Private Student Loans and Credit

Updated on August 7, 2024

A private student loan operates on credit principles similar to those of an auto or home loan, requiring a credit check for approval.

Credit History

Your credit history is a record of how timely you have been in paying back money you have borrowed. It's a record of your past and current borrowing behavior and how you've repaid that money.

Credit Score

Credit scores called FICO^® scores are numerical indexes based on an algorithm developed by Fair Isaac Corporation. Credit scores attempt to predict the likelihood that a borrower will repay a loan on time.

To have a credit score, you need at least one account that's been open for six months or longer and at least one account that's been reported by a credit company in the last six months. FICO scores range from 300 to 850 and are reported, along with credit history, by the three major credit companies: Equifax, Experian, and Transunion. Consumers with higher scores are considered better credit risks.

Factors that Increase Your Credit Score

Making all payments on all debts on time and in full
Low debt-to-income ratios
Low credit utilization (ratio of loan balances to loan limits)

Factors that Lower Your Credit Score

Late payments, especially serious delinquencies (90+ days late)
Defaulted loans
Bankruptcy discharges
Foreclosures
Repossessions
Tax liens
Wage garnishments
Very high debt-to-income ratios

How Credit Impacts Private Student Loans

Credit history and score determine:

Whether the borrower is approved for the loan
What interest rates the borrower qualifies for

Each lender has its own criteria for approving loans and setting interest rates. There is no single minimum score that will guarantee loan approval.

Options for Students with Bad Credit

If you have a low credit score, you have several options that can increase your chances of getting approved for a private student loan:

Apply with a creditworthy cosigner
Improve your credit score and reapply in the future

Steps to Improve Your Credit Score

Get a free copy of your credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com. You are entitled to one free copy from each of the three credit companies annually. Please note, your credit report does not include your credit score.
Look for errors and contact the credit companies to make corrections. You have the right to dispute information in your credit report and provide evidence to support your dispute.
For any negatives, work to fix them over time by bringing any delinquent accounts up to date, making all payments on time, and paying off debts as quickly as possible.