So, your kid is going to college? That’s great! Yet, as great as it is, you are a little worried. How are you going to afford the college tuition? Or the living expenses? You want to take out a loan. If you have bad credit, this process can be more difficult. However, there are many student loans for parents with bad credit.
Here is everything you need to know about student loans for parents with bad credit.
Look to Parent PLUS Loans First
The first thing you’ll want to look at is a Parent PLUS Loan. Since it’s a federal student loan, it’ll have greater benefits and be easier to qualify for. Also, the maximum loan amount you can get is the full cost of attendance minus financial aid. Federal loan interest rates also won’t change regardless of your credit score.
However, Parent PLUS Loans do tend to have higher interest rates than even some private loans. So, before you sign off on one, compare the loan with the pre-qualified offers you get through Sparrow. That way, you can figure out which loan option is really best for you.
>> MORE: Parent PLUS Loans: everything you need to know
If you decide to get a Parent PLUS Loan, then your next step is meeting the loan eligibility requirements. To qualify for a Parent PLUS Loan, you have to be a parent (biological or adoptive) of a dependent undergraduate student. The student must also be enrolled at least part-time in college.
Additionally, while there is no credit score requirement, you can’t have any adverse credit history. Adverse credit history includes having:
- Delinquent or defaulted accounts
- A foreclosure or repossession
- Bankruptcy discharge
- Wage garnishment
- Tax lien
- Write-off of federal student debt
If you have any of these on your credit report, you may not qualify for a Parent PLUS Loan on your own. However, you can add an endorser to the application to help you qualify. Endorsers work similarly to cosigners. As long as they don’t have any adverse credit history, they should help you qualify.
If you meet all the requirements, apply for the loan by filling out the application online.
Private Student Loan Options
If you do not qualify for a Parent PLUS Loan, you should look into private parent loans. Keep in mind, though, that these usually have stricter requirements. Qualified borrowers have, at least, a steady income and a good credit score. A good credit score means a score in the mid-600s or higher.
>> MORE: What credit score is needed for a student loan?
While it’s possible to get a loan with poor credit, you will receive much higher interest rates. If you do have a poor credit history, think about getting a cosigner. This will bring down the loan’s interest rate.
When shopping around for private loans, also make sure to prequalify for each lender. Pre-qualification is a way to see what rates lenders can offer you without doing a hard credit check. They do a soft credit check instead. Once you have done that, compare the rates from each lender to help decide which is right for you. You can do this on the Sparrow website.
>> MORE: Find your pre-qualified parent student loan rates
Private Parent Loans for Bad Credit
To help get you started, we’ve made a list of lenders who offer the best private parent loans for bad credit.
>> MORE: Compare the best student loans for parents with bad credit
The latest rates from Sparrow’s partners
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ASLA
Minimum credit score
Fixed APR
PARENT -> Loans are made available by the Arkansas Student Loan Authority (ASLA), a division of the Arkansas Development Finance Authority, which is an Arkansas state government agency.
Loan terms are subject to change. All loans are subject to approval based upon underwriting guidelines determined by ASLA and its advisors. Interest rates for approved loans will be based upon the borrower’s credit history as reported under the FICO credit scoring system.
Non-Arkansas residents must attend an eligible institution of higher education within the state of Arkansas to be eligible for an ASLA loan. Arkansas residents may attend an eligible institution of higher education within or outside of the state of Arkansas to be eligible for an ASLA loan.
For more information related to the Arkansas Student Loan Authority and its loan products, visit www.asla.info.
Variable APR
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Brazos
Minimum credit score
Fixed APR
It is recommended that you utilize scholarships, grants and other federal student loans, such as the Federal Direct Student Loans, available to you before you use a Brazos Student Loan.
By providing your email, you are consenting to receive periodic emails from Brazos regarding the Brazos Student Loan, as well as general student loan information, information on other Brazos loan products or services, and other information we believe you will find informative and helpful.
Rates and terms provided as a result of a soft credit check do not mean you have been approved for the Brazos Student Loan but will give you an indicator of if, and on what terms, you may qualify. In order to qualify and be approved for the loan, you must apply, have a hard credit pull performed, and provide all necessary documents and information. A hard credit inquiry may impact your credit score.
