8 Best Student Loans Without a Co-Signer of May 2025
Always opt for federal student loans before choosing a private student loan.
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8 student loans without a co-signer:
Federal Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loan
Ascent Private Student Loan
Funding U Private Student Loan
A.M. Private Student Loan
MPOWER Private Student Loan
Prodigy Private Student Loan
Stride Funding Income Share Agreement
Avenify Income Share Agreement
Federal student loans don’t require credit history or a co-signer. They’re also the most flexible when it’s time to repay, so use them first.
But to afford college, some students may need private student loans, which are credit-based. A small number of private lenders offer student loans without a co-signer. You’ll pay higher interest rates as a result.
Review our picks and instructions for how to shop for a student loan without a co-signer.
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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
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 | 13.20-15.19% | 12.78-14.73% | See Offers on Ascent's website | |
4.5 /5 | None | 7.95-8.87% | N/A | ||
4.0 /5 | None | 12.99-15.99% | N/A | See Offers on MPOWER's website | |
4.5 /5 | N/A | N/A | 11.06-14.96% | ||
4.5 /5 | None | N/A | N/A | ||
5.0 /5 | None | N/A | N/A | ||
4.5 /5 | None | 7.95-12.49% | N/A | See Offers 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
Future income-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
13.20-15.19%
12.78-14.73%
- 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 2/1/2025 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
Approval is primarily determined by your GPA.
A.M. Money Private Student Loan
None
7.95-8.87%
N/A
- Key facts
Best for students who have a strong GPA and attend one of the schools A.M. Money works with. It is affiliated with Illinois, but lends to schools all over the country.
Pros- GPA is used to determine eligibility instead of credit or a co-signer.
- Offers a hard-to-find, temporary income-based repayment option for up to 36 months.
- All borrowers get the same fixed rate.
Cons- Works with a limited list of schools.
- Charges an origination fee.
Qualifications- Typical credit score of approved borrowers: Credit and a co-signer are not required. Approval is based on GPA.
- Minimum income: No minimum. Approval is based on GPA.
- Loan amounts: $2,001 up to the full cost of attendance, maximum $50,000
Available Term Lengths10 years
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
Our pick for
International students
You must be from one of the 180 countries MPOWER works with. DACA students do not need a Social Security number.
MPOWER Private Student Loan
None
12.99-15.99%
N/A
- Key facts
Best for international students without co-signers and DACA students. You’ll be evaluated based on earning potential and positive payment history on your credit report, though not on your score.
Pros- Offers a hard-to-find option: non-co-signed student loans for international and DACA students.
- Borrowers are assigned a dedicated student loan advisor.
- Borrowers can request forbearance of up to 24 months, which is longer than many lenders offer.
Cons- Payment required while in school.
- Offers only one repayment term: 10 years.
Qualifications- MPOWER considers future income potential but does not factor in credit scores.
- Loan amounts: Minimum $2,001. Maximum loan is $100,000, limited to $50,000 per academic period.
Available Term Lengths10 yearsDisclaimerNote: Our loan does not support Canadian citizens studying in Canada. Canadian Permanent Residents and U.S. citizens are considered “international” when studying in Canada. International students, U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents, and DACA recipients in the U.S. or Canada. ‘International’ means you are a non-U.S. citizen or U.S. non-permanent resident studying at a university in the U.S., or you are a non-Canadian citizen or Canadian non-permanent resident studying at a university in Canada. ‘DACA’ means the Deferred Action For Childhood Arrivals Program initiated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in 2012. In order to qualify as a DACA Student, you must have applied for, and been granted, DACA status by USCIS. As a graduate student, you can borrow with a fixed interest rate of 12.99% (13.98% APR¹). This is the maximum rate and will not increase. However, MPOWER offers borrowers a way to qualify for a discount; a 0.25% rate discount is possible by making your loan payments through automatic withdrawal from your bank account. If you qualify for this discount, your rate will be 12.74% (13.72% APR²). ¹[International graduate student with regular interest rate] The APR is calculated using the following assumptions: A loan is approved in the amount of US$10,000 with a 5% origination fee of US$500. The student will start making payments 45 days after loan disbursement. Payments will be interest only until graduation, plus an additional 6-month grace period. The remaining months of repayment are calculated using a 120-month amortization schedule. All payments are made on-time, a forbearance is never utilized, and there is no pre-payment of any principal. At an APR of 13.98%, the monthly payment amount is US$113.66 for the first 30 months. For the next 120 months, the monthly payment amount is about $156.71. ²[International graduate student with discounted interest rate] The APRs with discounts are calculated using the following assumptions: A loan is approved in the amount of $10,000 with a 5% origination fee of US$500. The student will start making payments 45 days after loan disbursement. The borrower signs up for automatic debit immediately after the loan is disbursed and remains on it for the life of the loan, which reduces the rate by 0.25%. At an APR of 13.72%, the monthly payment is US$111.47 for the first 30 months. For the last 120 payments, the monthly amount is US$155.17. Undergraduate Students in the U.S. or Canada As an undergraduate student, you can borrow with a fixed interest rate of 13.99% (15.01% APR³). This is the maximum rate and will never increase. However, MPOWER offers borrowers a way to qualify for a discount; a 0.25% rate discount is possible by making your loan payments through automatic withdrawal from your bank account. If you qualify for this discount, your rate will be 13.74% (14.75% APR⁴). ³[International undergraduate student with regular interest rate] The APR is calculated using the following assumptions: A loan is approved in the amount of $10,000 with a 5% origination fee of $500. The student will start making payments 45 days after loan disbursement. Payments will be interest only until graduation plus an additional 6-month grace period. The remaining months of repayment are calculated using a 120-month amortization schedule. All payments are made on-time, a forbearance is never utilized, and there is no pre-payment of any principal. At an APR of 15.01%, the monthly payment amount is $122.41 for the first 30 months. For the next 120 months, the monthly payment amount is $162.97. ⁴[International undergraduate student with discounted interest rate] The APRs with discounts are calculated using the following assumptions: A loan is approved in the amount of US$10,000 with a 5% origination fee of US$500. The student will start making payments 45 days after loan disbursement. The borrower signs up for automatic debit immediately after the loan is disbursed and remains on it for the life of the loan, which reduces the rate by 0.25%. A forbearance is never utilized and there is no prepayment of any principal. At an APR of 14.75%, the monthly payment is US$120.22 for the first 30 payments. For the last 120 payments, the monthly amount is US$161.39.
