3 Best Student Loans Without a Co-Signer in 2025
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Applying for a student loan with a co-signer can improve your chances of being approved and getting a lower interest rate. But some lenders allow you to apply without a co-signer, basing your eligibility on your credit or factors like grades and future income potential.
Review our picks for student loans without a co-signer, and learn the steps to get the best loan for you.
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- 35+ student loans lenders reviewed and rated by our team of experts.
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- Objective, comprehensive star-rating system assessing 43 categories and 40+ data points across student loan origination and student loan refinance.
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Why trust NerdWallet
- 35+ student loans lenders reviewed and rated by our team of experts.
- 10+ years of combined experience covering higher education and student loans.
- Objective, comprehensive star-rating system assessing 43 categories and 40+ data points across student loan origination and student loan refinance.
- Governed by NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
NerdWallet’s
Why our nerds love it
Ascent scores highest among the few lenders offering private student loans that don’t require credit history or a co-signer, and it serves the most schools.
Best Student Loans Without a Co-Signer in 2025
Lender | NerdWallet Rating | Min. credit score | Fixed APR | Variable APR | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
5.0 /5 | None | 6.53-8.08% | N/A | ||
2024 Best Student Loan For Independent Students 5.0 /5 | Low-Mid 600s | 12.86-14.85% | 12.72-14.67% | Check rate on Ascent's website | |
4.5 /5 | None | 7.95-12.49% | N/A | Check rate on Funding U's website |
Our pick for
All student loan borrowers as their first option
Federal loans are preferable to private ones because they're eligible for income-driven repayment and loan forgiveness.
Federal Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loan
None
6.53-8.08%
N/A
- Key facts
Federal direct loans offer generous repayment flexibility and among the lowest fixed interest rates you’ll find.
Pros- More flexible repayment options for struggling borrowers than other lenders.
- Subsidized loans do not collect interest while in school or during deferment.
- Lower interest rates than many private lenders.
Cons- You pay an origination fee.
Qualifications- No credit check or minimum income is needed to borrow.
- Loan amounts for undergraduates: $5,500 year one, $6,500 year two, $7,500 year three and thereafter, up to a total of $31,000
- Independent students and graduate students have higher loan limits.
- Undergraduate interest rate fixed at 3.73%, while grad students get higher 5.28% rate
Available Term Lengths10 to 25 years once repayment begins, depending on the repayment plan.
Our pick for
Upperclassmen with no credit, income or co-signer
Outcomes-based: You'll be evaluated based on your future earning potential, rather than your current income or credit.
Ascent Non-Cosigned Student Loan
Low-Mid 600s
12.86-14.85%
12.72-14.67%
- Key factsBest for independent students with strong credit or upperclassmen with good grades.Pros
- Among the best for payment flexibility.
- Grace period of 9 months is longer than most lenders.
Cons- International students are not eligible.
- Freshmen, sophomores and those enrolled less than half-time are not eligible for the Outcomes-based loan.
Qualifications- Typical credit score of approved borrowers: Did not disclose.
- Minimum income: $30,000 per year for credit-based loan. No minimum for future-income based loan.
- Loan amounts: $2,001 to $200,000 per year with an aggregate loan limit of $200,000 for credit-based loan. $2,001 to $20,000 per year for future-income based loan.
Available Term Lengths5, 7, 10, 12 or 15 yearsDisclaimerAscent’s undergraduate and graduate student loans are funded by Bank of Lake Mills or DR Bank, each Member FDIC. Loan products may not be available in certain jurisdictions. Certain restrictions, limitations, terms and conditions may apply for Ascent's Terms and Conditions please visit: AscentFunding.com/Ts&Cs. Annual Percentage Rates (APRs) displayed above are effective as of 4/1/2025 and reflect an Automatic Payment Discount of 0.25% for credit-based college student loans and 1.00% discount on outcomes-based loans when you enroll in automatic payments. The Full P&I (Immediate) Repayment option is only available for college loans (except for outcomes-based loans) originated on or after June 3, 2024. For more information, see repayment examples or review the Ascent Student Loans Terms and Conditions. The final amount approved depends on the borrower’s credit history, verifiable cost of attendance as certified by an eligible school, and is subject to credit approval and verification of application information. Lowest interest rates require full principal and interest (Immediate) payments, the shortest loan term, a cosigner, and are only available for our most creditworthy applicants and cosigners with the highest average credit scores. Actual APR offered may be higher or lower than the examples above, based on the amount of time you spend in school and any grace period you have before repayment begins. 1% Cash Back Graduation Reward subject to terms and conditions. For details on Ascent borrower benefits, visit AscentFunding.com/BorrowerBenefits. The AscentUP platform is only available to eligible Ascent borrowers and subject to terms and conditions.
Our pick for
Students with a strong GPA
These loans require borrowers to have and maintain a certain GPA to qualify.
Funding U Private Student Loan
None
7.95-12.49%
N/A
- Key factsBest for high-achieving independent students enrolled in four-year programs who have small funding gaps.Pros
- You don't need a co-signer or credit to get a loan.
- You can see if you’ll qualify and what rate you’ll get without a hard credit check.
Cons- Loans aren't available in 12 states.