Credit Review and Approval. If you choose to apply for a Brazos Student Loan, Brazos Parent Loan, or Brazos Refinance Loan and continue your application past the pre-credit eligibility stage, we will request your full credit report from one or more consumer reporting agencies, which is considered a hard credit inquiry. Hard credit inquiries (or hard credit pulls) are required for Brazos to be able to issue you a Brazos loan. In addition to requiring your explicit permission, these credit pulls may impact your credit score. The initial credit review is based on review of all the information you and your cosigner (if applicable) provide during the application process and the information obtained from your credit report(s). If you pass the initial credit review, you will need to provide acceptable documentation such as your income verification before the final loan approval.
Brazos Education Lending Corporation (Brazos) is a part of a group of several non-affiliated nonprofit companies that are all managed by The Brazos Higher Education Service Corporation, Inc. and are commonly referred to as the Brazos Managed Companies. The first of the Brazos Managed Companies was organized in 1975 in Waco, Texas, as a secondary market for student loans. Since that time, the Brazos Managed Companies have, on a combined basis, served an estimated 2 million student borrowers and have helped fund an estimated $30 billion in student loans.
Variable APR
It is recommended that you utilize scholarships, grants and other federal student loans, such as the Federal Direct Student Loans, available to you before you use a Brazos Student Loan.
By providing your email, you are consenting to receive periodic emails from Brazos regarding the Brazos Student Loan, as well as general student loan information, information on other Brazos loan products or services, and other information we believe you will find informative and helpful.
Rates and terms provided as a result of a soft credit check do not mean you have been approved for the Brazos Student Loan but will give you an indicator of if, and on what terms, you may qualify. In order to qualify and be approved for the loan, you must apply, have a hard credit pull performed, and provide all necessary documents and information. A hard credit inquiry may impact your credit score.
Credit Review and Approval. If you choose to apply for a Brazos Student Loan, Brazos Parent Loan, or Brazos Refinance Loan and continue your application past the pre-credit eligibility stage, we will request your full credit report from one or more consumer reporting agencies, which is considered a hard credit inquiry. Hard credit inquiries (or hard credit pulls) are required for Brazos to be able to issue you a Brazos loan. In addition to requiring your explicit permission, these credit pulls may impact your credit score. The initial credit review is based on review of all the information you and your cosigner (if applicable) provide during the application process and the information obtained from your credit report(s). If you pass the initial credit review, you will need to provide acceptable documentation such as your income verification before the final loan approval.
Brazos Education Lending Corporation (Brazos) is a part of a group of several non-affiliated nonprofit companies that are all managed by The Brazos Higher Education Service Corporation, Inc. and are commonly referred to as the Brazos Managed Companies. The first of the Brazos Managed Companies was organized in 1975 in Waco, Texas, as a secondary market for student loans. Since that time, the Brazos Managed Companies have, on a combined basis, served an estimated 2 million student borrowers and have helped fund an estimated $30 billion in student loans.
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College Ave
Minimum credit score
Fixed APR
College Ave Student Loans products are made available through Firstrust Bank, member FDIC, First Citizens Community Bank, member FDIC, or M.Y. Safra Bank, FSB, member FDIC. All loans are subject to individual approval and adherence to underwriting guidelines. Program restrictions, other terms, and conditions apply.
*The 0.25% auto-pay interest rate reduction applies as long as the borrower or cosigner, if applicable, enrolls in auto-pay and authorizes our loan servicer to automatically deduct your monthly payments from a valid bank account via Automated Clearing House (“ACH”). The rate reduction applies for as long as the monthly payment amount is successfully deducted from the designated bank account and is suspended during periods of forbearance and certain deferments. Variable rates may increase after consummation. $5,000 is the minimum requirement to refinance. The maximum loan amount is $300,000 for those with medical, dental, pharmacy or veterinary doctorate degrees, and $150,000 for all other undergraduate or graduate degrees. Information advertised valid as of 08/25/2022. Variable interest rates may increase after consummation.
This informational repayment example uses typical loan terms for a refi borrower with a Full Principal & Interest Repayment and a 10-year repayment term, has a $40,000 loan and a 5.5% Annual Percentage Rate (“APR”): 120 monthly payments of $434.11 while in the repayment period, for a total amount of payments of $52,092.61. Loans will never have a full principal and interest monthly payment of less than $50. Your actual rates and repayment terms may vary.
