A question that we get quite often around here is whether people can get student loans with no credit check. As a matter of fact you can, and it actually isn’t that difficult. I know of three different options that people have – as long as they have need and are qualified for the programs. This article will educate you on your options and will help you to know whether you can qualify for each option.

1. Perkins loans. Perkins loans are based entirely on need and do not require a credit check as part of the application process. The government create the Perkins loan program to help individuals that have few options to pay for school. If your parents have high incomes or if you have high incomes, you won’t be able to qualify for this program. However, if paying for school is legitimately difficult for you, it will probably be fairly easy to qualify.

You must be a citizen of the United States with no defaulted student loans to qualify.

2. Subsidized Stafford loans. These loans are also based on need and backed by the United States federal government. The need-based system for Stafford loans is similar to what is being done with Perkins loans, except more people can qualify for Stafford loans. The criteria for qualifying isn’t as strict – in other words, the need doesn’t have to be as extreme to qualify for these loans.

For most people, subsidized Stafford loans are going to be the most likely option. Getting student loans with no credit check is pretty easy, as long as you have the need. Most people can get approved for these loans as long as they don’t have rich parents or a lot of income themselves.

3. Unsubsidized Stafford loans. These loans are NOT based on need but are backed by the government. This means almost anyone can take out these loans, as long as they haven’t defaulted on student loans in the past. You don’t need a cosigner to get any of these loans so yes, getting student loans with no credit or cosigner is very possible and most people are able to do it. The government decided a long time ago to back these loans – it’s a good investment for the government since educated individuals will pay a lot more in their lifetimes ofor their taxes.

If I was in school again, I would definitely take a look at these three types of loans. Most students have no credit so the need for these loans is huge. They are also fairly easy to qualify for – just what the doctor ordered. Interest rates can vary somewhat so make sure that you shop around. Some people because wrongly that since these loans are government backed, they have flat interest rates. This isn’t true so it would be smart to check out a bunch of lenders.