How to get loans for summer semester 2026

By Anna Baluch | Published on May 1, 2026

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TL;DR

• If you need student loans to help pay for summer classes, look into scholarships, grants, and part-time jobs first.
• Then, complete the FAFSA to lock in federal student loans.
• To fill in any remaining funding gaps, shop around and compare private student loans.

By taking summer classes, you can fulfill your course requirements faster and potentially graduate ahead of schedule. If you attend a public university in a state like Florida, you may even be required to complete summer coursework before graduating.

While grants and scholarships may cover some costs, student loans can also make the summer semester more affordable. Let’s take a closer look at how to get student loans for summer classes.

What alternative funding options should I explore before applying for summer student loans?

Before you go ahead and apply for student loans, consider alternative funding options. These are particularly important if you only take one class this summer as you’ll be considered less than part time and may not be eligible for all types of student loans.

Do some research to find out about any scholarship or grant opportunities available to you from your school or another organization. You may also want to consider a part-time job or side hustle to help cover some of the costs.

How do I get federal student loans for the summer semester?

You may use federal student loans to pay for summer classes. However, you’ll be limited to the maximum loan amount for the academic year, including what you already borrowed for the fall and spring semesters. In addition, you must be enrolled at least half-time for the summer semester.

It’s a good idea to consult your school’s financial aid office for guidance. If you learn that they do require a separate application for federal student loans for the summer, follow these steps to apply.

1. Fill out the FAFSA

If you’re interested in federal financial aid for your summer courses, you’ll need to fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Your school may use your FAFSA form from the previous academic year or require a new form for the upcoming year.

The federal deadline for the 2025-26 FAFSA is June 30, 2026 but it’s a good idea to reach out to your school directly to learn about which form they prefer and any applicable timelines.

To fill out the FAFSA for summer aid, you’ll need to:

• Sign up for an FSA ID: Visit StudentAid.gov and request an FSA ID. This is the account you’ll need to submit the application.
• Complete the form: You’ll be asked to provide a variety of personal information and financial details, including the value of cash assets and investments in your name and/or your parents’, if applicable.
• Submit the required documents: The form will require you to provide tax returns for yourself and your parents, if applicable.

2. Accept or reject your offer

Once you fill out the FAFSA, you’ll receive a Student Aid Report or SAR, which outlines your eligibility for federal aid, such as subsidized loans and unsubsidized loans.

The college you choose for summer classes will send you an individual aid package after they accept you. Keep in mind you can accept or reject federal loans, and might be able to apply for more aid later.

Before you receive your loan funds, you’ll need to sign a master promissory note and complete loan counseling from the Department of Education to prove you understand the responsibility.

How do I get private student loans for summer semester?

If you’re not eligible for federal student loans or still need additional funding, private student loans can help cover your summer class. In most cases, you can borrow up to the cost of attendance. In addition to tuition, funds may also be used to pay for books, room and board, and other certified school expenses.

Tuition deadlines are usually set at the beginning of the summer semester and your lender will likely send the funds directly to your school. Compared to federal student loans, private student loan applications are typically faster, and you may get approved within a day or two.

You might get a lower interest rate than you would with federal loans, especially if you have strong credit or a cosigner but you’ll miss out on federal protections, such as loan forgiveness or income-driven repayment plans.

Follow these steps to apply for private student loans for summer courses:

1. Research lenders

Not all private student loan lenders are created equal, so it’s smart to shop around and explore your options. Compare interest rates, fees, repayment terms, hardship programs, customer service, grace periods, and cosigner releases. Eligibility requirements are also important to consider as some lenders require at least half time enrollment.

Earnest, for example, offers competitive interest rates, no fees, flexible repayment plans, a 9 month grace period, and a Client Happiness Team that can support you every step of the way.

You may also skip a payment once per year, as long as you’re in good standing.

2. Get prequalified

Many lenders, including Earnest, let you prequalify, meaning you can check your odds of approval without undergoing a hard credit check. This is a huge plus as a hard credit inquiry stays on your credit report for up to two years and can temporarily drop your score.

3. Submit an application

You may complete several loan applications around the same time to avoid multiple inquiries on your credit report and minimize the impact on your credit. Most private loan lenders will let you go through the process online.

Be prepared to share your personal details like your date of birth and Social Security number as well as gross monthly income and rent or mortgage payment. You may also need to upload recent pay stubs or tax returns.

4. Accept a private loan

Fortunately, you won't have to accept every private student loan you get approved for. Once you choose the ideal one for your situation, your lender will likely disburse the funds to your school. At that point, interest will begin to accrue.

Explore Earnest Private Student Loans for the summer semester

If you need private student loans to help pay for summer coursework, Earnest is a solid choice. You can expect low rates, flexible repayment options, and a grace period three months longer than other lenders on average.

Check your eligibility today to find out what you might qualify for. It’s fast, free, and won’t hurt your credit score.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I have to take out student loans to pay for summer classes?

No, but student loans are an option if you need additional funds after you’ve exhausted alternative solutions, like grants, scholarships, and summer jobs.

2. Will I need a new FAFSA to qualify for federal student loans this summer?

It depends on your school. Some schools will require a new FAFSA form while others will use the one they have from the previous academic year. If you’re unsure, ask your school directly.

3. Can I qualify for federal student loans if I only take one class this summer?

No, you must be enrolled at least half-time for the summer semester to take out federal loans. Explore scholarships, grants, and summer jobs if you need funding for a single class.

4. Should I take out federal or private student loans for summer school?

First, look into scholarships, grants, and summer jobs to pay for summer classes. If you need additional funds and are enrolled at least half-time, you can apply for federal student loans. Use private student loans to fill in the gaps.

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About the Author

Anna Baluch

Anna Baluch is a freelance finance writer from Cleveland, OH. She enjoys writing content that helps people from all walks of life make good financial decisions. Her areas of expertise include student loans, refinancing, mortgages, personal loans, budgeting, and debt management.