What Credit Score Do You Need to Get a Private Student Loan?
Updated on March 12, 2024
Written by
Written by
Reviewed by
Rohit Mittal
Reviewed by
Rohit Mittal
Rohit Mittal is the co-founder and CEO of Stilt. Rohit has extensive experience in credit risk analytics and data science. He spent years building credit risk and fraud models for top U.S. banks. In his current role, he defines the overall business strategy, leads debt and capital fundraising efforts, leads product development, and leads other customer-related aspects for the company. Stilt is backed by Y Combinator and has raised a total of $275M in debt and equity funding to date.
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- A good credit score for private student
loans is typically around 700 or higher. - Lenders may consider fair credit scores (mid-600s to low 700s) with less favorable terms.
- Poor credit (below 600) may require a co-signer, and no credit history benefits from a co-signer’s profile.
- Eligibility factors include income, work history, and credit utilization.
Starting your journey in higher education is a wonderful venture, but it is not hidden that tuition fees can be exceedingly costly. Private student
In this blog post, we’ll quickly explain credit scores and get to the point: What credit score do you require to get a private student loan, what factors affect your credit score, and what steps do you take to assess your eligibility for a private student loan?
What is a Good Credit Score for Private Lender Student Loans ?
The specific credit score needed to qualify for a private student loan can vary significantly from one lender to another. Generally, private lenders have their own criteria for evaluating loan applicants, and credit score is just one factor they consider. However, there are some general guidelines:
- Good to Excellent Credit: Most private lenders typically require a good to excellent credit score to qualify for their best loan terms and interest rates. This often means a FICO credit score in the range of 700 or higher. Having a co-signer with a strong credit history may also help you qualify for a loan with favorable terms.
- Fair Credit: Some lenders offer loans to borrowers with fair credit scores, which can range from the mid-600s to low 700s. However, you may face higher interest rates and less favorable terms if your credit score is in this range.
- Poor Credit: If you have a poor credit history or a low credit score (typically below 600), it may be more challenging to qualify for a private student loan without a co-signer. In such cases, you may need a co-signer with a better credit profile to secure the loan.
- No Credit: Students who have not yet established a credit history may still be eligible for private student
loans with the help of a co-signer. Lenders may consider factors such as the co-signer’s credit history and the borrower’s future earning potential.
Factors Affecting your Credit Score
It is important to keep in mind that your credit score plays a pivotal role. Lenders also examine other factors when deciding whether to approve a loan. Your salary, work history, and other financial aspects are also considered. Therefore, you can still have other options accessible even if your credit score isn’t in the “good” category.
Here are important factors that affect your credit score:
- Payment History (35% of Your Score): A timely payment and careful handling of past debts greatly influence your good credit score. Late payments or defaults may adversely impact your credit score, making you ineligible for student
loans . - Credit Utilization Ration(30% of Your Score): Your credit utilization ratio compares your credit usage to how much you have used. To maintain a high score, it is advised to keep this ratio below 30%. A high credit usage rate might indicate lenders that depend too much on credit, increasing borrowing risk.
- Credit History Duration: Lenders want a longer credit history as it provides more information about your spending financial habits. A private student loan can be difficult if you start with credit and have a short account. However, some lenders specialize in helping those with bad credit.
- Types of Credit and Recent Inquiries: A diverse credit portfolio that involves credit cards, school
loans , and mortgages shows that you can handle different types of debt. However, many recent credit inquiries may cause lenders to worry that borrowers may take on too many obligations.
How to Find Your Eligibility for a Private Student Loan
So, how can you tell if your eligible for a private student loan? And if so, which ones? There are a few steps you can take to get a better sense of your private student loan eligibility.
1. Check Your Credit Score
The first step is to get a copy of your credit report from one of the three big credit reporting agencies: Equifax, TransUnion, or Experian. These reports include all the juicy information regarding your history of borrowing and repayment. Additionally, being aware of your financial account is a good idea. Once you have your report, you can review your credit score to see if it satisfies the lending criteria. Make sure you adhere to the lending regulations.
2. Ensure Compliance With Legal Borrowing Requirements
While, your credit score is important, lenders take other factors into account as well. They want to confirm that you have the legal right to borrow money. Thus, you must be a permanent resident or a citizen of the United States and have reached the age of majority, which is typically 18 years old. International students need not worry—you, too, have options! Ask the lender what is required to learn more.
3. Evaluate Your Income and Debt History
The next step is to get a sense of your financial health. The lender will consider your salary and credit history because they need to know that you can repay the loan. You’ll be better with a regular income and a low debt-to-income ratio (i.e., your debt isn’t eating up your entire paycheck). But if you’re still in school and unemployed, don’t worry. Some lenders provide
4. Request Private Student Loan Rate Quotes
The final step is to request rate quotes from potential lenders. You may get an accurate idea of the interest rates and terms you can expect by requesting rate estimates from many lenders. Additionally, it always helps to have a few choices available. Remember that each lender may have a different minimum credit score requirement, so try a variety of lenders to improve your chances of being accepted.
5 Best Private Student Loans and Alternatives
Now that you know what kind of credit score gets you the best rates on a private student loan, you’ll need to find a lender. Researching lenders can be a daunting task, so we’ve prepared a list of the top lenders for different credit situations so you don’t have to.