This informational repayment example uses typical loan terms for a freshman borrower who selects the Deferred Repayment Option with a 10-year repayment term, has a $10,000 loan that is disbursed in one disbursement and a 8.35% fixed Annual Percentage Rate (“APR”): 120 monthly payments of $179.18 while in the repayment period, for a total amount of payments of $21,501.54. Loans will never have a full principal and interest monthly payment of less than $50. Your actual rates and repayment terms may vary.
Information advertised valid as of 09/13/2023. Variable interest rates may increase after consummation. Approved interest rate will depend on creditworthiness of the applicant(s), lowest advertised rates only available to the most creditworthy applicants and require selection of full principal and interest payments with the shortest available loan term.
Variable APR
College Ave Student Loans products are made available through Firstrust Bank, member FDIC, First Citizens Community Bank, member FDIC, or M.Y. Safra Bank, FSB, member FDIC. All loans are subject to individual approval and adherence to underwriting guidelines. Program restrictions, other terms, and conditions apply.
*The 0.25% auto-pay interest rate reduction applies as long as the borrower or cosigner, if applicable, enrolls in auto-pay and authorizes our loan servicer to automatically deduct your monthly payments from a valid bank account via Automated Clearing House (“ACH”). The rate reduction applies for as long as the monthly payment amount is successfully deducted from the designated bank account and is suspended during periods of forbearance and certain deferments. Variable rates may increase after consummation. $5,000 is the minimum requirement to refinance. The maximum loan amount is $300,000 for those with medical, dental, pharmacy or veterinary doctorate degrees, and $150,000 for all other undergraduate or graduate degrees. Information advertised valid as of 08/25/2022. Variable interest rates may increase after consummation.
This informational repayment example uses typical loan terms for a refi borrower with a Full Principal & Interest Repayment and a 10-year repayment term, has a $40,000 loan and a 5.5% Annual Percentage Rate (“APR”): 120 monthly payments of $434.11 while in the repayment period, for a total amount of payments of $52,092.61. Loans will never have a full principal and interest monthly payment of less than $50. Your actual rates and repayment terms may vary.
This informational repayment example uses typical loan terms for a freshman borrower who selects the Deferred Repayment Option with a 10-year repayment term, has a $10,000 loan that is disbursed in one disbursement and a 8.35% fixed Annual Percentage Rate (“APR”): 120 monthly payments of $179.18 while in the repayment period, for a total amount of payments of $21,501.54. Loans will never have a full principal and interest monthly payment of less than $50. Your actual rates and repayment terms may vary.
Information advertised valid as of 09/13/2023. Variable interest rates may increase after consummation. Approved interest rate will depend on creditworthiness of the applicant(s), lowest advertised rates only available to the most creditworthy applicants and require selection of full principal and interest payments with the shortest available loan term.
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Earnest
Minimum credit score
Fixed APR
Auto Pay Discount Disclosure
You can take advantage of the Auto Pay interest rate reduction by setting up and maintaining active and automatic ACH withdrawal of your loan payment. The interest rate reduction for Auto Pay will be available only while your loan is enrolled in Auto Pay. Interest rate incentives for utilizing Auto Pay may not be combined with certain private student loan repayment programs that also offer an interest rate reduction. For multi-party loans, only one party may enroll in Auto Pay.
Student Loan Origination Interest Rate Disclosure
Actual rate and available repayment terms will vary based on your income. Fixed rates range from 4.70% APR to 15.15% APR (excludes 0.25% Auto Pay discount). Variable rates range from 5.24% APR to 15.55% APR (excludes 0.25% Auto Pay discount). Earnest variable interest rate student loan origination loans are based on a publicly available index, the 30-day Average Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The variable rate is based on the rate published on the 25th day, or the next business day, of the preceding calendar month, rounded to the nearest hundredth of a percent. The rate will not increase more than once per month. Although the rate will vary after you are approved, it will never exceed 36% (the maximum allowable for this loan). Please note, Earnest Private Student Loans are not available in Nevada. Our lowest rates are only available for our most credit qualified borrowers and contain our .25% auto pay discount from a checking or savings account. It is important to note that the 0.25% Auto Pay discount is not available while loan payments are deferred. Sparrow receives compensation from Earnest on a per-funded loan basis.
Student Loan Origination Loan Cost Examples
These examples provide estimates based on the Deferred Repayment option, meaning you make no payments while enrolled in school and during the separation period of 9 billing periods thereafter. Variable APR: A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $157.12) and an 11.69% APR would result in a total estimated payment amount of $21,290.40. For a variable loan, after your starting rate is set, your rate will then vary with the market. Fixed APR: A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $173.51) and an 13.03% APR would result in a total estimated payment amount of $22,827.79. Your actual repayment terms may vary.
