Do you need a job to get a student loan? Depends on the loan.

By Sasha Bulatskaya | Published on March 9, 2026

)

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

If this is your first time applying for student loans, you might be wondering if you need a job to qualify. The good news is not all student loan lenders require you to have a job to be eligible. It depends on the kind of loan and whether you’re a student or a cosigner. Let’s take a closer look at which types of loans have an income requirement and your options if you’re not making money right now.

Can I get student loans with no income?

Yes, absolutely. You don’t need an income to qualify for Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Student Loans. Private lenders¹ have their own policies. Some may offer loans to students without income, while others will ask for a cosigner.

Most federal student loans don’t have an income requirement

Federal student loans from the Department of Education are often the go-to option for students. They’re based on financial need, and unlike private loans, most federal loans do not require a credit check or a cosigner. This means eligibility requirements are determined solely by your educational expenses and your school’s cost of attendance.

Benefits of federal student loans

One key benefit of federal loans is that they come with special protections for borrowers, such as income-driven repayment plans and access to forgiveness programs. Income-based repayment plans adjust your monthly payments based on your income and family size, providing relief during periods of financial hardship. And, if you find yourself in a situation where you can’t find work after graduation, federal loans offer options such as deferment or forbearance, allowing you to temporarily postpone or reduce your payments.

How to apply for federal student loans

To apply for federal student loans, you need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA determines your eligibility for various federal grants, scholarships, and work-study programs, in addition to federal student loans.

Federal loans without an income requirement

• Subsidized loans: For undergraduate students who demonstrate a financial need

• Unsubsidized loans: For undergraduate and graduate students who demonstrate a financial need

Federal loans with an income requirement

• Direct PLUS loans: For parents or graduate students. To be approved, you must not have an adverse credit history, but you have options if you don’t meet this criteria.

What if you’re denied a Direct PLUS Loan?

Applying for a Direct PLUS Loan isn’t the same as applying for a credit card. If you have any of the following on your credit report, the government is unlikely to approve your application:

• Recent accounts totaling $2,085 or more that are 90 days delinquent, charged off, or placed in collections.
• A recent bankruptcy discharge, tax lien, wage garnishment, or foreclosure.

But even if your application wasn’t approved, you could still get the funding you need. Here’s how:

1. Get an endorser: An endorser is similar to a cosigner. They’re legally responsible for paying back the loan if you don’t.
2. File an appeal: If there are mistakes on your application or the denial was based on wrong information or dates.
3. Talk to your financial aid office: They might be able to help you get the money you need using grants, scholarships, or other sources.
4. Get additional Direct Unsubsidized Loans: If you’re a parent and you’re denied a Direct PLUS loan, your child might be eligible for additional financial aid.

Private student loans have different income requirements

While federal financial aid and student loans serve as a lifeline for many students, they may only cover part of your education. In these cases, private student loans can help bridge the gap.

Private lenders typically require a credit check to see your credit score, in addition to other eligibility criteria like a minimum loan amount or residency requirements. Most private lenders want to ensure that you’ll be able to make your loan payments. However, some lenders offer loans specifically designed for students in unique situations, so it’s worth exploring your options.

When considering a private student loan, it’s crucial to compare repayment terms, interest rates, and repayment options among different lenders. At Earnest, you can check to see if you have better chances of approval with a cosigner or on your own when applying for a private student loan. You can pick which rate, payment, and term combination works with your budget, and speak to our customer care team if anything is unclear. All of our loans come with a 0.25% AutoPay discount² and you can get a rate estimate without doing a hard credit pull.

What if you’re denied a private student loan?

If you fill out a loan application and you’re denied, you can reapply with a cosigner. For an Earnest loan, a cosigner doesn’t have to be a parent or guardian. It can be a spouse, a friend, or another family member who would like to help you pay for your education – as long as they meet the eligibility criteria.

Explore scholarships, grants, and work-study programs

Before taking on loans, you should always explore free sources of funding that don’t require you to take on student loan debt. To find out what’s available, you can visit your financial aid office and check out scholarship platforms.

Additionally, work-study programs provide students with part-time job opportunities on or off-campus. These programs often accommodate students with limited or no income, providing flexible employment options that align with your academic schedule. You can even earn college credit in some cases and some universities give tuition discounts if you participate in a work-study program.

Weigh your options, maximize free funding

Ultimately, you’ve got several student loan options and ways to cover college if you don’t have a job or income. Remember to weigh the pros and cons of each and book some time with your financial guidance counselor. Ask for advice and when you have a plan of action, check with them before moving forward. With research and careful consideration, you can keep moving toward your college goals.

)

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.

Disclaimer

This blog post provides personal finance educational information, and it is not intended to provide legal, financial, or tax advice.