General Question

freckles's avatar

A student loan without a cosigner or credit?

Asked by freckles (363points) June 30th, 2010

Hi, I can’t get a federal loan, because my school won’t accept government money. I have no credit at all because I’m young, and wasn’t smart enough to build some sort of credit in high school. My parents have had tons of financial issues so they can’t cosign. Well although I was able to get a relative to co sign a loan for me last school year, this year she is unwilling to do so.

Is there any bank that would offer a student loan, even with high interest, to someone with no credit?

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10 Answers

tedd's avatar

Doubtful in the current economic climate, and even if they would you don’t want it at a high interest rate (your education is no good if you’re paying an extra few hundred thousand dollars for it and are just as poor as you would’ve been without it).

And don’t be so down on yourself, there is about no level of credit building you could’ve done in high school that would’ve given you good enough credit to get the loan on your own.

By far your best bet is to go to another school that will take government loans (which it confuses me beyond all belief they won’t accept them?... what school if I may ask?). Government loans are likely the only type you’ll be capable of getting without a cosigner.

MrItty's avatar

What school are you going to that “won’t accept government money”? What colleges don’t allow you to use the Stafford Loan? I’ve never heard of such a thing.

Likeradar's avatar

Freckles, this is a fabulous time to double check your school’s accreditation.

WestRiverrat's avatar

I find this hard to believe. My BIL got student loans for his seminary coursework.
He could not get grants, not because the school wouldn’t allow it, but because the Feds said it conflicted with the separation of church and state.
Even most religious schools will accept federal loans if they are accredited.

YARNLADY's avatar

If your school is fully accredited, they will accept any method of payment. If not, you should look for a new school. Visit your financial aid department. If your school doesn’t have one, the admissions department will be able to answer your questions.

Many people work to earn money for their education instead of using loans. You might want to consider that.

MrItty's avatar

@YARNLADY Many schools cost upwards of $35,000 or $40,000 per year. A student with no experience cannot earn that. Scholarships and financial aide are the only way to attend these schools.

YARNLADY's avatar

@MrItty—Ouch, I’m spoiled by California schools. My grandson spent about $3,000 – $4,000 per semester for all books and everything, one at junior college. My son went to Cal State Sac on the G.I.Bill after his Navy service.

MrItty's avatar

@YARNLADY I don’t think it’s dependent on the state. It’s mostly a matter of public vs private. State/Community schools cost vastly less than private institutions.

For example, CalTech’s tuition is $34,989 which doesn’t include room, board, fees, books, etc.

tedd's avatar

My tuition at the Ohio State University, including rent for the years I wasn’t in a dorm or room/board the years I was… Came out to about 20,000 a year. When you realize that 99% of employers don’t give a damn where you went unless it was ivy league… you stop trying to go to “better” schools that cost you an extra 15k a year.

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