How international students can qualify for student loans in the U.S.

By Kaydee Ambas, CFEI® | Published on October 21, 2025

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Key takeaways:

• International students can apply for private student loans¹ in the U.S., but they must have a creditworthy cosigner who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• A cosigner shares legal responsibility for the loan and must meet certain credit and income criteria
• Earnest offers student loans to international students with eligible cosigners. Understanding what a cosigner is—and how the process works—can help students plan ahead and navigate the application confidently

Can international students get student loans in the U.S.?

For international students studying in the U.S., figuring out how to finance your education can be one of the biggest challenges. Federal student loans are only available to U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens, so international students often turn to private student loans to help cover the costs of attendance like tuition, housing, and other expenses.

While private loans are available to international students, most lenders—including Earnest—require you to apply with a creditworthy cosigner who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. This is a key eligibility requirement and helps lenders assess risk when the primary borrower may not have an established credit history in the U.S.

What happens to your student loans if your visa expires or is revoked?

Even if your visa status changes—whether it expires or is revoked—you’re still legally responsible for repaying your student loans. Loan obligations don’t disappear with your immigration status, so it’s important to plan for repayment regardless of where you end up living or working after your studies.

What is a cosigner (and why do you need one)?

A cosigner is someone who agrees to share legal responsibility for your student loan. If you miss a payment—or can’t repay the loan—the cosigner becomes responsible for the remaining balance.

Because most international students don’t have a long U.S. credit history or income established in the country, lenders typically require a cosigner to move forward with the loan application. The cosigner’s credit history and income history help the lender assess whether the loan can be repaid.

It’s important to note that having a cosigner doesn’t guarantee approval or a specific interest rate. However, applying with a strong cosigner can improve your chances of approval and may help you qualify for more favorable loan terms.

Cosigner requirements for Earnest student loans

To qualify as a cosigner on an Earnest private student loan, an individual must:

• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Meet credit and income requirements
• Be willing to take legal responsibility for the loan if the borrower is unable to pay

The cosigner will go through a credit check as part of the application process, and both the borrower and cosigner will need to submit documentation during the review.

Read More:Cosigned Private Student Loans at Earnest

Things to consider before asking someone to cosign

Asking someone to cosign a student loan is a big decision—for both of you. It’s important to have an open conversation about expectations and responsibilities before moving forward. Some things to keep in mind:

• Trust and transparency: Your cosigner is legally responsible for the loan. Make sure you’re aligned on repayment plans and timelines.
• Credit impact: Late payments or missed payments can affect both your credit and your cosigner’s.
• Ongoing communication: Keep your cosigner in the loop about your financial situation and payment status throughout the life of the loan.

How to apply for a student loan with a cosigner

If you’re ready to apply for a student loan with Earnest, here’s what the process typically looks like:

1. Check your eligibility. Confirm that you meet Earnest’s basic eligibility requirements and that your cosigner qualifies.
2. Start your application. You’ll provide basic information about your school, degree, and financial needs.
3. Invite your cosigner. Your cosigner will receive a link to complete their portion of the application.
4. Submit documentation. Both you and your cosigner will upload any required documents for review.
5. Review and sign. Once approved, you’ll both sign the loan agreement, and funds will be sent to your school.

The takeaway

While private student loans can be a helpful way for international students to finance their education, it’s important to understand the requirements—especially the need for a qualified cosigner. By planning ahead and choosing a cosigner who meets the criteria, you can take a confident step toward funding your studies in the U.S.

Are you ready to fund your education? Earnest offers competitive rates and the personal guidance you deserve from a student lender. Learn more about private student loans from Earnest.

About the Author

Kaydee Ambas, CFEI®

Kaydee Ambas is a Certified Financial Education Instructor℠ and the Content Marketing Manager at Earnest, where she leads content strategy that empowers borrowers to make confident, informed decisions about student loans. With work published by outlets like MSN, Yahoo! Finance, and SoFi, she brings a deep commitment to educational, empathetic content. When she's not writing, you'll likely find her painting in Golden Gate Park.