Earnest Loans are made by Earnest Operations LLC or One American Bank, Member FDIC. Earnest Operations LLC, NMLS #1204917. 535 Mission St., Suite 1663, San Francisco, CA 94105. California Financing Law License 6054788. Visit Lending Licenses – Earnest for a full list of licensed states. For California residents (Student Loan Refinance Only): Loans will be arranged or made pursuant to a California Financing Law License.
One American Bank, 515 S. Minnesota Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104. Earnest loans are serviced by Earnest Operations LLC with support from Navient Solutions LLC (NMLS #212430). One American Bank and Earnest LLC and its subsidiaries are not sponsored by or agencies of the United States of America.
© 2023 Earnest LLC. All rights reserved.
Variable APR
Auto Pay Discount Disclosure
You can take advantage of the Auto Pay interest rate reduction by setting up and maintaining active and automatic ACH withdrawal of your loan payment. The interest rate reduction for Auto Pay will be available only while your loan is enrolled in Auto Pay. Interest rate incentives for utilizing Auto Pay may not be combined with certain private student loan repayment programs that also offer an interest rate reduction. For multi-party loans, only one party may enroll in Auto Pay.
Student Loan Origination Interest Rate Disclosure
Actual rate and available repayment terms will vary based on your income. Fixed rates range from 4.70% APR to 15.15% APR (excludes 0.25% Auto Pay discount). Variable rates range from 5.24% APR to 15.55% APR (excludes 0.25% Auto Pay discount). Earnest variable interest rate student loan origination loans are based on a publicly available index, the 30-day Average Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The variable rate is based on the rate published on the 25th day, or the next business day, of the preceding calendar month, rounded to the nearest hundredth of a percent. The rate will not increase more than once per month. Although the rate will vary after you are approved, it will never exceed 36% (the maximum allowable for this loan). Please note, Earnest Private Student Loans are not available in Nevada. Our lowest rates are only available for our most credit qualified borrowers and contain our .25% auto pay discount from a checking or savings account. It is important to note that the 0.25% Auto Pay discount is not available while loan payments are deferred. Sparrow receives compensation from Earnest on a per-funded loan basis.
Student Loan Origination Loan Cost Examples
These examples provide estimates based on the Deferred Repayment option, meaning you make no payments while enrolled in school and during the separation period of 9 billing periods thereafter. Variable APR: A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $157.12) and an 11.69% APR would result in a total estimated payment amount of $21,290.40. For a variable loan, after your starting rate is set, your rate will then vary with the market. Fixed APR: A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $173.51) and an 13.03% APR would result in a total estimated payment amount of $22,827.79. Your actual repayment terms may vary.
Earnest Loans are made by Earnest Operations LLC or One American Bank, Member FDIC. Earnest Operations LLC, NMLS #1204917. 535 Mission St., Suite 1663, San Francisco, CA 94105. California Financing Law License 6054788. Visit Lending Licenses – Earnest for a full list of licensed states. For California residents (Student Loan Refinance Only): Loans will be arranged or made pursuant to a California Financing Law License.
One American Bank, 515 S. Minnesota Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104. Earnest loans are serviced by Earnest Operations LLC with support from Navient Solutions LLC (NMLS #212430). One American Bank and Earnest LLC and its subsidiaries are not sponsored by or agencies of the United States of America.
© 2023 Earnest LLC. All rights reserved.
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ISL
Minimum credit score
Fixed APR
Subject to credit approval. Loans are made by Iowa Student Loan Liquidity Corporation or Bank of Lake Mills. Bank of Lake Mills does not have an ownership interest in Iowa Student Loan Liquidity Corporation. Bank of Lake Mills is Member FDIC. Annual percentage rate (APR) shown is dependent on if you are viewing this page with or without the auto-debit discount applied. If viewing with auto-debit discount applied, the APR rate will range from 3.85% APR to 7.91% APR and assumes you are enrolled in and maintain auto-debit payments from the date of origination. Enrolling in auto-debit results in a 0.25% interest rate reduction. Without enrolling in auto-debit, the rate will range from 3.60% APR to 7.66% APR. Not all borrowers receive the lowest rate. If you are approved for a loan, the rate offered will depend on your credit profile, the term you select, your state of residence or your current lender and will be within the ranges shown above.
