The Ultimate Guide to Student Loans With No Interest [2024]

by Romain Ruchot September 21, 2022

12-minute read. Updated October 08, 2023.

Are you looking for the best way to get an interest free student loan? While you probably want to avoid making student loan payments, if you need to borrow money for college, there's no escaping the fact that you will be taking out some kind of student loan to help pay your school costs.

Whilst, in this case, there is such a thing as a free loan, it often comes with strict conditions to qualify.

If you're looking for ways to pay for your education, interest-free student loans can be a viable option. However, with so many different student loan types available, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you.

This ultimate guide to student loans without interest will help explain most of your options and how to choose the best type for your situation.

Understand the Different Types of Student Loans
Research Your Options
Act Quickly and Know When to Apply
Apply for Scholarships Before You Apply for Interest-Free Student Loans
There are different types of interest free loans for students
How can students maximize federal and free financial aid?
How can I get a free student loan?
Compare the Best Private Student Loans
How do private student loans work?
Tell me the benefit of private student loans
What are the disadvantages of private student loans?
What's going on with private student loans?
How are student loan interest rates calculated?
Conclusion

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Understand the Different Types of Student Loans

A university student completing a personal loan proposal.

Before you begin your research, it's important to understand the different types of student loans. There are a lot of different options out there and each one comes with its pros and cons. Here's a breakdown:

Interest-free loans are federal or private loans that don't accrue interest until after you leave school (or when you graduate, whichever is later). This can be helpful if you're planning on making payments over several years since there won't be any extra fees added on top of what was already borrowed.
Student loans with interest are just like they sound - they accrue interest from the day it's taken out (and sometimes before). These might be easier for some people because they're often less expensive than other types, but over time loan fees add up!
Private student loans require an application process similar to applying for any other type of loan; however, unlike federal student aid programs which have strict eligibility requirements based solely on financial need alone (i.e., being eligible doesn't guarantee to receive assistance), private lenders may also consider things like credit history and would deny applications with low likelihood/ability to repay those monies following graduation.

Research Your Options

A bank clerk preparing an income driven repayment plan.

You have a few options when it comes to paying for your college education.

The first is federal loans, which are typically offered through government agencies and come with low interest rates and fixed payment plans.
On the other hand, private loans are less standardized but can be more flexible if you need a variable rate or want to adjust your monthly repayments over time.
There are also student loan forgiveness programs that might help you avoid paying back some or all of your loans; these programs often require you to work in certain fields for a certain amount of time after you graduate (e.g., ten years). For more information about how these programs work and whether they're right for you, check out the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

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Act Quickly and Know When to Apply

If you want to get the best deal on your student loans, you must act quickly.

FAST: When it comes to finding and applying for student loans, time is essential. The sooner you apply for a loan, the more likely it is that your interest rate will be lower than others who enroll later. There are many lenders out there with different loan terms and conditions - so make sure to compare offers before signing.

SLOW: If you're looking into paying off any debt right now, then think about which option will save you more money in the long run: paying down credit cards or paying down a student loan. Generally speaking, loan payments should be made first because they have higher interest rates.

Apply for Scholarships Before You Apply for Interest-Free Student Loans

A freelance writer in a high school library.

Scholarships are a great way to avoid student loans. They can also be used for college expenses, including tuition, school books, and housing. In some circumstances, they may even give you funding for your travel expenses to and from college.

If you're lucky enough to win a scholarship, don't let it go to waste! To have the best chances, follow these steps:

Know what kind of scholarship you can sign for. Some are based on grades, while others are awarded for special interests or skills. Make sure you know what type of scholarship you're applying for so that you can tailor your application to meet the criteria of each award.

If possible, ask what the terms and conditions are so that you know exactly what's expected in return for the funds being provided. For example, when seeking a scholarship from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, make sure that you meet their academic eligibility requirements before submitting any application

Additionally, remember that some scholarships require transcripts from high school while others require them from college; therefore if one type fails then another might succeed. Having a safe place for these documents is wise, along with digital copies.

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In most cases, applicants are asked to fill out a long form with general information about themselves and their educational backgrounds, as well as detailed information about their activities, interests, and career goals after college. This may sound obvious, but read all instructions carefully before filling out forms so that you don't miss any important deadlines or requirements along the way; there are thousands at stake!

Make sure your scholarship is available when you need it. Some scholarships are awarded only once in a lifetime while others have payments renewed annually or every semester. Apply early so you can plan your enrollment around the availability of your school funds.
If successful, confirm your college scholarship as soon as possible after receiving notification of award acceptance. Often, schools will have very strict deadlines. For example, many programs require students to take action within 30 days of notification, by either accepting or declining the award. If you do not comply with these time constraints, then you risk losing out on valuable scholarship funding! You should also check that your school's financial aid office has been notified about the award.
Get your award letter in writing. If there's any doubt about your acceptance, you'll want to prove that you're eligible before accepting the scholarship. If you don't receive an official award letter, contact the organization to find out what they expect from you next.
Accepting an award doesn't mean giving up other options! It's a common misconception that accepting a scholarship means you can't request others. You should always consider alternatives when applying for scholarships, grants, or subsidized loans.

