Who Cannot get a student loan?

Asked by: Dr. Angus Nolan  |  Last update: January 24, 2026
Score: 4.3/5 (60 votes)

If you don't meet baseline eligibility requirements, or if you've previously defaulted on a loan, you may not be approved for a federal student loan. You must maintain "satisfactory progress" in school to be approved for student loans. You can take steps to regain or improve your eligibility for student loans.

What disqualifies you from getting a student loan?

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. Defaulting on a student loan.

Why would someone be denied a student loan?

Lenders may look at your employment history, credit score, debt-to-income ratio, and enrollment status at your school. One of the most common reasons why a student might not qualify for a private student loan is because they don't meet their lender's FICO® Credit Score criteria.

Who is not eligible for student aid?

If you earned or completed a bachelor's or graduate degree, you're not eligible for any government grants. If you incorrectly answered 'Yes' to the question about completing a bachelor's or graduate degree on your FAFSA , you should change your answer to that question by logging into FAFSA as a returning user .

Are student loans available to everyone?

Direct Subsidized Loans are available only to undergraduate students who have financial need. Direct Unsubsidized Loans are available to both undergraduates and graduate or professional degree students.

What Everyone's Getting Wrong About Student Loans

41 related questions found

What can stop you from getting a student loan?

Factors That Can Disqualify You From Student Loans
  • Not Filing Out the FAFSA.
  • Having Criminal Convictions.
  • Not Being a U.S. Citizen or Eligible Noncitizen.
  • Not Having a Diploma or GED.
  • Not Maintaining Satisfactory Progress.
  • Defaulting on Previous Student Loans or Grant Refunds.

Who is eligible for student loans?

Eligibility Requirements. Our general eligibility requirements include that you have financial need for need-based aid, are a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen, and are enrolled in an eligible degree or certificate program at an eligible college or career/trade school.

What is the highest income to qualify for financial aid?

There are no income limits to apply, and many state and private colleges use the FAFSA to determine your financial aid eligibility.

What disqualifies you for FAFSA?

Incarceration, misdemeanors, arrests, and serious crimes could all affect a student's aid. Smaller offenses may not necessarily cut off a student from all aid, but they could limit the programs they qualify for as well as the amount of aid they could receive. Larger offenses could disqualify a student entirely.

Is it easy to get approved for a student loan?

Federal student loans usually don't require a credit check, making them easier to get for most students. However, private loans often require a good credit score, a minimum income and at least half-time enrollment in an eligible institution. If you don't meet these criteria, a cosigner may be necessary.

What are 3 drawbacks to getting a student loan?

What are the Cons?
  • Taking out a student loan means you are starting your adult life with debt.
  • Student loan debt can get in the way of other financial and lifestyle goals.
  • The penalties for defaulting on some loan payments include added fees, added interest and wage garnishment.

Does Sallie Mae approve everyone?

Sallie Mae loans are subject to credit approval, identity verification, signed loan documents, and school certification. This loan is available to students at participating schools and is not intended for students pursuing a graduate degree. Student or cosigner must meet the age of majority in their state of residence.

What to do if I can't get a loan for college?

SHARE
  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.

What income is too high for FAFSA?

What income is too high for FAFSA? There is no income that is too high to file a FAFSA. No matter how much you make, you can always submit a FAFSA. Eligibility for need-based financial aid increases as the cost of attendance increases, so even a wealthy student might qualify for financial aid at a higher-cost college.

Can you be turned down for student loans?

If you apply for a private student loan on your own and are denied, it may be because you have insufficient personal credit history, which is common for full-time college students. Many students in this position will find a qualified co-signer to apply with them.

What disqualifies you for student loan forgiveness?

You must be a direct employee of a qualifying employer for your employment to qualify. This means that employees of contracted organizations, that are not themselves a qualifying employer, won't qualify for PSLF including government contractors and for-profit organizations.

What is the income limit for FAFSA 2024?

There is no specific income limit to qualify for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Both students and their parents often think their household income makes them ineligible for financial aid. However, the U.S. Department of Education does not have an income cap for federal financial aid.

Will I get financial aid if my parents make over 100k?

In conclusion, even with a household income of $100,000, it is still possible to receive financial aid. To maximize your chances, ensure that you apply for as many different aid programs and scholarships as possible, both at the college level and from outside sources.

What makes you ineligible for a Pell Grant?

Once you have earned a baccalaureate degree or your first professional degree or have used up all 12 terms of your eligibility, you are no longer eligible to receive a Federal Pell Grant. Learn more about staying eligible for federal student aid while you're in school.

What income level does not qualify for financial aid?

Cal Grants Have Financial and Other Eligibility Criteria.

For example, in the 2021‑22 award year, a dependent student from a family of four must have an annual household income of under $110,400 to qualify for Cal Grant A or C, and under $58,100 to qualify for Cal Grant B.

What are 4 types of financial aid you can qualify for?

Financial aid is money to help pay for college or career school. Grants, work-study, loans, and scholarships help make college or career school affordable.

How far back does FAFSA look at assets?

The FAFSA uses a snapshot of assets on the date the FAFSA is filed and the prior tax year income. The CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE form uses the last three years of income. On the FAFSA, the principal place of residence is not a reportable asset, so paying down the mortgage is a good way of making cash assets disappear.

What is the income cut-off to qualify for federal student aid?

What are the FAFSA income limits? Submitting a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step in accessing college funding, regardless of your income. Although there are some broad requirements you must meet to qualify for federal aid, there's no FAFSA income limit.

What are the income requirements for student loans?

Most federal student loans don't have an income requirement

They're based on financial need, and unlike private loans, most federal loans do not require a credit check or a cosigner. This means eligibility requirements are determined solely by your educational expenses and your school's cost of attendance.

What increases your total loan balance in FAFSA?

Interest accrual, interest capitalization, fees, deferment, forbearance, and grace periods can all increase your student loan balance. Paying more than the minimum each month, making extra payments, and paying interest while in school can help reduce your loan costs.