AmOne (Best for Okay to Good Credit)
AmOne has built a reputation for effectively connecting prospective students with appropriate private student loan options. Their platform facilitates matches between borrowers and a network of lenders, ensuring students have access to funds that best fit their educational financial needs.
Check rate
on website
on website
Spring Loans (Best for Bad Credit)
Spring
Check rate
on website
on website
First Premier Lending (Best for Bad Credit)
First Premier Lending focuses on tailoring private student loan solutions to the unique needs of each student. Recognizing the financial challenges of academic pursuits, they provide a diverse range of loan options to bridge the funding gap many students encounter.
Check rate
on website
on website
First Premier Lending Personal Loan
Min. credit score
None
Fixed APR
27.00%
Variable APR
N/A
Sallie Mae (Best for Very Good Credit)
A stalwart in the student lending world, Sallie Mae offers private student
Check rate
on website
on website
Sallie Mae Undergraduate Student Loan
Min. credit score
Mid-600's
Fixed APR
4.50-15.49%
Variable APR
6.37-16.70%
College Ave (Best for Good Credit)
College Ave is dedicated exclusively to student
Check rate
on website
on website
College Ave Private Undergraduate Student Loan
Min. credit score
600 or better
Fixed APR
4.07% - 15.48%
Variable APR
5.59% - 16.69%
Factors That Influence Lenders’ Decisions
Lenders consider several factors when deciding whether to approve a private student loan application. While the specific criteria may vary from one lender to another, the following are some of the key factors that lenders typically take into account:
- Credit History and Credit Score: Lenders assess your credit history and credit score to gauge your creditworthiness. A higher credit score and a positive credit history can improve your chances of approval and may qualify you for better loan terms. Some lenders may consider a co-signer’s credit history if you have limited or poor credit.
- Income and Employment: Lenders often want to ensure that you have a source of income or the ability to repay the loan. This includes evaluating your current employment status and income level. If you’re a student, they may also consider your expected future earning potential in your chosen field of study.
- Co-Signer’s Information: If you have a co-signer, their creditworthiness and financial information will be reviewed by the lender. A co-signer with a strong credit history can improve your chances of approval and may lead to better loan terms.
- Debt-to-Income Ratio: Lenders assess your debt-to-income ratio, which is the amount of debt you have relative to your income. A lower debt-to-income ratio is generally more favorable, as it suggests you have the capacity to take on additional debt.
- School and Program: Some lenders may consider the school you plan to attend and the program you’re enrolled in when evaluating your loan application. They may have specific eligibility requirements or loan limits for different schools or programs.
- Loan Amount and Terms: The amount of money you’re requesting and the loan terms (such as the repayment period) also play a role in the lender’s decision. Some lenders may have maximum loan limits, and your ability to repay the loan may be a factor in determining the loan amount you’re approved for.
- Citizenship and Residency Status: Lenders typically require borrowers to be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. International students may need a qualified co-signer who meets these criteria.
- Loan Purpose: Lenders may inquire about the specific purpose of the loan, such as tuition, books, or living expenses. Providing accurate information about how the funds will be used is important.
- Bankruptcy and Delinquency History: If you have a history of bankruptcy or delinquent
loans , this can negatively impact your loan application. Lenders may be hesitant to approve applicants with a history of financial difficulties. - Other Financial Factors: Lenders may consider other financial factors, such as your savings, assets, and any outstanding debts not reflected in your credit report.
It’s important to note that each lender may have its own unique criteria and underwriting process. Additionally, some lenders offer more flexible options for borrowers who may not meet traditional eligibility criteria, such as income-driven repayment plans or alternative credit scoring methods.
Before applying for a private student loan, it’s a good idea to research multiple lenders, understand their specific requirements, and compare loan offers to find the best fit for your financial situation.
Should you Apply for a Private Student Loan with a Cosigner?
The cosigner option in private student loan applications is important. You may ask if a cosigner can improve your credit. The response is a “strong maybe,” not “yes” or no. A cosigner with good credit may help you get a loan. Your creditworthiness can assist lenders in deciding your eligibility.
It is crucial to understand that choosing a cosigner involves more than just getting a loan. It indicated that someone else is willingly taking on the burden of the loan alongside you. Therefore, the cosigner you choose has a big impact. It is necessary to carefully select your cosigner, considering their financial stability, reliability, and desire to uphold this commitment.
Do Lenders View Graduate Students Differently?
Graduate students frequently find themselves negotiating a unique landscape for financing their education. Lenders are aware that obtaining advanced degrees may result in increased tuition prices and, as a result, greater debt. As a result, when determining the creditworthiness of graduate students, they can take a slightly different tack.
Unlike undergraduate students who may be just beginning their credit journey, graduate students may have already established some credit history. However, it might not be as extensive as what lenders typically prefer to see. Some grad students might also have bad credit and need student loans. Understanding this predicament, some lenders may be more flexible and considerate of graduate students’ credit scores.
Final Thoughts
Obtaining a private student loan, whether for college, nursing school, or technical school — is a multifaceted process dependent on many criteria, one of which is a good credit score serving as a crucial component. Although a credit score of around 650 or higher is often seen as a promising starting point, the complexities of the loan application process extend beyond this numerical value.
Understanding your creditworthiness, carefully considering the cosigner option, and recognizing the particular considerations for graduate students are all essential aspects of navigating the private student loan market. Finally, seeking higher education demands financial education, adaptability, and a complete approach that considers your credit history and goals.
Frank Gogol
I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.