I filed for bankruptcy in 1995. One year later, I decided to go back to school. With no idea of how to repair my credit, I applied for and got many student loans of a three year period, which I am paying off to this day.
I have 20K in subsidized Stafford loans for graduate school -- my credit is/was terrible, but no defaults or other money owed to the government.
You sure can! My credit was floating in the toilet (still is in some areas) and I now have over 23,000 in student loans. I use to wonder that also and thought I wouldn't be able to afford schooling. But no worries, you'll get them. Paying them back on time will help get your credit back on track also. A good tip though, you may want to pay the interest while in school each month so it doesn't rack up. It can add up over the years. The interest isn't much each month when your paying each month. After 4 years though, ACK!