There are different types of interest free loans for students

A higher education student overwhelmed by the variety of state specific programs.

There are many different types of interest-free student loans, and each one has its own set of rules. Not all are truly interest-free though.

For example, some loans have no interest only for the entire duration of your education (i.e. you don't have to pay anything until after graduation).
Other loans charge a fixed amount from day one and then continue charging that same rate until the loan is paid off.
And some carry a variable amount based on market conditions at the time they're disbursed - this can make it hard to budget because it means they could go up or down depending on what happens with interest rates later on in life, as we've seen in recently with the Fed's rate hikes.
Some student loans don't allow any kind of grace period at all; these are called non-deferrable, because repayments have to start right away once school ends, or else this will result in penalties. This gives borrowers less flexibility to pay back their balance.

For some, this will add more stress during those first few years 'out in the world', working full-time jobs while also paying rent and bills every month, for the first time in their adult life. Have a saving plan in place and an emergency fund, to give you peace of mind that you have money on the side for the first few amounts due.

When planning their finances, many people struggle with figuring out how much money exactly should be put towards paying down their debt repayment plan on their student loan, versus saving up emergency funds.

Whilst those with fixed-rate payments or low-interest student loans may find it easier with their college costs, many u.s borrowers, whether graduate student, community college, or any other school, find it difficult to make their monthly repayment; a situation which often lasts for years.

How can students maximize federal and free financial aid?

Before considering a private student loan, use federal and free money, even private scholarships as seen above. You may have the right to federal direct unsubsidized loans available to undergraduate and graduate students.

However, you are limited in terms of the amount you can borrow. It is your school that determines how much you can get, based on your cost of attendance and other financial aid you already receive.

An eligible student, still in school, who needs aid to pay for college, may qualify for federal government direct subsidized loans or direct unsubsidized loans, offered by the U.S. Department of Education (ED). In short, a direct subsidized loan has slightly better terms to help out students with significant financial need, or in low-income families.

Your initial step toward obtaining financial help from a subsidized college or university is to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.

How can I get a free student loan?

A military officer agreeing the interest charges on his student loan payments.

Since federal student loans, like direct subsidized loans, can be expensive, you might want to consider alternatives and check if loans are available from lenders offering better APR, to reduce your expenses if you're still in school, and keep your income in check.

Whilst you may not get a free loan, consider getting in touch with nonprofit organizations in the students sector. Some of them would have a low-interest option for most borrowers, others may offer a program to help you manage your income if you struggle with costs during the school academic year, or even assist those who find it hard to meet their loan repayment. Pay for college or meet your monthly payments, nonprofit organizations may provide you with faster answers than most financial institutions!

Do take the time to research your eligibility and geographic location. You may be surprised by what can be offered for your college costs by someone with an ordained religious affiliation for instance, or if your family lives within a specific area. Some colleges provide interest-free loan programs to help cover tuition costs.

The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis

The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis offers interest-free loans and grants to more than 6,000 undergraduates each year. They advocate for policy changes, intending to increase college access and affordability.

Military Officers Association of America Scholarship Fund

If you have a military family, you may be eligible for support from the MOAA; it was founded in 1948, shortly after World War II. The application process is evaluated based on the academics, extracurricular activities, and financial needs of the applicant. You may renew your application every year, for up to 5 years.

Do you want to make a difference in a military child's life? Consider a tax-deductible donation to the MOAA Charities. 100% of your contribution will help the growth of the Military Officers Association of America Foundation & the MOAA Scholarship Fund, going to undergraduate students in the form of interest-free loans and grants.

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Hebrew Free Loan Associations

There are many branches available in the United States, each assisting in their local area. You may find these in Miami, New York City, Pittsburgh, and San Francisco, to name but a few.

These local associations or societies offer various no interest loans, financial counseling, debt consolidation, and scholarships. HFLA loans enable borrowers to attend college, improve their job skills, start a business, or respond to unexpected monetary challenges.

Evalee C. Schwarz Charitable Trust for Education

Students with exceptional academics could qualify for an educational student loan from the Evalee C. Schwarz Charitable Trust for Education. Undergraduate and graduate students can apply, although they cannot attend law schools. Here are some criteria to consider: be a u.s citizen, demonstrate an outstanding combination of class rank and standardized test scores, and qualify for financial need in the form of government grants.

