How To Get Summer Student Loans: Your Guide to Funding Summer Classes

Summer classes are a great way to knock out your course requirements faster. In some state university systems, like Florida, students must take some summer classes before graduation. While seeking out scholarships and grant opportunities to cover your costs is ideal, you may need to turn to student loans to pay for summer classes.

Here's a closer look at how to get summer student loans.

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Best summer student loans

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We evaluated these student loan lenders based on interest rates and origination fees, loan amounts, loan terms, discounts, whether cosigners are accepted, and more. Our team of experts gathered information from each lender's website, customer service department, directly from our partners, and via email support. We verified each data point to make sure it was accurate and up to date.

Why take summer classes?

Taking summer classes offers a way to complete your course requirements at your own pace, which could mean lightening your load during the standard school year or possibly graduating early. You may also need to take a summer course if you failed the class during a previous semester.

For some students, taking a certain number of summer credits might be a graduation requirement. For example, the Florida Board of Governors requires students who enter Florida public universities with less than 60 semester hours to complete a minimum of nine summer semester hours before graduation.

How to get student loans for summer classes

If you need to take out student loans to cover summer college costs, you might be able to lean on federal or private student loans.

Federal student loan options

It's possible to get federal student loans for the summer semester. The catch is that you'll only be able to borrow up to the limit set for the academic year, including what you borrowed for the regular school year. You must also be enrolled at least half-time for the summer semester.

If you want to tap into summer school financial aid, you'll need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). However, which FAFSA application applies to your summer semester varies based on your school. For example, some schools will use the FAFSA form from the previous academic year for the summer session. But other schools may need you to fill out a FAFSA form for the upcoming year to cover the summer session.

For students who qualify for federal loans to pay for summer classes, you might be eligible for a Direct Subsidized Loan or Direct Unsubsidized Loan. With a Direct Subsidized Loan, the government covers your interest payments while you're enrolled in school at least half-time, up until six months after graduation. However, only students who demonstrate financial need qualify for this loan type. A Direct Unsubsidized Loan accrues interest while you are in school and doesn't offer an interest subsidy, which makes it a more expensive option. On the plus side, there's no financial need requirement.

Keep in mind that federal student loans come with annual borrowing limits across all semesters. If borrowing for your summer classes will put you over the limit, you'll need to find another way to cover summer school costs.

Private student loan options

If federal student loans aren't an option, private student loans offer a way to pay for summer class costs. You can typically borrow up to the cost of attendance with private student loan companies, but they require a credit check and often have higher interest rates than federal student loans. This means you'll likely need a cosigner to qualify or get a lower rate.

It's best to exhaust your federal loan options before turning to private loans, since federal student loans offer benefits and protections like income-driven repayment plans and access to loan forgiveness.

How to choose the right summer student loan

Before applying for summer student loans, weigh your options carefully. Here is the general order of operations for choosing the right summer student loans:

• Seek out scholarships and grants: Although scholarships and grants may be limited in the summer, it's worth applying for these opportunities for free money. For example, those who qualify for the Pell Grant may be able to use some of their grant funds for summer school. 
• Tap into Direct Subsidized Loans: If you qualify for Direct Subsidized Loans, consider maximizing this option due to the interest advantages. 
• Lean on Direct Unsubsidized Loans: Although Direct Unsubsidized Loans don't cover your interest payments, federal loans tend to offer lower rates than private student loans.
• Apply for private student loans: After you've used up your federal student loan options, compare lenders and apply for a private student loan. You'll miss out on federal borrower protections, but you'll have the funds you need to cover school costs.

Key deadlines for summer student loans

For students pursuing federal student aid, filling out a FAFSA is required. The federal deadline for the 2024-25 FAFSA is June 30, 2025. But colleges and states have their own deadlines, so be sure to find those out.

If you opt to work with a private student loan lender, you should generally apply for the loan about two months before the tuition due date. Check with your lender to find out when you should apply.

Tips to manage the cost of summer school

Summer school expenses can add up. Some tips for managing the costs include:

• Pick up a part-time job: If you are taking on additional courses during the summer, consider picking up a part-time job to offset some of your costs.
• Start a side hustle: If a traditional part-time job schedule doesn't work, a side hustle can be another good option. Some opportunities include dog walking, babysitting, or delivering food.
• Tap into a tuition assistance program: Some employers, like Target and Chipotle, offer tuition assistance programs to help employees pay for school while working. Strategically selecting an employer could lead to help paying for school.
• Apply for scholarships: Scholarship funds don't need to be repaid. Spend time and energy applying for college scholarships in the months leading up to your summer semester to maximize your chances of landing a scholarship.
• Limit summer travel costs: Although summer activities like a road trip or beach weekend might be fun, do your best to avoid unnecessary costs.
• Take your class near home: If you want to spend your summer in your hometown, possibly rent-free, consider taking your college course online or at a college nearby. Saving on living expenses can make a big difference in your budget.

FAQ

Can I use federal student loans for summer classes?

Yes, you can use federal student loans to pay for summer classes, though you must stay within your annual loan limits. You'll need to fill out a FAFSA to determine if you qualify for financial aid.

Do I need to fill out the FAFSA for summer loans?

Yes, students must complete a FAFSA for the academic year, which includes summer classes. Ask your school if you need to fill out a FAFSA for the upcoming year or if your FAFSA from the preceding academic year is sufficient.

Are there scholarships available for summer school?

You may be able to find scholarships and grants to pay for summer school, but you'll need to meet application and eligibility requirements.

How do I apply for a private loan for summer classes?

Start the process by shopping around for a lender and comparing rates and loan options. From there, you can usually apply online. Be prepared to provide personal information like your Social Security number.

What are the benefits of taking summer classes?

Summer classes allow you to reduce your course load for the upcoming school year, accelerate your progress toward graduation, or retake classes you didn't pass in the previous year.