Can I get more student loans if I already owe?

Asked by: Kole Klocko  |  Last update: August 18, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (29 votes)

If a student has federal student loans that are in default, they are not eligible to receive additional federal student aid until the default is resolved. The borrower can resolve a default by paying the defaulted loan in full, consolidating the loan, or rehabilitating the loan.

Can you get another student loan if you owe?

No, you can't get a student loan to specifically pay off your existing student loans. But you can refinance to get better terms (pay schedule, interested, etc). Successfully refinancing usually depends on your (and maybe a cosigner's) credit score.

Can you take out more student loans if you owe?

So yes, if the debt relief discharges enough of your balance to be under the aggregate limit you are allowed to re-borrow up to that limit. Whether or not you should is a separate question. How close are you to finishing your degree? What degree level is it?

Can you get student loans while owing student loans?

Unless you do the governments method of getting out of default like rehabilitation or something they call it, you are ineligible to get any more loans unless they're private loans not federal.

Can you get another student loan if you default?

Unless you do the governments method of getting out of default like rehabilitation or something they call it, you are ineligible to get any more loans unless they're private loans not federal.

What Everyone's Getting Wrong About Student Loans

33 related questions found

Can I still get financial aid if I owe money?

Student loan default, which occurs after 270 days of missed payments on federal student loans, typically makes you ineligible for federal student aid. That means borrowers in default can't access the grants, work-study programs and student loans that help make college affordable.

Who qualifies for the fresh start program?

Do You Qualify for the IRS Fresh Start Program? To qualify for the IRS Fresh Start Program in 2025, taxpayers generally need to meet one or more of the following conditions: Owe Back Taxes: Individuals or small businesses with outstanding federal tax debt.

Can I take out a student loan if I already have one?

It's possible that, like many students, you're considering taking out more than one loan to make the process easier. Of course, it's possible to have simultaneous loans, but before you apply for more student loans, you should be aware of some of the effects this might have on your future.

Can I go back to college with defaulted student loans?

"Defaulting on private student loans from a bank, credit union or other lender doesn't make you ineligible for federal financial aid. You'll still be able to submit the FAFSA and access federal grants, work-study and student loans for college or graduate school.

Can I buy a house if I owe student loans?

Yes, student loans may affect your ability to buy a house, but they don't automatically disqualify you either. A lender's decision relates to the amount of debt you carry, rather than the type of debt, so student loans may affect your ability to get a mortgage in the sense that they affect your debt-to-income ratio.

Can I increase my student loan amount?

Note: You can request an increase in the amount of a Direct PLUS Loan you previously requested if it's for the same school and same award year. The loan can't exceed the cost of attendance (COA) minus other aid.

How to pay for college when you can't afford it?

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  1. Apply for scholarships.
  2. Request an aid adjustment.
  3. Explore additional needs-based programs.
  4. Find part-time work.
  5. Ask about tuition payment plans.
  6. Request additional federal student loans.
  7. Research private or alternative loans.

How do I know if I defaulted on my student loans?

Log in to studentaid.gov. All federal student loan borrowers have a My Federal Student Aid account they can access with their FSA ID. Sign in to your account, select a loan and look at its repayment status to see if it's listed as in default. Your account also includes information about your servicer, if you need it.

Can I go back to college if I owe money?

You'll have to connect with your financial aid office to inquire about their policy and process. You'll have to wait to return until you save up enough to pay off the balance or get a personal loan unfortunately.

What disqualifies you from FAFSA?

For example, if your citizenship status changed because your visa expired or it was revoked, then you would be ineligible. Other reasons for financial aid disqualification include: Not maintaining satisfactory progress at your college or degree program. Not filling out the FAFSA each year you are enrolled in school.

Can you have two different student loans?

Although you only have to submit one application, you may have 2 separate loans to manage and repay. Your student award letter will tell you which loan(s) you received and the amount(s).

Can I get student loans if I owe student loans?

No. If a student has federal student loans that are in default, they are not eligible to receive additional federal student aid until the default is resolved. The borrower can resolve a default by paying the defaulted loan in full, consolidating the loan, or rehabilitating the loan.

Can you get more student loans if you're in default?

To stay eligible for student aid, you'll need to keep making your loan payment each month. If you miss a payment after your eligibility is reinstated, you'll become ineligible for student aid again. If this happens, your only option to get more student aid will be to get out of default. Was this page helpful?

Is the fresh start program legit?

The Fresh Start Program is legitimate, but the way that people use these phrase isn't always accurate. To understand what's happening, you need to look at the history of the Fresh Start Program. The IRS created the Fresh Start Program in 2011. This program didn't actually create any new options for taxpayers.

How many times can you get student loans?

Although there's no hard limit on the number of student loans, you can have at a time, both federal and private student loans come with restrictions you'll want to consider as you determine the best way to pay for school. Here's everything you need to know.

What is the fresh start program?

The Benefits of Fresh Start for Eligible Loans

Restores eligibility to receive federal student aid including Federal Pell Grants and work-study. Protects borrowers from wage garnishments and costly collection fees. Restores eligibility for future loan rehabilitation for borrowers who rehabilitated during the pause.

Can you combine two student loans?

A Direct Consolidation Loan allows you to consolidate (combine) one or more federal education loans into a new Direct Consolidation Loan for the purpose of lowering your monthly payment amount or gaining access to federal forgiveness programs.

How much does the IRS fresh start program cost?

There are no specific fees associated with the IRS Fresh Start program itself. However, there may be costs associated with resolving your tax problems and hiring professional services. Tax professionals or tax resolution firms may charge fees for their services.

How long does it take for a fresh start program to be approved?

Note: The Fresh Start program ended at 2:59 a.m. Eastern time on Oct. 2, 2024. Learn about other ways to get your loan out of default. It takes 4–6 weeks for most people to have their request processed and be transferred to their new non-default servicer.

Can I apply for the Fresh Start program myself?

Applying for the IRS Fresh Start program

It's only after filing tax returns that you can go to the IRS gov to get yourself enrolled using the Online Payment Agreement tool. The tool lets you choose your preferred repayment option.