8 Part-Time Student Loan Options for 2025
Students with less than half time enrollment have fewer options for student loans. And federal loans aren't on the list.
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College students who go to school part time may have difficulty finding student loans if they are enrolled with a half time schedule. Most private lenders require that borrowers attend at least half time or full time to qualify. Federal direct loan borrowers must be enrolled at least half time.
Part-time students enrolled at least half time should start by taking out federal student loans before considering a loan from private lenders. If you’re enrolled less than half time, there are a few private lending options to choose from. You’ll find these below, plus other borrowing information part-time students should know.
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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.
Part-Time Student Loan Options
Lender | NerdWallet Rating | Min. credit score | Fixed APR | Variable APR | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Sallie Mae Undergraduate Student Loan See Offers on Sallie Mae's website COMPARE RATES on Credible’s website | 4.5 /5 | Mid-600's | 3.49-15.99% | 4.54-14.71% | See Offers on Sallie Mae's website COMPARE RATES on Credible’s website |
 College Ave Private Student Loan See Offers on College Ave's website COMPARE RATES on Credible’s website | 2024 Best Private Student Loan Overall 5.0 /5 | Mid-600s | 3.47-17.99% | 4.44-17.99% | See Offers on College Ave's website COMPARE RATES on Credible’s website |
4.5 /5 | 650 | 3.47-14.30% | 4.99-15.97% | ||
4.5 /5 | Does not disclose | 5.29-8.04% | N/A | ||
 SoFi Undergraduate Student Loan See Offers on SoFi®'s website COMPARE RATES on Credible’s website | 5.0 /5 | Mid-600s | 3.54-15.99% | 4.64-15.99% | See Offers on SoFi®'s website COMPARE RATES on Credible’s website |
Sallie Mae Undergraduate Student Loan
Mid-600's
3.49-15.99%
4.54-14.71%
- Key facts
Sallie Mae offers flexible repayment options including its interest-only repayment option in school and during the grace period and a rate that is 1% lower than the traditional deferred repayment option. Borrowers can defer payments while enrolled in school, even while attending less than half time.
Pros- One of the few lenders to provide loans to part-time students.
- Non-U.S. citizens, including DACA students, who live in the U.S. and attend school in the U.S. can apply with a qualified co-signer who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Cons- You can't see if you’ll qualify and what rate you’ll get without a hard credit check.
Qualifications- Typical credit score of approved borrowers or co-signers: Does not disclose.
- Minimum income: Did not disclose.
- Loan amounts: $1,000 up to 100% of the school-certified expenses.
Available Term Lengths10 to 15 yearsDisclaimerLowest rates shown include the auto debit discount. Advertised APRs for undergraduate students assume a $10,000 loan to a student who attends school for 4 years and has no prior Sallie Mae-serviced loans. Interest rates for variable rate loans may increase or decrease over the life of the loan based on changes to the 30-day Average Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) rounded up to the nearest one-eighth of one percent. Advertised variable rates are the starting range of rates and may vary outside of that range over the life of the loan. Interest is charged starting when funds are sent to the school. With the Fixed and Deferred Repayment Options, the interest rate is higher than with the Interest Repayment Option and Unpaid Interest is added to the loan’s Current Principal at the end of the grace/separation period. To receive a 0.25 percentage point interest rate discount, the borrower or cosigner must enroll in auto debit through Sallie Mae. The discount applies only during active repayment for as long as the Current Amount Due or Designated Amount is successfully withdrawn from the authorized bank account each month. It may be suspended during forbearance or deferment. Advertised APRs are valid as of 4/25/2025. Loan amounts: For applications submitted directly to Sallie Mae, loan amount cannot exceed the cost of attendance less financial aid received, as certified by the school. Applications submitted to Sallie Mae through a partner website will be subject to a lower maximum loan request amount. Miscellaneous personal expenses (such as a laptop) may be included in the cost of attendance for students enrolled at least half-time. Examples of typical costs for a $10,000 Smart Option Student Loan with the most common fixed rate, fixed repayment option, 6-month separation period, and two disbursements: For a borrower with no prior loans and a 4-year in-school period, it works out to a 10.28% fixed APR, 51 payments of $25.00, 119 payments of $182.67 and one payment of $121.71, for a Total Loan Cost of $23,134.44. For a borrower with $20,000 in prior loans and a 2-year in-school period, it works out to a 10.78% fixed APR, 27 payments of $25.00, 179 payments of $132.53 and one payment of $40.35 for a total loan cost of $24,438.22. Loans that are subject to a $50 minimum principal and interest payment amount may receive a loan term that is less than 10 years. A variable APR may increase over the life of the loan. A fixed APR will not.
