How to get a student loan as a part-time student

By Sasha Bulatskaya | Published on October 21, 2025

)

This blog contains links to external pages and resources not managed by Earnest

For some college students going part-time is the best path to a higher education. Life isn’t always linear, and many students find themselves taking care of kids or working full-time jobs as they complete their degrees. But, like any college student, they must find ways to cover their college costs.

Although there are some key differences between financing a part-time vs. a full-time education, there are still plenty of federal, state, and private ways to pay.

Why part-time vs. half-time enrollment matters

Although they sound similar, these terms are not interchangeable. Part-time students could take as little as one class. Meanwhile, to be considered a half-time student, you must take at least a half-time course load. This is important to keep in mind because some federal aid and loans require you to be enrolled at least half-time.

Can part-time students get federal financial aid?

Part-time students can indeed qualify for federal financial aid, but they must be enrolled at least half-time. Factors like citizenship status, enrollment status, and financial need play a role in determining eligibility. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is your go-to tool for applying for federal financial aid. By filling out the FAFSA, you can access grants, federal student loans, work-study programs, and loans. However, the Department of Education states that while all students can apply for the FAFSA, not going full-time will reduce your cost of attendance (COA) and will impact how much financial aid you’ll receive.

State financial aid for part-time college students

In addition to federal aid, part-time college students may qualify for state financial aid. States and colleges use the information provided in your FAFSA to determine your eligibility for state-specific aid programs. Each state has its own criteria and benefits, which could include grants, scholarships, or tuition assistance.

If you have any questions about your state or federal aid, visit your financial aid office. Your college counselor has a wealth of knowledge about where to look for free funding.

Private student loans for part-time students

If federal student loans are not an option or won’t cover all of your expenses, private student loans could help. These loan types are available from private lenders. They have different eligibility requirements than federal loans and could pay for your education even if you’re enrolled less than half-time, depending on the lender.

Private student loans are available to both graduate students and undergraduate students. Unlike federal loans, private student loans require a credit check. These loans aren’t backed by the government, so the company needs to check your credit score. If you don’t have a long credit history, you could apply with a cosigner. At Earnest, over 90% of undergraduate applicants work with a cosigner, so it’s very common.

Part-time student loans from Earnest

At Earnest, our educational loans support all kinds of college journeys including, half-time students, international students, grad students, and full-time students. If you’re going to school part-time, we recommend checking your eligibility before going through the application process.

You can check out the full list of eligibility requirements before applying. Earnest student loans come with unique benefits, such as a 9-month grace period. We don’t charge origination fees for taking out the loan (or any kind of fees), and offer a 0.25% Auto Pay discount. We also allow you to choose your interest rate from fixed interest rates and variable rates. You can choose your loan term and monthly payment to make sure it works with your budget.

To make sure you’re getting the best deal, try and get a rate estimate from several private lenders. You can get a quick rate estimate for an Earnest private student loan without a hard credit pull in just a few minutes.

How to prepare to take out student loans

Understand your eligibility

Different loan options have varying eligibility requirements, so start by researching the specific loan programs available to part-time students. You should always look at federal and state aid before turning to private loans.

Calculate your expenses

Carefully assess your educational expenses to gain a clearer picture of how much funding you will need. This includes not only tuition fees but also textbooks, transportation, and other necessary resources. By estimating your expenses, you’ll be able to determine the loan amount you need to borrow to cover your educational costs and avoid borrowing more than necessary.

Explore loan repayment options

Consider how you’ll repay your student loans once you’ve completed your education. Familiarize yourself with the various repayment plans available, such as income-driven repayment for federal student loans.

If you’re taking on private loans, make sure you can see how much interest you’ll end up paying over the life of the loan. At Earnest, we show you exactly what you’ll pay when you apply so there are no surprises when it comes time to repay your loan.

Borrow responsibly

While student loans can be a valuable tool to invest in your education, it’s crucial to borrow responsibly. Only borrow what you truly need and avoid taking out excessive loans. Remember, every loan comes with interest, and borrowing more than necessary can result in a higher debt burden upon graduation.

Explore different student loan options

Taking out student loans as a part-time student may seem daunting, but with the right knowledge and approach, you can make informed decisions and set yourself up for a successful academic journey. Empower yourself by understanding your options, exploring financial assistance programs, and seeking guidance where necessary. Your part-time student status should not limit your ability to access the education you desire.

)

About the Author

Sasha Bulatskaya

Sasha is the Senior Manager of Brand and Content at Earnest. She has been writing for ten years and has been focused on educational finance and financial aid for over three. Her passion for mission-driven companies brought her to Earnest in 2020, and she's been helping make student finance more accessible ever since. She strives to demystify personal finance and student loans to help borrowers make the best decisions for their financial situation.