Community college is often a more affordable option for higher education — but it has its own expenses. To pay for tuition and associated education expenses, including textbooks, transportation and housing, students can turn to scholarships, grants and other financial aid. However, private student loans are another alternative if those aren't enough.

To find the best student loans for community college students, MoneyGeek evaluated several providers based on 35+ factors: loan affordability, accessibility, customer service, flexibility and transparency.

WHAT WE’RE GEEKING OUT ON:

Ascent Review


  • Ascent

    Best for students with no co-signer.

    • 4.36%–14.08%Fixed APR Range
    • 1.47%–11.31%Variable APR Range
    • $2,001–$200,000Loan Amount Range
    • Non-U.S. citizens and temporary residentsCo-signer
    Ascent

College Ave Review


  • College Ave

    Best for flexible repayment terms.

    • 4.44% - 15.99%Fixed APR Range
    • 5.09% - 15.99%Variable APR Range
    • $1,000 minimum, no maximumLoan Amount Range
    • Not requiredCo-signer
    College Ave

Sallie Mae Review


  • Sallie Mae

    Best for students who need flexible repayment plans.

    • 3.50%–13.83% Fixed APR Range
    • 1.37%–11.76%Variable APR Range
    • $1,000 minimum, no maximumLoan Amount Range
    • Allowed but not requiredCo-signer
    Sallie Mae

SoFi Review


  • SoFi

    Best for those who want no fees and plenty of benefits.

    • 3.22%–11.16%Fixed APR Range
    • 1.10%–11.68%Variable APR Range
    • $5,000 minimum, no maximumLoan Amount Range
    • OptionalCo-signer
    SoFi

How to Get a Student Loan for Community College

Selecting a private student loan for community college is a significant financial decision. For this reason, it’s smart to understand the process and factors, and compare lenders and options before making a choice.

1

Begin with federal student loans

Federal student loans should be your first funding choice since they often come with a lower interest rate and repayment benefits and options. You can apply using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form online.

2

Turn to private lenders if necessary

If you’ve applied for federal student loans but don’t have enough funding to cover all your educational expenses, private student loans may be able to help.

3

Determine how much you need

Think about how much you’ll need to cover your expenses. Expenses can include tuition, books, materials, transportation, housing and other miscellaneous fees in your program.

4

Check the eligibility requirements

Private lenders have stricter requirements than federal student loans. You may be required to have a co-signer, a minimum credit score or a certain income.

5

Get prequalified from multiple lenders

Opt for lenders who offer prequalification. While it’s not your official rate, a prequalification offer can give you an idea of how much your interest rate and other terms might be. Getting quotes from several lenders can also help you determine who might give you the best overall offer.

6

Assess loan features and terms

When evaluating lenders, look at the loan’s interest rate, repayment term and fees. You will also want to see if there are any benefits or perks the lender may offer to borrowers.

7

Apply and start payments

After considering your choices, learn about the application process for your chosen lender. You can usually apply online, but some lenders may require contacting an agent or visiting in person. Upon approval, the lender will send the funds to your school, and any leftovers will be returned to you. At this point, you may begin repaying your loan and developing a debt management strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Student Loans

Getting a student loan for community college can help with various expenses, and there are many points to consider. Our answers to frequently asked questions about private student loans for community college may help you find the best option for your needs.

Methodology

We reviewed more than 30 private student loan lenders using 35+ individual data points across six key categories: loan affordability, accessibility, consumer friendliness, customer service, flexibility and lender transparency.

Within each ranking criteria category, we considered several individual data points that we feel carry the most weight when choosing a private student loan lender. These factors include APR ranges, available loan amount, minimum credit score, minimum income amount, application fees and disbursement time.

Here at MoneyGeek, we value you, the consumer, so we also factor in each lender’s customer support, business ratings and additional features that could make your experience easier and more accessible — like prequalification, payment options and mobile apps.

After careful consideration and calculation, our picks are decided and chosen with your best interest in mind. Our personal loan recommendations and expert tips are meant to help you make the best decision when choosing a lender that meets your needs.

Learn More About Student Loans

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How to Apply for Student Loans: A Complete Guide

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*Rates, fees or bonuses may vary or include specific stipulations. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting/last updated date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired. We recommend visiting the card issuer’s website for the most up-to-date information available.
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