College Ave Private Student Loan
Mid-600s
3.47-17.99%
4.44-17.99%
- Key factsBest for students who want to make payments while they're still in school.Pros
- You can see if you’ll qualify and what rate you’ll get without a hard credit check.
- More flexible repayment options than other lenders.
- Six-month grace period extension is available.
Cons- You must be at least halfway through your repayment term before you can request a co-signer release.
Qualifications- Typical credit score of approved borrowers: Mid-700s.
- Minimum income: $35,000 per year.
- Loan amounts: $1,000 up to cost of attendance.
Available Term Lengths5, 8, 10 or 15 yearsDisclaimerCollege Ave Student Loans products are made available through Firstrust Bank, member FDIC, First Citizens Community Bank, member FDIC, or M.Y. Safra Bank, FSB, member FDIC. All loans are subject to individual approval and adherence to underwriting guidelines. Program restrictions, other terms, and conditions apply. (1)All rates include the auto-pay discount. The 0.25% auto-pay interest rate reduction applies as long as a valid bank account is designated for required monthly payments. If a payment is returned, you will lose this benefit. Variable rates may increase after consummation. (2)As certified by your school and less any other financial aid you might receive. Minimum $1,000. (3)This informational repayment example uses typical loan terms for a freshman borrower who selects the Flat Repayment Option with an 8-year repayment term, has a $10,000 loan that is disbursed in one disbursement and a 7.78% fixed Annual Percentage Rate (“APR”): 54 monthly payments of $25 while in school, followed by 96 monthly payments of $176.21 while in the repayment period, for a total amount of payments of $18,266.38. Loans will never have a full principal and interest monthly payment of less than $50. Your actual rates and repayment terms may vary. Information advertised valid as of 3/3/2025. Variable interest rates may increase after consummation. Approved interest rate will depend on creditworthiness of the applicant(s), lowest advertised rates only available to the most creditworthy applicants and require selection of the Flat Repayment Option with the shortest available loan term.
Earnest Graduate Loan
650
3.47-14.30%
4.99-15.97%
- Key facts
Undergraduate borrowers must be enrolled at least half-time to qualify for an Earnest loan, but graduate borrowers can be enrolled part-time.
Pros- Option to skip one payment every 12 months.
- No late fees.
- Nine-month grace period is longer than most lenders offer.
Cons- Loans aren't available in Nevada.
Qualifications- Typical credit score of approved borrowers: 758.
- Minimum income: $35,000.
- Loan amounts: $1,000 up to your total cost of attendance.
Available Term Lengths5, 7, 10, 12 or 15 yearsDisclaimerEarnest Private Student Loans are made by One American Bank, Member FDIC, or FinWise Bank, Member FDIC. One American Bank, 515 S. Minnesota Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104. Finwise Bank, 756 East Winchester, Suite 100, Murray, UT 84107. Earnest loans are serviced by Earnest Operations LLC, 300 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Suite 340, Oakland 94612. NMLS #1204917, with support from Higher Education Loan Authority of the State of Missouri (MOHELA) (NMLS# 1442770) One American Bank, FinWise Bank, and Earnest LLC and its subsidiaries, including Earnest Operations LLC, are not sponsored by agencies of the United States of America. © 2025 Earnest LLC. All rights reserved.
Advantage Education Private Student Loan
Does not disclose
5.29-8.04%
N/A
- Key facts
Advantage Education Loans are fixed-rate loans from the nonprofit Kentucky Higher Education Student Loan Corp. They're available outside Kentucky, but not in every state. You can use an Advantage Education Loan if you’re enrolled less than half-time, provided you immediately enter repayment, and for non-degree programs like certification courses.
Pros- Forbearance of 24 months is twice as long as most lenders.
- Loans are available if you’re enrolled less than half time.
Cons- Fewer repayment terms than other lenders offer.
- Borrowers are not able to defer loans if they return to school after their grace period ends.
Qualifications- Typical credit score of approved borrowers: Does not disclose.
- Minimum income: Does not disclose.
- Loan amounts: Minimum $1,000. Maximum depends on creditworthiness and debt-to-income ratio.
Available Term Lengths10 years
SoFi Undergraduate Student Loan
Mid-600s
3.54-15.99%
4.64-15.99%
- Key factsBest for flexible repayment options and no fees options.Pros
- You can see if you’ll qualify and what rate you’ll get without a hard credit check.
- Multiple in-school repayment options available, including interest-only and flat-fee, and deferred for undergrad and grad students.
Cons- Does not offer bi-weekly payments via autopay.
