Student Loan Options for Non-Traditional Students

Key Takeaways

• Non-traditional students have access to federal, private, and alternative funding options
• Completing the FAFSA is the first step to accessing financial aid
• Private student loans can help cover gaps after federal aid and scholarships
• Loan options vary based on factors such as income, credit, and enrollment status

The term “non-traditional students” refers to students who may attend school part-time, return to education later in life, work while enrolled, or have family responsibilities. Though the name would suggest otherwise, these students actually make up the majority of students seeking college degrees today. In fact, as recently as a few years ago, only 5.2 million of 18 million undergraduates were considered traditional students. To put it another way, a mere 29% of college undergraduates are technically traditional students.

With so many more non-traditional students (older, married, divorced, working, attending school part-time, attending community college first, etc.) seeking college degrees, it is clear that loan options designed exclusively to meet the needs of traditional students are going to leave a lot of individuals without help. So what student loan options do exist for non-traditional students?

Federal Student Aid

Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs. As part of the U.S. Department of Education, the Office of Federal Student Aid awards grants, loans, and work-study funds to those who need help paying for college. The Office of Federal Student Aid provided $173.7 billion in grant aid for 2024-25, or $275.1 billion across grants, loans, tax credits, and work-study.

Private Student Loans

Available through private lenders, including state agencies, national banks, local and regional credit unions, and more, private student loans often have attractive interest rates and flexible repayment terms for non-traditional students.

Private student loans may be a useful option for non-traditional students who need flexible borrowing solutions, especially for part-time enrollment or career-focused programs. Rates and terms vary based on credit and financial profile.

Single Parent Financial Programs

Though few and far between, there are some financial assistance programs available for single parents seeking to earn a college degree. For example, some of these programs include grants that do not require repayment, such as the Federal Pell Grant Program or the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG). Sallie Mae also has a variety of scholarships for single parents. Stafford Loans (now Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loans) are not exclusive to single parents but do offer low interest rates and are federally subsidized according to income, making them an appealing option.

In addition to the above student loan options for non-traditional students, grants and scholarships are available from state governments, the federal government, and private and nonprofit organizations. In addition, many non-traditional students may find that taking out loans from family members is a viable way to pay for college.

Can Non-Traditional Students Qualify for Student Loans?

Yes, non-traditional students may qualify for both federal and private student loans. Eligibility depends on factors such as enrollment status, financial need, and credit history. Completing the FAFSA is the first step to understanding available federal aid, while private student loans may help cover additional costs.

Compare private student loan options through LendKey’s network of community banks and credit unions to find flexible solutions designed for a variety of student needs and educational paths.