Ascent | Yes, but temporary residents must have a qualified cosigner who is a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident. | Yes |
We’ve compiled our research on these lenders in more detail.
College Ave
Undergraduate Student Loans
- Competitive interest rates
- Choose your repayment term
- 4 in-school repayment options
College Ave offers student loans for temporary residents, but the application requirements are stricter than some other lenders. Borrowers who are not U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents must have both a social security number and an eligible cosigner.
Key features:
- Loan limits: Up to 100% of the cost of attendance
- Undergraduate interest rates (APR): 3.99%% – 14.96%%
- Graduate interest rates (APR): 3.99%% – 12.99%
- Repayment options: 4 options that range from 5 to 15 years
- Fees: None
- Other requirements: Must have a Social Security number and apply with a cosigner who is a U.S. permanent resident or U.S. citizen
Sallie Mae
Undergraduate Student Loans
- Easy application process
- Flexible deferment options
- Cosigner release after 12 on-time monthly payments
Temporary residents may be eligible for Sallie Mae’s loans if they have a Social Security number or add a U.S. citizen or permanent resident as a cosigner.
Key features:
- Loan limits: Up to 100% of the cost of attendance
- Undergraduate interest rates (APR): 4.5% – 15.33%
- Graduate interest rates (APR): 5.25% – 15.10%
- Repayment options: 3 options (fixed, deferred, or interest-only)
- Fees: None
- Other requirements: Must have a Social Security number or apply with a cosigner who is a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident
Earnest
Undergraduate Student Loans
- Choice of loan terms
- Grace period of 9 months after graduation
- Skip 1 payment annually once you begin repayment
Earnest requires non-U.S. citizen applications to have a Social Security number and a cosigner who is a citizen or permanent resident.
International students who don’t have a Social Security number—including persons with nonimmigrant visas—are instructed to contact the Client Happiness Team. There is no guarantee that these students are eligible, but Earnest tries to work with each borrower.
Key features:
- Loan limits: Up to 100% of the cost of attendance
- Undergraduate and graduate interest rates (APR): Starting at 4.49%
- Repayment options: 4 repayment options (standard, extended term, rate reduction, and interest-only)
- Fees: None
- Other requirements: Must have a Social Security number and apply with a cosigner who is a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident
Ascent
Undergraduate Student Loans
- 0.25% rate reduction for autopay
- 1% Cash Back Graduation Reward
- In-school deferment available
Ascent has specific student loan offerings for temporary residents and other international students, but they require a cosigner.
Key features:
- Loan limits: Up to $200,000
- Undergraduate interest rates (APR): 4.62% – 15.18% (cosigned)
- Graduate interest rates (APR): 5.62% – 16.43% (cosigned)
- Repayment options: 5, 7, 10, 12 or 15 years
- Fees: None
- Other requirements: Students who are not U.S. permanent residents or U.S. citizens can apply with a cosigner who is
How to apply for student loans if you’re a temporary resident
The application process depends on whether you are applying for federal student loans or private loans. If you are eligible to apply for federal student loans, complete the application, review your financial aid package, and determine whether you need additional loans from private lenders.
Do I need a cosigner?
Cosigners are often family members or friends who agree to take on the responsibility of your loan. You and your cosigner are responsible for repaying the loan on time.
Most undergraduate and graduate federal loans don’t require a cosigner. The exception is Parent PLUS loans, which parents take out on behalf of their children.
Most private student loans for temporary residents require a cosigner. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, 90% of all private student loans have cosigners. To qualify, your cosigner must be a permanent U.S. resident or U.S. citizen. Income and credit score requirements apply as well and vary by lender.
Federal student loans
To apply for federal student loans, you must first fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Completing the application is straightforward, but it’s essential to submit the forms by the deadline (June 30, 2024, for the 2023 – 2024 school year).
We’ve outlined the steps below:
- Create an account, and get an FSA ID.
- Start the FAFSA form. If you are a refugee or person granted asylum and cannot access information about your family’s finances, you might need to submit proof of your situation.
- Provide information about personal demographics, finances, and dependency.
- Once the application is complete, sign digitally, and submit it.
If you are waiting for your official designation status from the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services, you can still submit the FAFSA. However, you can’t receive aid disbursements until the designation status process is finalized.
Private student loans
The application process for private student loans varies by lender. Still, you’ll follow these steps in many cases:
- Gather all your documents and other information, including your Social Security number, address, school information, requested loan amount, employment information, financial details, and two personal contacts.
- If applicable, identify your cosigner and ensure they are willing to accept the application and complete it.
- Submit your application for review.
Once you submit your application, the lender will complete credit checks for you and your cosigner. From there, it will discuss terms, rates, and approval.
Alternatives to student loans for temporary residents
If you can’t get approved for federal or private loans, you might consider other options.
International students with nonimmigrant visas can check with their country’s embassy or government to see if student loans or other financial aid is available.
Temporary residents might also take the following steps to qualify for additional funding.
- Schedule a meeting with the financial aid office at your college. Some schools have resources, such as emergency aid or loans from the school.
- Inquire whether payment plans through your school are an option if you can’t pay all your fees at once.
- Scholarships are available through private companies, colleges, and even the state. Citizenship requirements vary depending on the scholarship, but online searches can help.