 TITLE: Can You Get Student Loans If You Have Bad Credit Scores? CONTENT: Can You Get a Private Student Loan With Bad Credit?\n---------------------------------------------------\nWhile federal student loans are preferable to the alternatives, they may not be an option for every borrower. Perhaps you don't qualify, need more financial support than federal loans can offer or have already maxed out your federal loan limit. In that case, you may need to look into private student loans.\nThe thing is, most lenders that issue private student loans will assess your creditworthiness. So, if you have low credit scores, you might only be approved for loans with high interest rates, or your application may be denied altogether.\nTo get a loan with bad credit, you'll need to be strategic. Check your credit reports and scores to understand your credit situation before you begin to explore your borrowing options. You can get a free copy of your credit report from all three consumer credit bureaus through AnnualCreditReport.com. You can see credit scores based on your Experian credit file for free through Experian.\nOnce you start your search, seek out lenders that fit your needs rather than applying for every private student loan you can find, as that could slightly damage your scores (temporarily, at least). One helpful tool is Experian CreditMatch™, which allows you to quickly compare student loan issuers based on their interest rates and credit score requirements.\nIf you're not having any luck—either because you have bad credit or no credit history—you can also consider getting a cosigner. Typically, this is a creditworthy parent or other relative who is willing to share responsibility for the loan.\nAlternatively, you can explore options from lenders that evaluate your future earning potential instead of, or in addition to, your credit. Funding U and Ascent, for example, look at factors such as your school, major and academic performance.\nPrivate student loans can help you get the funding you need for college, but consider them only once you've exhausted all other options, including subsidized and unsubsidized federal student loans, scholarships, grants and assistance from your state. END