Best Student Loans Without A Co-Signer

Looking for a student loan but don’t have someone willing (or able) to co-sign? Don’t worry—you’re not alone and not out of options. Co-signers can be helpful, but not everyone can access a financially stable and willing co-signer. The good news? Plenty of lenders are ready to help you get through school without dragging your parents, grandparents, or friends into the equation. Here are some of the best student loans that don’t require a co-signer and how to find the right one for your situation.

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If you find yourself needing some extra funds to cover student loan payments, MoneyLion can help you out. We offer a service that connects you with personal loan offers from our trusted partners. You could get matched with offers for up to $100,000 based on your information. The best part? You can compare rates, terms, and fees in one place, making finding the perfect fit for your financial needs easier.

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10 Best student loans without a Co-signer

Now that you know where to look if you need some quick cash, let’s explore some of the best student loans that don’t require a co-signer. These options help you fund your education without needing someone else to back you up.

1. Best for Flexibility: Federal Subsidized or Unsubsidized Loan

Federal student loans are often the go-to for students looking to borrow without a co-signer. The beauty of federal loans is that they don’t require a credit check, which means your credit score won’t make or break your application. 

Plus, federally-backed student loans are generally all around more affordable and feature more flexible repayment options and protections than most private loans. Federal loans are also more likely to qualify for forgiveness programs.

Minimum credit score: None
Fixed APR: 6.53% for the 2024–2025 school year
Variable APR: Not applicable
Minimum loan amount: None
Maximum loan amount: Varies by year and dependency status

Pros: • No credit check required • Income-driven repayment plans available • Potential for loan forgiveness

Cons: • Loan limits may not cover the full cost of attendance • Interest accrues on unsubsidized loans during school • No flexibility with interest rates (fixed only)

2. Best for Merit-Based Borrowing: Funding U Private Student Loan

Funding U is a private lender that doesn’t require a co-signer and focuses on students who demonstrate strong academic performance and future potential. This lender looks beyond just credit scores, taking into account your GPA, school, and degree program.

Minimum credit score: None
Fixed APR: 8.49% – 13.99%
Variable APR: Not available
Minimum loan amount: $3,001
Maximum loan amount: $20,000 per year

Pros: • No co-signer or credit score required • Focuses on academic and professional potential • Quick online application process

Cons: • High-interest rates for less competitive applicants • Limited loan amounts • Only available to juniors, seniors and graduate students

3. Best for Customization: Ascent Non-Cosigned Student Loan

Ascent offers non-cosigned student loans that focus on students with little to no credit history. They offer flexibility with variable and fixed interest rates and consider your academic performance and future earnings potential rather than your credit score.

Minimum credit score: None
Fixed APR: 8.65% – 15.00%
Variable APR: 9.15% – 15.40%
Minimum loan amount: $2,001
Maximum loan amount: $20,000

Pros: • Multiple repayment term options • Scholarships and financial literacy resources available • Deferred, interest-only and fixed repayment plans

Cons: • Higher rates for those without a strong credit or income profile • Co-signer may still be required for some students • Higher variable APR for lower credit scores

4. Best for International Students: Mpower

Mpower offers student loans to international and DACA students attending colleges in the U.S. and Canada without needing a co-signer. They focus on your future potential rather than your current financial situation, making them a great option for students who don’t meet traditional lending requirements.

Minimum credit score: None
Fixed APR: 12.74% – 13.98%
Variable APR: Not available
Minimum loan amount: $2,001
Maximum loan amount: $100,000 total

Pros: • No co-signer or collateral required • Available to international students • Fixed interest rates with no prepayment penalties

Cons: • High fixed interest rates • Limited to specific schools and programs • Requires enrollment in a U.S. or Canadian college

5. Best for Need-Based Lending: A.M. Money Private Student Loan

A.M. Money is a lender that provides private student loans without a co-signer, focusing on students who might not qualify for traditional loans. They emphasize a student’s academic performance and financial need rather than their credit history.

Minimum credit score: None
Fixed APR: 7.95%
Variable APR: Not available
Minimum loan amount: Not available
Maximum loan amount: $50,000 

Pros: • No credit score or co-signer required • Interest rates lower than most private lenders • Emphasis on academic performance

Cons: • Limited loan amounts • Not available in all states • Requires proof of financial need

6. Best for Income-Based Repayment: Edly

Edly offers Income Share Agreements (ISAs) instead of traditional loans. With an ISA, you agree to pay a percentage of your future income for a period after graduation rather than a fixed amount each month.

