As you are thinking about how to pay for college, you may wonder how to get student loans without cosigners.

Before you consider getting student loans, first ensure that you have fully investigated and applied to every type of non-debt producing financial aid you can. This should include grants and scholarships like Pell grants. Grants and loans do not require repayment and so should be the first thing you consider before student loans.

The easiest way to get student loans without cosigners is to get a student loan. Federal student loans are guaranteed by the government and are based on need, not your credit worthiness. Because of this, they are relatively easy to get and can be part of your financial aid package from your college or university. Keep in mind that because they are need based, the amount you are authorized to borrow might not be everything you need to pay for your education. These kinds of college loans are the best option if you are in financial need.

To determine your financial need for Federal student loans, you must apply using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This is also the application for Pell grants. For Federal student loans, you do not need a cosigner. In addition, when you finish your education it is relatively easy to consolidate your Federal student loans into one to reduce your payments and potentially your interest rate. It also makes it easier to pay them as they are all located in one place.

The other way to get student loans without a cosigner is to qualify for a private student loan on your own credit worthiness. This can be difficult for young students who have no work and credit history. However, there are many lenders who do work with college students to help them get college loans. If everything else fails, you may need to get student loans with a cosigner needed. This should be an option of last resort.

There are many options for getting money for college including student loans without cosigners. Before you turn to a loan that requires a cosigner, be sure to exhaust all of your other financial aid options first, such as Pell grants, other types of college grants and scholarships. Also, it is possible to find lenders who specialize in college loans for students with little or no credit history. The best advice is to avoid going into debt to pay for college if at all possible though.