Has he tried to go to the financial aid office at his school?  They can give extensions and help find loans (outside of banks) and scholarships.  It's worth a try.  Have him just go straight into the financial aid office on campus and ask to see a financial aid advisor (they usually don't take appointments and serve on a first come, first serve basis), explain the situation and see what they can do to help.  The type of loans they deal with don't take credit ratings into consideration.  Also make sure he files his taxes right after the 1st of the year and then the FAFSA right away - he'll get a much better interest rate on the loans and may be able to receive grants and/or subsudized loans (which means that no interest accrues while he is still in school - the best type of loan to get).  But have him got to financial aid straight away - the longer he waits the less they can do to help him.  Good luck!