Minimum credit score: None
Fixed APR: Not applicable
Variable APR: 9.40% – 23%
Minimum loan amount: $5,000
Maximum loan amount: $20,000

Pros: • Payments based on income after graduation • No upfront payments required • No interest charges

Cons: • Can be more expensive than traditional loans if your income is high • Limited availability depending on school and program • Not a traditional loan, which may confuse some borrowers

7. Best for Refinancing: Education Loan Finance

Education Loan Finance (ELFI) offers refinancing options for students looking to consolidate their existing loans, including federal and private loans, into a single payment. Refinancing can help reduce interest rates and simplify repayment.

Minimum credit score: 680
Fixed APR: 3.98%
Variable APR: 6%
Minimum loan amount: $1,000
Maximum loan amount: The amount approved by the school for qualified education expenses for the requested academic period

Pros: • Lower interest rates through refinancing • Flexible repayment terms • No application or origination fees

Cons: • Requires a credit check • Loss of federal loan protections • Not available for students currently in school

8. Best for Financial Flexibility: Earnest

Earnest offers student loans without a co-signer, with a focus on financial flexibility and personalized loan terms. Earnest allows you to customize your loan repayment plan to fit your financial situation and goals.

Minimum credit score: Not available
Fixed APR: Starts at 5.39%
Variable APR: Not available
Minimum loan amount: Depends on academic year
Maximum loan amount: Depends on academic year

Pros: • Customizable repayment options • No fees (origination, prepayment, etc.) • Fast approval process

Cons: • Requires a credit score • Higher rates for lower credit scores • Not available in all states

9. Best for Flexible Repayment: Citizens

Citizens Bank offers student loans without a co-signer for students with good credit or established income. They offer flexible repayment terms and various loan options to meet your needs.

Minimum credit score: No specific requirement
Fixed APR: 6.49% – 10.99%
Variable APR: 7.05% – 12.45%
Minimum loan amount: $10,000
Maximum loan amount: $300,000 – $750,000 total depending on degree

Pros: • Multiple repayment options • Loyalty and automatic payment discounts • Available for undergraduate and graduate students

Cons: • Requires a good credit score • Not available to international students • Higher interest rates for less qualified borrowers

10. Best for Member Benefits: SoFi

SoFi offers student loans with member benefits, including career coaching, unemployment protection, and networking opportunities. SoFi loans don’t require a co-signer for qualified borrowers, making them a great option for students with established credit or income.

Minimum credit score: 650
Fixed APR: 3.99% – 14.83%
Variable APR: 5.74% – 15.86%
Minimum loan amount: $1,000
Maximum loan amount: No limit

Pros: • Member benefits including career services • No fees (origination, prepayment, etc.) • Flexible repayment options

Cons: • Requires a credit check • Higher rates for lower credit scores • Not available in all states

How does a student loan without a co-signer work?

Student loans without a co-signer work much like any other loan, but with one key difference: the lender is willing to take a risk on you without requiring someone else to back up the loan. These loans often have stricter eligibility criteria, like a higher credit score or proof of income. 

For example, let’s say you’re a senior in college with a part-time job and a decent credit score. You apply for a private loan through Ascent, which evaluates your academic performance and future earning potential rather than just your credit history. If you meet their criteria, you can secure the loan independently.

How to choose the best student loan without a co-signer

Choosing the right student loan can be tricky, but focusing on a few key factors can make the process a little less stressful.

• Compare interest rates and repayment terms: Interest rates and repayment terms vary widely between lenders, so take the time to compare options. A lower interest rate can save you thousands over the life of the loan.
• Check eligibility requirements carefully: Each lender has different eligibility requirements. Ensure you meet the criteria before applying to avoid unnecessary hard credit checks.
• Look for lenders that consider alternative credit data: Some lenders, like Funding U and Ascent, consider factors like academic performance and future earnings instead of just your credit score.
• Check for prequalification options without hard credit checks: Prequalification can give you an idea of your loan options without impacting your credit score.
• Be aware of origination fees and other costs: Some lenders charge origination fees, late payment fees, or other costs that can add up. Read the fine print before you commit.
• Look for grace periods and deferment options: A grace period can give you time to find a job after graduation before starting payments. Deferment options can help if you hit a financial rough patch.

Your best bet for a co-signer-free loan

Getting a student loan without a co-signer is doable—you just need to know where to look. Whether you go with a federal loan or a private lender it’s important to do your research to understand the terms and conditions of your loan. 

Just remember to compare your options, check the fine print, and choose the loan that offers the best terms for your situation. And if you need extra cash, MoneyLion is always here to help with personal loan offers tailored to your needs.

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