Our pick for
International graduate students
Considers future income, rather than current income or credit score, to make lending decisions.
Prodigy Private Student Loan
N/A
N/A
11.06-14.96%
- Key facts
Best for international students in the U.S. without co-signers.
Pros- Offers a hard-to-find option: non-co-signed student loans for international students.
- You can see if you’ll qualify and what rate you’ll get without a hard credit check.
Cons- No fixed interest rates.
Qualifications- Prodigy Finance considers future income, rather than current income or credit score.
- Loan amounts: $15,000 to $220,000.
Available Term Lengths7, 10, 15 or 20 years
Our pick for
Income share agreements
Stride Funding Income Share Agreement
None
N/A
N/A
- Key facts
Stride Funding offers income share agreements to students who are at least college juniors and typically major in health care and STEM fields.
Pros- Payments aren’t due if you’re unemployed, or if your income drops below $30,000 to $40,000 per year.
- Lending decisions are not based on your credit score.
- Available for some non-degree granting schools, like certificate and bootcamp programs.
Cons- There’s no discount for paying off your agreement early like some lenders offer.
- Funding may not be available based on your school.
- Not available in Colorado or West Virginia.
Qualifications- Eligibility is based on factors like academic program and projected salary, not credit score.
- Loan amounts: $3,000 to $25,000 annually; $50,000 lifetime maximum.
- Payment cap: Two times the amount borrowed.
- Income share percentages: Typically 6% to 9%; lifetime max is 20%.
Available Term Lengths5 years, but can extend to up to 10 years.
Our pick for
Income Share Agreement for Nursing Students
- Key facts
Avenify offers income share agreements to students pursuing nursing degrees who are within 12 months of graduation.
Pros- Periods of unemployment count toward your payment total.
- Lending decisions are not based on your credit score.
- You receive a discount for paying off your ISA early.
Cons- Funding is available only to nursing students.
- Nursing certificate programs currently aren’t eligible.
- You must be within 12 months of graduation to qualify.
Qualifications- Eligibility is based on factors like your GPA and potential cost of living, not credit score.
- Loan amounts: $1,000 to $15,000.
- Income share percentages: Typically range from 1.5% to 7.5%; average is 3.99%.
Available Term Lengths5 years, but can extend to up to 10 years.
How to shop for a student loan without a co-signer
Take out federal student loans first. Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, known as the FAFSA, to get access to federal loans, grants and scholarships. Federal loans should be your first stop: They offer lower interest rates and come with income-driven repayment plans and forgiveness programs.
Build credit before you apply for a private student loan. While undergrads generally don’t have the credit history required to get a loan in their own names, graduate students over age 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.
Compare loan features. When shopping for a private loan without a co-signer, compare 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.
Consider refinancing in the future. Once you’re out of school and have built a credit profile, you may be able to refinance private student loans to a lower interest rate. You’ll generally need solid income, a credit score of 690 or higher and a history of on-time debt payments.
Student loans that don't require a co-signer
Last updated on August 1, 2023
Frequently asked questions
You can receive federal student loans without a co-signer. 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.
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.
Most undergraduate students will need a co-signer to qualify for a private student loan from Sallie Mae. The lender reports that 90% of its borrowers use a co-signer.
You’ll likely need a credit score of at least 690 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 of May 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
- A.M. Money Private Student Loan: Best for Students with a strong GPA
- MPOWER Private Student Loan: Best for International students
- Prodigy Private Student Loan: Best for International graduate students
- Stride Funding Income Share Agreement: Best for Income share agreements
- Avenify Income Share Agreement: Best for Income Share Agreement for Nursing Students
- Funding U Private Student Loan: Best for Students with a strong GPA