- Payment required while in school.
Qualifications- Typical credit score of approved borrowers: 650.
- Minimum income: No minimum, but borrowers must demonstrate they can pay $20 per month toward their loan.
- Loan amounts: $3,001 up to $10,000.
Available Term Lengths10 years
What is a co-signer?
A co-signer on a private student loan is someone who shares the legal financial responsibility to repay borrowed funds. Some undergraduate students may not yet have enough credit history to qualify for a loan in their own name. Using a co-signer, such as a parent or relative, can help you get a loan with a lower interest rate.
But if you have a solid credit history, with a credit score in the mid to high 600s, or the lender considers factors beyond your credit, you may be eligible for private student loans without a co-signer.
How to get a student loan without a co-signer
Utilize federal aid first before exploring private student loans without a co-signer. Federal financial aid includes money you don't have to pay back — like funding from grants, scholarships and work-study programs.
If you’ve exhausted your federal aid and need to turn to a private loan, a few lenders do offer funding to students without co-signers. Be prepared for private lenders to assess you on future earning potential and academic outcomes, in addition to verifying a credit score in the mid to high 600s.
Apply for federal student loans; no co-signer needed
Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Completing the FAFSA gets you access to grants and federal student loans that don’t require a co-signer or credit check and often come with lower interest rates. Federal loans also have more repayment options, like income-driven repayment plans and forgiveness programs if you struggle to afford payments down the road.
Review your FAFSA Submission Summary. After completing the FAFSA, you’ll receive a FAFSA Submission Summary, which outlines the federal loans you’re eligible for, such as direct subsidized and unsubsidized loans.
Determine how much money to borrow. You may be eligible to take out multiple federal loans, but there are limits on how much you can borrow based on your loan type, year in school and whether you are a dependent or independent student.
Supplement with private loans. If you have financial gaps to fill after federal aid, private student loans are an option.
Apply for private student loans without a co-signer
Private student loans are provided by non-governmental entities such as banks, credit unions and state-based agencies. While some private lenders offer benefits, they aren’t typically as generous as federal student loan terms.
Build credit before you apply for a private student loan. If you have credit, do what you can to strengthen your score before applying for a loan. Fix errors on your credit report, pay down any debt and use as little of your credit limit as possible.
Compare requirements and loan features. When shopping for a private loan without a co-signer, review lenders’ qualification requirements and compare offers to get the lowest interest rate you qualify for. Find out if there are origination, prepayment or late fees, and how easily you can reach the lender by phone, email or live chat if you encounter a billing or customer service issue. Note whether the lender will postpone payments in case you have difficulty affording them.
Opt for a fixed interest rate. Given the choice, a fixed interest rate is a safer bet than a variable interest rate. Fixed rates don't increase over time.
Keep an eye on the bottom line. Use a student loan calculator to see what kind of payment you’ll have once repayment begins.
Consider refinancing in the future. Once you’ve graduated and had time to build your credit profile, you may be able to refinance private student loans to an even lower interest rate. But again, you'll generally need a solid income, a credit score in the mid to high 600s and a history of on-time debt payments.
Summary of student loans that don't require a co-signer
Lender | Qualification requirements | Available to |
|---|---|---|
Federal direct student loan | No co-signer or credit history required. | Undergraduate and graduate students at eligible schools. |
Ascent | Based on academic outcomes (like GPA). | Juniors and seniors at eligible schools. |
Funding U | Based on academic outcomes (like GPA). | Undergraduates at eligible schools. |
A.M. Money | Based on academic outcomes (like GPA). | Undergraduate or graduate students at a limited list of schools in Illinois. |
MPOWER | Based on future earnings. | Undergraduate or graduate international students at eligible schools. |
Edly | Based on credit, school and major/field of study eligibility. | Undergraduate or graduate students at eligible schools who are majoring in certain fields of study. |
STUDENT LOAN RATINGS METHODOLOGY
Our survey of more than 26 banks, credit unions and online lenders offering student loans and student loan refinancing includes the top 10 lenders by market share and top 10 lenders by online search volume, as well as lenders that serve specialty or nontraditional markets.
We consider 40 features and data points for each financial institution. Depending on the category, these include the availability of biweekly payments through autopay, minimum credit score and income requirement disclosures, availability to borrowers in all states, extended grace periods and in-house customer service.
The stars represent ratings from poor (one star) to excellent (five stars). Ratings are rounded to the nearest half-star.
Read more about our ratings methodologies for student loans and our editorial guidelines.
Last updated on April 17, 2025
Frequently asked questions
Complete the FAFSA to receive federal student loans, which don’t require a co-signer. Private lenders that don’t need a co-signer may evaluate you based on your credit and future earning potential.
You’ll likely need a credit score in the mid to high 600s to get a private loan. But you’ll also need to meet a lender’s other financial requirements, such as having steady income, to qualify.
NerdWallet's Best Student Loans Without a Co-Signer in 2025
- Federal Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loan: Best for All student loan borrowers as their first option
- Ascent Non-Cosigned Student Loan: Best for Upperclassmen with no credit, income or co-signer
- Funding U Private Student Loan: Best for Students with a strong GPA
