Does student loan debt hurt your credit?

Asked by: Alena Schroeder  |  Last update: January 28, 2026
Score: 4.1/5 (51 votes)

The most important thing you can do to maintain healthy credit is make sure you're paying your bills on time — student loans are no exception. Even one missed payment can lower your credit score, and late payments can stay on your credit report for up to seven years.

How much does student loan debt affect credit score?

Bottom line. As long as you repay your student loan as promised, it'll have a positive impact on your credit score over time. Failing to do so can cause significant harm to your credit. If you're having trouble making payments, contact your loan servicer as soon as possible to inquire about forbearance or deferment.

Can you buy a car if you have student loan debt?

Yes, you can still get a car loan if you have student loan debt. However, it all depends on your credit score. I would encourage you to get a reliable used vehicle and pay as much as you can as a down payment. Then, pay more than your minimum monthly payment.

Can you build credit with student loan debt?

You can build a positive credit history while you have student loan debt. Start by: Making on-time payments. Reviewing your budget to make sure you're paying your other bills on time and in full.

Does student debt affect buying a house?

Your student loan debt won't prevent you from buying a house, as long as you're credit is still good and you're making payments/not in any sort of default. Generally it's a bill, if you're responsibly paying it, that's not an impediment to home buying.

It's Totally Okay if You Never Pay Off Your Loans

31 related questions found

Is student loans considered bad debt?

Some loans are better for your finances than others. “Good debt” includes funding that puts you in a better financial situation in the long run, while “bad debt” leads to credit problems. Student loans are typically considered good debt because a higher education can lead to the career or income you want.

Can I lose my house over student loans?

When you fall behind on payments, there's no property for the lender to take. The bank has to sue you and get an order from a judge before taking any of your property. Student loans are unsecured loans. As a result, student loans can't take your house if you make your payments on time.

Why did my credit score drop when I paid off my student loan?

When paying off student loans, you could be closing some of your oldest accounts, and your average account age could go down. Both of these factors can negatively impact your credit score.

Does paying student loans help taxes?

Student Loan Interest Deduction

You can take a tax deduction for the interest paid on student loans that you took out for yourself, your spouse, or your dependent. This benefit applies to all loans (not just federal student loans) used to pay for higher education expenses. The maximum deduction is $2,500 a year.

What is a good credit score?

There are some differences around how the various data elements on a credit report factor into the score calculations. Although credit scoring models vary, generally, credit scores from 660 to 724 are considered good; 725 to 759 are considered very good; and 760 and up are considered excellent.

Do student loans count as debt?

Identifying Monthly Debts

This means that required monthly expenses count toward DTI, while discretionary purchases you make each month don't count against you. Bills that can count toward DTI each month include: Student loans.

Can I use my student loan to pay rent?

Student loans and housing costs

Any excess loan money after tuition can be applied to paying your rent or housing costs. Private lenders, however, have varying policies. While many allow the use of loans for living expenses including rent, some may impose stricter guidelines or limitations.

What can you not buy with student loans?

In general, it's best to avoid using student loan funds for anything unrelated to your education, such as:
  • Vacation travel.
  • Clothes.
  • Expensive drinks and meals.
  • Down payment on a home.
  • New vehicle.
  • Business expenses.
  • Entertainment.
  • Expensive electronics.

Do student loans go away after 7 years?

Student loans don't go away after seven years. There is no program for loan forgiveness or cancellation after seven years. But if you recently checked your credit report and wondered, “why did my student loans disappear?” The answer is that you have defaulted student loans.

Will not paying my student loans ruin my credit?

If you default on your student loan, that status will be reported to national credit reporting agencies. This reporting may damage your credit rating and future borrowing ability.

What makes up the largest portion of your credit score?

1. Payment History: 35% Your payment history carries the most weight in factors that affect your credit score, because it reveals whether you have a history of repaying funds that are loaned to you.

How to get the full $2500 American Opportunity credit?

To claim the American opportunity credit complete Form 8863 and submit it with your Form 1040 or 1040-SR. Enter the nonrefundable part of the credit on Schedule 3 (Form 1040 or 1040-SR), line 3. Enter the refundable part of the credit on Form 1040 or 1040-SR, line 29.

Do student loans count as income?

Student loans aren't considered as taxable income by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Because your student loans come in a lump sum that feels like "getting" money, you might think that you're required to report them on your tax return. But, like with any loan, this funding isn't considered income for tax purposes.

Can my LLC pay my student loans?

Allows employers to subsidize and / or reimburse employee student loan payments. $5,250 maximum per employee. Tax deductible for employers, and excluded from taxable income from employee. Be a legitimate employee of the LLC or S Corp.

Do student loans ever drop off your credit?

Student loan debt can be removed from your credit reports at any time for many reasons: whether the debt is forgiven or you paid off your student loans in full. Most borrowers may see a drop in their credit scores the following month after their student loans go off their credit.

Is 700 a good credit score?

A 700 credit score is considered a good score on the most common credit score range, which runs from 300 to 850. How does your score compare with others? You're within the good credit score range, which runs from 690 to 719.

How to get an 800 credit score?

Making on-time payments to creditors, keeping your credit utilization low, having a long credit history, maintaining a good mix of credit types, and occasionally applying for new credit lines are the factors that can get you into the 800 credit score club.

What happens if I never pay off my student loans?

If you are delinquent on your student loan payment for 90 days or more, your loan servicer will report the delinquency to the national credit bureaus, which can negatively impact your credit rating. If you continue to be delinquent, you risk your loan going into default.

Can student loans seize your bank account?

Federal loans can also affect your bank account directly. Unlike private loans, the government doesn't need to sue you in court before garnishing your bank funds. However, only a portion of your income or savings can be seized, and certain benefits like Social Security are protected.

Is it illegal to use student loans to buy a house?

What about using student loans to buy a house, or buying a car with student loans? In the most extreme cases, using student loan money improperly is a crime. People convicted of financial aid fraud can end up in jail.