Variable APR
Subject to credit approval. Loans are made by Iowa Student Loan Liquidity Corporation or Bank of Lake Mills. Bank of Lake Mills does not have an ownership interest in Iowa Student Loan Liquidity Corporation. Bank of Lake Mills is Member FDIC. Annual percentage rate (APR) shown is dependent on if you are viewing this page with or without the auto-debit discount applied. If viewing with auto-debit discount applied, the APR rate will range from 3.85% APR to 7.91% APR and assumes you are enrolled in and maintain auto-debit payments from the date of origination. Enrolling in auto-debit results in a 0.25% interest rate reduction. Without enrolling in auto-debit, the rate will range from 3.60% APR to 7.66% APR. Not all borrowers receive the lowest rate. If you are approved for a loan, the rate offered will depend on your credit profile, the term you select, your state of residence or your current lender and will be within the ranges shown above.
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Arkansas Student Loan Authority
The Arkansas Student Loan Authority (ASLA) is a state lender that offers educational funding for Arkansas residents. Through their Family Loan, they offer different repayment options, an autopay discount, and strong customer service.
Fixed APR range: 3.20% to 6.42%
Variable APR range: N/A
Minimum credit score: 650
See disclosures.
College Ave
College Ave is a well-known private student lender. They offer affordable financing, flexible repayment options, and strong customer service.
Fixed APR range: 4.41% to 16.99%
Variable APR range: 5.49% to 16.99%
Minimum credit score: mid-600s
See disclosures.
Earnest
Earnest is a well-known private student loan lender. They offer flexible repayment options and longer grace periods. Residents in Nevada do not qualify for a loan with Earnest.
Fixed APR range: rates start at 4.45%.*
Variable APR range: rates start at 5.15%.*
Minimum credit score: 650
See disclosures.
*Rates include a 0.25% AutoPay discount.
INvestED
INvestED is a student loan lender that offers educational funding for Indiana residents and students. They offer affordable financing options and have a variety of repayment plans.
Fixed interest rates range from 4.61% to 7.62%. Variable interest rates range from 7.88% to 12.34%.
The minimum credit criteria is 670.
See disclosures.
SoFi
SoFi is a well-known private lender. They offer various repayment options and unique member benefits such as career coaching. If your child is enrolled less than half-time, however, you will not qualify.
Fixed interest rates range from 6.50% to 14.83%. Variable interest rates range from 6.32% to 14.03%.
The minimum credit criteria is the mid-600s.
See disclosures.
Other College Financing Options
If you are unable to qualify for a parent loan due to your credit score, there are other options to consider:
Consider Scholarships and Grants
One of the first options your child should look into before loans are scholarships and grants. These are great because they provide money to cover educational expenses and don’t have to be paid back. You can find these opportunities through the FAFSA, your child’s college, and looking on scholarship sites.
>> MORE: Different types of financial aid for college
Cosign Your Child’s Student Loan
Another option you have is to cosign your child’s loan. If you are unable to take out a private loan yourself, you can have your child take out a loan with you as a cosigner. That way, you are still helping and contributing to their college costs, but you don’t have to take out a loan on your own.
Have Your Child Borrow the Loan By Themself
In cases where you can’t cosign a loan with them, talk to your child about borrowing the loan on their own. Let them know you’ll be there to guide them throughout this process so they still feel your support.
Work on Raising Your Credit Score
Of course, in the long run, raising your credit score is a move that will benefit you immensely. Start by checking your credit report to see what’s bringing it down and work on those weak points. You’ll also want to make payments on time, pay off old debt, and lower the amount of credit that you use. It takes time but, eventually, you’ll start to see a difference.
>> MORE: How to improve your credit score
Final Thoughts from the Nest
You have many options to help you cover your child’s education costs, even if you have bad credit. There are many great student loans for parents with bad credit.
Sparrow can help you find them. By filling out the Sparrow application, you’ll be matched to what parent loans you qualify for from our partnering lenders. You can even compare each student loan option side-by-side so you’re confident in your decision. Our goal is to help you find the best loan for you and your child to help maximize their college experience.
Sparrow’s goal is to give you the tools and confidence you need to improve your finances. Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This may influence which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. While we make an effort to include the best deals available to the general public, we make no warranty that such information represents all available products.
Interest rates shown in this article may include a 0.25% auto-debt interest rate reduction.