General
July 7, 2026
If you’re planning how to pay for college, you may be wondering whether you need to complete the FAFSA® before applying for a private student loan. While FAFSA completion may not be required by every private lender, filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) can help students and families understand what federal financial aid may be available before determining whether additional financing is needed.
Understanding how federal aid and private student loans work together can help students and parents make informed decisions about paying for school.
Do I Need FAFSA for Private Loans?
One common question students ask is, “Do I need FAFSA for private loans?”
Some private lenders may not require you to complete the FAFSA before applying for a private student loan. However, submitting the FAFSA can help you determine your eligibility for federal financial aid programs and other forms of assistance that may help reduce out-of-pocket college costs.
Completing the FAFSA allows students to be considered for:
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- Federal grants
- Scholarships
- Work-study opportunities
- Federal student loans
- State and school-based financial aid programs
Because grants and scholarships generally do not have to be repaid, they may help reduce the amount you need to borrow.
Related: What Is FAFSA and How Does It Work?
Why FAFSA Is Often the First Step
Many families choose to first consider:
- Savings and college funds
- Scholarships and grants
- Federal financial aid available through the FAFSA
- Private student loans to help cover remaining education expenses
Federal student loans may offer benefits and protections that differ from those available with private student loans. Reviewing available federal aid options first can help students better understand whether additional borrowing may be needed.
For more information about the FAFSA process, visit the U.S. Department of Education’s FAFSA website: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa.
What Is a Private Student Loan?
Private student loans are private education loans offered by private lenders and are different from federal student loans.
After scholarships, grants, and federal aid have been applied, some students may still have remaining education expenses. These remaining costs are often referred to as a funding gap.
Private student loans are designed to help cover eligible education expenses that remain after other sources of aid have been considered. Depending on your circumstances, they may help pay for:
- Tuition and fees
- Housing and meal plans
- Books and supplies
- Computers and other eligible school-related expenses
Private student loans are intended to supplement, not replace, available federal financial aid.
Related: How to Compare Private Student Loan Lenders
FAFSA Before Private Student Loan: A Typical Process
If you’re considering borrowing for college, many students and families may follow a process similar to this:
- Complete the FAFSA
Submitting the FAFSA can help you understand what federal financial aid programs and school-based aid may be available.
- Review Your Financial Aid Offer
Your school will provide a financial aid package that may include grants, scholarships, work-study opportunities, and federal student loans.
- Determine Remaining Costs
Compare your total cost of attendance with the aid you’ve been offered to identify any remaining expenses.
- Consider Private Student Loan Options
If additional funds are needed, you may wish to compare private student loan options and review available terms, rates, and borrower benefits.
Related: How to Improve Your Chances of Getting Approved for a Student Loan
- Decide Whether a Cosigner Makes Sense
Some students may choose to apply with a creditworthy cosigner, which may strengthen the application depending on lender criteria.
Related: Student Loan Cosigners: How They Can Help
Frequently Asked Questions
Is FAFSA required before getting a private student loan?
Not always. Some lenders may not require FAFSA completion. However, submitting the FAFSA can help students understand what federal aid may be available before deciding whether a private student loan is needed.
Can I have both federal and private student loans?
Yes. Some families use private student loans to help cover eligible education expenses that remain after grants, scholarships, and federal financial aid have been applied.
Should I use federal aid before private student loans?
Students may wish to review available federal financial aid options before considering whether a private student loan is needed to help cover remaining education expenses.
The Bottom Line
If you’re asking, “Do I need FAFSA for private loans?“, the answer is that FAFSA may not be required by every private lender. However, completing the FAFSA can help students understand what federal grants, scholarships, and loan options may be available before determining whether additional borrowing is necessary.
When there are remaining eligible education expenses after other forms of aid have been considered, a private student loan may help bridge the gap and provide additional support as you pursue your educational goals.
Ready to learn more? Visit our Private Student Loans page to learn how private student loans may help cover remaining college costs.
Please note that the information provided on this website is provided on a general basis and may not apply to your own specific individual needs, goals, financial position, experience, etc. LendKey does not guarantee that the information provided on any third-party website that LendKey offers a hyperlink to is up-to-date and accurate at the time you access it, and LendKey does not guarantee that information provided on such external websites (and this website) is best-suited for your particular circumstances. Therefore, you may want to consult with an expert (financial adviser, school financial aid office, etc.) before making financial decisions that may be discussed on this website.