Qualifications- Typical credit score of approved borrowers or co-signers: 700+.
- Minimum income: No minimum.
- Loan amounts: $1,000 minimum.
Available Term Lengths5, 7, 10 or 15 years
Ascent Credit-based Student Loan
Low-Mid 600s
3.44-13.96%
4.95-14.26%
- Key factsBest for students with a creditworthy co-signer.Pros
- Among the best for payment flexibility.
- You can see if you’ll qualify and what rate you’ll get without a hard credit check.
- Stands out for features that enable faster loan repayment.
Cons- Students enrolled less than half-time are not eligible.
- Co-signer release not available to international students.
Qualifications- Typical credit score of approved borrowers: Did not disclose.
- Minimum income: $0 for primary borrower. $24,000 for current and previous year for co-signer.
- Loan amounts: $2,001 to $200,000 per year with an aggregate loan limit of $200,000.
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 5/1/2025 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 ( visit https://www.ascentfunding.com/annual-percentage-rate-apr-sample/) 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.
Brazos Private Student Loan
680
2.71-7.38%
4.36-5.60%
- Key factsBrazos private student loans are best for borrowers from Texas and students attending school in Texas who are from qualifying states.Pros
- May offer lower rates for graduate students than what are available through the federal government.
- Applies extra payments to the loan principal by default.
- Offers five loan terms, which is more than most lenders.
Cons- Not available to borrowers enrolled in two year programs at community colleges.
- Biweekly payments via autopay is not available.
Available Term Lengths5, 7, 10, 15 or 20 years
- Key factsBest for borrowers looking for a loan with flexible repayment plans and a long grace period.Pros
- Best for borrowers looking for a loan with flexible repayment plans and a long grace period.
- Students enrolled less than half-time are eligible, a feature not offered by many other lenders.
- Offers a .05% rate reduction for every six months of consecutive payments, up to 0.25%.
- Provides In-School Default Protection for borrowers making interest or partial interest payments while enrolled.
Cons- Not available in CT, ME, NE, TX or WV.
Available Term Lengths5, 7, 10, 15 or 20 years.
A caveat for part-time students
Each school determines its own full-time or part-time status. Typically, full-time status means you’re enrolled in at least 12 credit hours per semester. Half-time status means enrolling in six credit hours per semester. Taking fewer than six credit hours would be considered less than half time.
One big challenge part-time students face is that they may need to make payments while still in school. It will depend on your enrollment status and your lender.
Federal student loans: Repayment will begin if you fall below half-time status.
Private student loans: Check with your lender. Many will require repayment to begin if you fall below half-time status, but a few will allow you to defer payments even if you take just one class per semester.
If you have existing student loans you took out as a full-time or half-time student and transition to less than half-time enrollment, you may need to begin repaying those loans while you’re in school. Check with your lender or servicer.
How to shop for part-time student loans
Build credit or find a co-signer before you apply for a private student loan. While undergrads generally don’t have the credit history required to get a loan without a co-signer, students over the age of 21 might. You’ll have the best shot at a private loan with competitive interest rates if your credit score is 690 or above. Strengthen it before applying for a loan by fixing errors on your credit report, paying all bills on time and using as little of your credit limit as possible. Otherwise, you’ll need to find a co-signer who can qualify to take out the loan with you.
Compare private lending options. Attending college less than half time will limit your private student loan options, but there are a few lenders who offer loans for less than half-time enrollment. Compare private loan offers to get the lowest interest rate you qualify for. Note whether the lender will postpone payments in case you have difficulty affording them, and for how long. 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.
Opt for a fixed interest rate. Given the choice, a fixed interest rate is a safer bet than a variable interest rate. It won’t increase over time.
Keep an eye on the bottom line. Use a student loan calculator to see what kind of payment you’ll face after borrowing for multiple years.
STUDENT LOAN RATINGS METHODOLOGY
Our survey of more than 19 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 May 13, 2025
NerdWallet's Part-Time Student Loan Options for 2025
- Sallie Mae Undergraduate Student Loan: Best for Students who want flexibility with repayment
- College Ave Private Student Loan: Best for Making payments while still in school
- Earnest Graduate Loan: Best for Graduate students
- Advantage Education Private Student Loan: Best for Students in non-degree-granting programs
- SoFi Undergraduate Student Loan: Best for flexible repayment options and no fees
- Ascent Credit-based Student Loan: Best for students with a creditworthy co-signer
- Brazos Private Student Loan: Best for borrowers from Texas and students attending school in Texas who are from qualifying states
- Abe: Best for borrowers with strong credit and low income.
