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Can You Get Student Loans Without FAFSA?

Let’s face it, the FAFSA is time consuming and can be overwhelming. So, it’s quite tempting to skip filling out the federal government’s financial aid application if possible. While you can get student loans without filling out the FAFSA, they may not be the best loans for your financial circumstances. You can obtain a private student loan without filling out the form, but if you want to get a Federal Student Loan or a Parent PLUS Loan, you must fill out the FAFSA.

When the FAFSA Is Required for Loans and Aid

When you apply to college, you can get various responses:

• Subsidized Federal Student Loans
• Unsubsidized Federal Student Loans
• Parent PLUS Loans
• College Grants and Financial Aid – Colleges require the completion of the FAFSA and/or the CSS in order to obtain grants, and financial aid monies
• College Scholarships – Some colleges require that you have a FAFSA on file in order to receive merit funds awarded from a school

When a FAFSA Is Not Required

There are plenty of private student loan servicers that provide student or parent loans that do not require completion of the FAFSA, such as Sallie Mae. However, they will require credit checks and loan approval, and for students, they will probably also require an adult consigner. Parents can also take out home equity loans to cover college costs – another option for obtaining funds without completing the FAFSA.

Student Loan FAFSA Takeaway

You can get student loans without completing the FAFSA, but those types of loans are through private vendors. All Federal Student Loans and Parent PLUS Loans require submission of the FAFSA – in addition to being offered grants or other forms of financial aid, such as work-study. There are also some colleges that require you to have a FAFSA on file if you have been awarded merit funds (Based on your credentials).

Looking for help with the college search and application process?

Looking for help with the college search and application process? We help students and families through the entire college planning journey – from search, applications and essays to interview prep, financial aid consultation and final school selection.

Contact us at info@signaturecollegecounseling.com or by phone, 845.551.6946. We work with students through Zoom, over the phone, and by email.