Massachusetts No Interest Loan Program

U.S. citizens students who have lived in the Boston area for at least 1 year before the application, attending higher education, can apply for the state-funded, interest-free student loans program. Subject to eligibility being met, such as those who demonstrate financial need, eligible students can receive $1,000 to $4,000 each school year.

Abe and Annie Seibel Foundation

Those pursuing college or university degrees in the State of Texas are eligible for interest-free student loans from the Annie Seibel Foundation. To qualify, conditions are those found in similar loan programs: be a u.s citizen, a graduate student from Texas high school, and meet specific thresholds for SAT/ACT scores.

Bill Raskob Foundation

Instead of giving scholarships or grants, The Bill Raskob Foundation provides 0 interest student loans to U.S. citizens enrolled for the upcoming school year.

Regarding repayment, the Foundation offers a six-month grace period following graduation to all school students.

Learn more about the opportunities for no interest student loans on the MyScholarship Central website.

Compare the Best Private Student Loans

Because all students have specific financial needs, there is not one lending institution that is perfect for every student. Private student loans are available to most, from community colleges to graduate students.

If your income, or your parents, did not qualify for a free application for federal student low-interest loans, then your next option is the traditional borrowers' program.

How do private student loans work?

An illustration that college students are lost with personal loans benefits.

Unlike federal student loans or government loans, private loans can have low interest rates (APR) and repayment. If you are a student loans applicant, the credit score of your co-signer will also determine the fixed interest rate you'll pay. These are offered by commercial companies so borrowers rarely benefit from interest-free student loans.

Limits of loans

Lenders' minimum loan amounts vary depending on multiple factors, such as the company's policy, and which line of credit they are prepared to offer you. The interest rate conditions are rarely made clear to borrowers.

The average student loan debt in 2022 stands at $28,950 owed per borrower on average. More than h a lf o f students leave school with debt to pay.

Alternatively, if eligible, you could borrow using a combination of private and federal student loans. Using online calculation tools, work out your average interest rate, including any free loan, and plan your repayment on your loans. You may only be able to borrow up to your school's accredited tuition costs listed on your award letter for financial aid.

Types of interest rates

Lenders offer students loans at fixed interest rates or variable interest rates. It's possible that the rate you choose will not change when applying for a loan. If you compare loan options, look at the yearly percentage rate (APR) and not the actual interest rates. APR represents the annual interest charge that is incurred, including fees.

Loan terms

The duration of the loans matters. Shorter loan terms generally provide lower interest rate payments and lower overall cost of ownership. A longer loan perhaps has a lower monthly payment, but a higher interest rate.

Remember that the longer the duration, the more you will pay in accrued interest, regardless of your loan's rate.

Tell me the benefit of private student loans

Borrowers can get more money, and the interest rates are often better than federal student loans. Indeed, Federal loans are limited to your cost of attendance minus any other aid received (including scholarships). However, private lenders base their decisions on your creditworthiness and ability to repay the loan, not on your cost of attendance.

This means that you may be able to borrow more money with a private lender than with a federal loan program.

Loans for individuals are also easier to qualify for than federal loans - if you have a good credit score. If you have a bad credit score, you may not be able to qualify for a private loan at all.

What are the disadvantages of private student loans?

Graduated children have a better chance of obtaining financing.

The main disadvantage of personal loans for students is that you have to pay interest on them!

If you have an excellent credit score, you might be able to get a lower rate than someone with a low score or no credit history at all, and vice versa. Whilst it has become difficult to negotiate the interest rate on any loan or credit card, you can certainly shop around for the best deal.

Whilst federal student loans have their own set of drawbacks, they do not require collateral; unlike private lenders who will ensure they have financial guarantees before giving out any money.

What's going on with private student loans?

A new percentage rate is being imposed by many top-rated loan companies.

The CNBC + Acorns Invest In You Student Loan Survey shows that the majority of borrowers say taking on federal student loan debt is not worth it.

Americans are struggling with student debt and want government action. Many said student debt negatively affected their mental health.

A majority said they believe President Joe Biden should make student loan forgiveness a priority, but views are mixed on how to do it.

How are student loan interest rates calculated?

A person with a part time job to help with living expenses.

There are many factors in determining private student loan interest rates, such as loan size and repayment time as well as the loan applicant's credit history and debt ratios.

If you have low credit scores or no credit records, you might have fewer options for borrowing money or need an additional cosigner or a guarantor.

Conclusion

As we’ve shown, there are several great options for interest-free student loans. Finding the right one for you can be overwhelming, and have a serious impact on your future finances.

Enlist the help of a Financial Advisor or Student Loan Planner for example. Be honest with them about your specific requirement so that they can make relevant recommendations.

''An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.'' Benjamin Franklin

No Financial Advice. This article does not provide financial advice and has been prepared without taking into account any person’s investment objectives, financial situation, or particular needs.