Featured Article:

Are Bad Credit Graduate Student Loans Possible

Are Bad Credit Graduate Student Loans Possible?
The truth is that the more college you take, the more loans you take out. This is not a bad thing, per se. Studies have shown that those who have higher college degrees earn more money than those who don't have college degrees.

But problems arise when students have to borrow money to pay for college. And this is especially true for graduate students. Some students manage to get through their bachelors degree without having to take on a student loan.

But graduate students, more often than not, do end up having to take out loans.

But what if your credit is not so good?

Here is where another problem strikes. Some students have ended up with bad credit while they've been pursuing their undergraduate degrees. So, the question arises: can graduate students with bad credit take out a student loan?

Bad Credit Graduate Student Loans Are Possible

Even though a graduate student may not have perfect credit, it is possible for him or her to get a student loan. The truth is that a number of student loan programs have nothing to do with credit scores.

Yes, you read that right.

There are a good number of bad credit graduate student loans that a graduate student with bad credit can receive.

Here are some of those options.

Bad Credit Graduate Student Loans: Stafford Loans

Stafford loans are a good option for graduate students who need student loans. Stafford loans do not depend on credit, so even a student with bad credit will be able to get a Stafford loan. There are two types of these loans, subsidized and unsubsidized loans.

Any student regardless of credit or even economic need qualifies for an unsubsidized loan. How a unsubsidized loan works is that the interest on a Stafford loan accumulates from the time you are in college. In other words, you'll have to pay interest while you are still in school.

A subsidized loan is for those with economic need. With a subsidized loan, you are not responsible for the interest while you are still in school.

Neither of these are based on credit, and you can apply for a new loan every year.

Bad Credit Graduate Student Loans: Perkins Loans

A Perkins loan is another option for graduate students with bad credit seeking a loan. A Perkins loan does not require a credit check. Typical loan awards are between $1,000 and $4,000 for each school year, but are not to exceed $20,000 total.

Bad Credit Graduate Student Loans Alternative: Non-Credit Based Loans

There are special options for graduate students pursuing degrees in the health science fields, such as medicine or nursing. These loans include:
  • Loans for Disadvantaged Students
  • Nursing Student Loan Program
  • Primary Care Loan Program
These may be a good option for these graduate students with poor credit.