Where to Start
Before looking for loans, get all the free aid possible. And a good first step is to apply for any possible scholarships. With about 300,000 available, there's probably one suitable for you. The next step would be to see what government aid is possible. You can get a free application form by calling 1-800-4-FED-Aid.

In order to qualify for federal aid you need to:

• Have a high school diploma or GED, or pass a Department of Education approved test;
• Be pursuing a degree or certificate in an eligible program;
• Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible foreign student;
• Have a Social Security number;
• Registered with Selective Service if necessary;
• And maintain your grades after you're enrolled.

Federal Student Aid Programs
There are two types of federal aid available, grants and loans. Or money you don't have to pay back and money you do. The two main grant programs are the Federal Pell Grant and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant. These grants are only for students who haven't yet gotten a bachelor's degree.

Once you gotten free aid you can turn to bad credit student loans. These don't require any credit history, so bad credit isn't a problem. The two main loan programs for students are Stafford loans and Perkin loans. The terms of the Stafford loan are set by the government and may be obtained through either the government or private lenders. A Perkins loan is processed by the school using federal funds. There are no credit qualifications for a Perkins loan, but their is a needs test.

While neither loan relies on your credit, you can't qualify for a loan if you're in default on a student loan or owe the government money. You're unable to borrow until you settle any outstanding debt.

A drawback of the loans is their set borrowing limits. For instance, a Stafford loan or dependent students is limited to $2,625 for their 1st year and up to $5,500 for their 3rd or 4th years. For independent students, those without parental support, their borrowing limits are about twice the dependent student limits.

There are also two types of Stafford loans. If you demonstrate financial need the government will pay the loan interest while you're in school. Those without financial need can get the unsubsidized version.