How to Get Student Loans Without a Cosigner

People often ask, Can you get Student Loans without a cosigner? You might have noticed the term “cosigner” popping up everywhere when in search of international loans. What exactly is a cosigner? Unfortunately, a cosigner is more than just a second signature on your loan application.

Getting an international student loan without a cosigner may seem impossible, but there are options. Some private lenders offer no cosigner student loans – and our loan comparison tool can help you find one.

A cosigner is usually in need when an individual is applying for a loan but doesn’t have strong enough credit or income. According to our student debt statistics, 90% of all private student loans are cosigned.

Can I Get a Student Loan Without a Cosigner?

If you complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), you can obtain a student loan without a cosigner if you are eligible for federal student loans.

A cosigner is not necessary for federal student loans, and in certain circumstances, you may be able to obtain a private student loan without one.

All qualified students can apply for federal student loans; there are no cosigner requirements.

You usually don’t even need a credit history to be authorized because there isn’t a credit check. For this reason, it is advised that federal student loans be prioritized for the majority of college students.

In addition, federal loans have several advantages over most private student loans, such as income-driven repayment plans, forbearance and deferral choices, and access to student debt forgiveness programs.

However because the majority of federal loan programs have annual borrowing caps, some students turn to private student loans to make up the difference.

If you are not eligible for federal student help, you might also think about taking out private loans.

However, if you don’t have a strong credit history and a stable income, the majority of private lenders will ask for a cosigner.

Nonetheless, a few lenders: Ascent, Funding U, MPOWER Financing, and Edly, among others—offer loans without the need for a cosigner.

Steps to Getting a Student Loan Without a Cosigner

Here’s how to apply for federal student loans without a cosigner if you meet the requirements:

1. Complete the Federal Student Aid Free Application (FAFSA). For all federal financial help, including federal student loans, this application is necessary.

You will give specifics about your financial situation, your background, and your parent’s financial situation.

2. Review your letter of financial aid award. Based on the data you submitted on the FAFSA, your school will send you a financial aid award letter.

Examine your financial aid alternatives, including loans, and accept the necessary amount.

While a little more involved, the procedure is still really simple if you’re thinking about private student loans:

1. Look for the best lenders. Recall that if you don’t have a stable income and an excellent credit history, the majority of private lenders will require a cosigner.

It could be simpler to concentrate on lenders who specialize in working with students without cosigners rather than trying your luck with one of those.

2. Examine the loan conditions and qualifying requirements. Every lender bases their eligibility decision on a different set of criteria, such as your major and future employment prospects.

Furthermore, rather than offering you a set repayment period, some lenders may base your payments on your income. Before applying, make sure you read the tiny print.

3. Fill out a loan application and submit it. Usually, you can apply online on the lender’s website after choosing a lender.

Usually, you’ll need to supply some basic details about your identity, your educational institution, and the amount you wish to borrow.

4. Accept the conditions. You will receive a loan agreement along with additional information if you are approved.

Before signing the contract, make sure you have read them all the way through.

Steps to Finding a No Cosigner Loans

To get started on your search for a loan that doesn’t require a cosigner you can follow these simple steps:

• Use our Loan Comparison Tool above
• Compare lenders
• Apply for a loan directly through the lender

Before applying for a loan without a cosigner, gather each document needed for the application. Common documents that you will need to have on hand when applying for a loan Include:

• Resume
• University Transcripts (past and current)
• Standardized Test Scores
• University Invoice or Financial Summary
• Employment Letter or Pay Stub
• Address Verification
• Your I-20 or Financial Plan

After you’ve followed these steps and have been approved for a loan your funds will be automatically disbursed to your university.

The time frame will vary from one lender to the next, with a lender like MPOWER it takes less than a week to receive full approval, and offers are typically made

Federal Student Loans Without a Cosigner

Filling out the FAFSA is a necessary step for students to maximize their federal financial aid options including grants, scholarships, and federal student loans.

Federal student loans should always be used before borrowing private student loans. They offer several benefits including typically lower interest rates, loan forgiveness programs, and income-driven repayment plans.

All federal student loans do not require or allow for a co-signer. The most popular types of federal student loans are Direct Subsidized Loans, Direct Unsubsidized Loans, and PLUS Loans.

Advantages of Having a Cosigner

It’s a good idea you find a friend to cosign the private student loan application with you. There are two main advantages:

1. You Increase Your Chances of Qualifying for a Loan: The vast majority of private student loans issued to borrowers have cosigners. Having a cosigner decreases the lender’s risk. However, these make them more likely to issue you a loan so you can complete your education.

2. You May Qualify for a Lower Interest Rate than You’d Get on Your Own: If you can qualify for a loan on your own, you may get stuck with a higher interest rate. This is because of your credit score or income.

However, by adding a cosigner with good credit and a stable income, you can get a lower interest rate on your loan. Over time, that lower interest rate will help you save thousands in interest charges.

Disadvantages of Having a Cosigner

If you don’t pay those student loans, your parent or guardian is on the hook. Even more, your relationship could suffer if you can’t pay off your loans.

Even if things do turn out well in the end, you could end up feeling guilty that you had to draw your cosigner into your financial drama.

This all depends, of course, on your relationship with your cosigner. It may be that cosigning a student loan won’t weaken your bond at all.

As an international student, loans will be hard to come by in the United States. Especially if you don’t have a cosigner.

But that doesn’t mean that you have no options. Armed with the information above, you should be able to secure a loan.