How Student Loans Affect Your Credit Score – Student loan forgiveness has been a buzzword for quite a while now. Though that may be great news for millions of former students, it’s not going to do a thing for their credit scores. However, there are ways that your student loan can affect it, and you need to be aware of them.
Whether you’re paying on a current loan or just started comparing accredited colleges and will be applying soon, take a couple of minutes to learn how a student loan can affect your credit score.
Credit Report
Initially, when you apply for a student loan, the lender conducts a credit evaluation, which is then recorded as a hard inquiry or “hard pull” on your credit report. Similarly, whenever you apply for a credit card or any other form of loan, the credit card issuer or lender retrieves your credit report from one of the three main credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion). Regardless of the outcome of your application—approved or denied—the hard inquiry can reduce your credit score range by a few points.
Furthermore, upon approval of your student loan, it’ll appear on your credit report under “installment loans.” As a successful college student with a great new job, maintaining a good credit report isn’t solely dependent on the total loan balance but rather on consistent, timely loan payments. It shows lenders your credibility and ability to manage repayments. Conversely, falling behind on payments or defaulting on your student loan can lead to damaging consequences. This negative account information may linger on your credit file for seven years from the date the account was first reported as overdue, and bad credit can keep you from getting a government job.
How It Affects Your Credit Score
Navigating the realm of student loans and their impact on your credit score can seem as difficult to understand as Bitcoin and borderless currency, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Student loans are a form of installment credit and contribute to your “credit mix”—a factor that accounts for 10% of your credit score calculation. Having a diverse array of loan types is beneficial to your credit score as it demonstrates your ability to manage various kinds of debt.
However, it’s essential to be aware of the potential risks associated with carrying a significant installment loan, such as hefty student debt. Regular repayments might hinder your saving capacity. Plus, a high debt load elevates your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, potentially affecting your eligibility for additional borrowing, such as buying a new car.
The impact of student loans on your credit score is largely contingent upon your management of your monthly repayments. Your payment history has a significant influence on your credit score, contributing 35% of its total calculation. Properly handled, student loans don’t necessarily pose a threat to your credit score; regular, timely payments are key. Conversely, if you lapse into delinquency by missing payments, defaulting on your loan (a result of being delinquent for 270+ days), or having your debt sent to collections, these can lead to a deterioration of your credit score.
When choosing a college, it’s important to consider the different implications of taking on federal versus private student loans. Federal student loans typically offer a degree of flexibility; delinquencies, or missed payments, tend not to be reported until 90 days past due. This means that if you miss a payment or fall short financially, there’s approximately a three-month buffer to rectify the situation.
In contrast, the terms set by private loan providers may not be as lenient. As these private lenders dictate their own rules, the timeframe within which you can catch up on missed payments may be significantly shorter. Therefore, it’s advisable to contact your loan servicer as soon as you anticipate any payment difficulties to understand your options and potential consequences.
In sum, student loans can impact your credit score both positively and negatively, depending on your loan management. It is crucial to make consistent, timely payments to maintain a good credit score and to understand the differing implications of federal and private loans to navigate successfully in the realm of student loan debt.
