What is considered a lot of student loan debt? A lot of student loan debt is more than you can afford to repay after graduation. For many, this means having more than $70,000 – $100,000 in total student debt.
According to Bankrate, the average credit card interest rate is almost 21%, as of June 26, 2024. And, the average personal loan interest rate is 12.35%. If you took out a $70,000 10-year personal loan at 12.35%, your monthly payments would be $1,018.51.
The bottom line
A $70,000 home equity loan comes with payments ranging between $867 and $685 monthly for qualified borrowers.
Depending on which situation applies, lenders cannot issue them a home equity loan until they either earn additional equity in their home or pay off some of their existing debts. Another common issue you might run into is having a credit score or payment history not meeting a lender's requirement.
Monthly payments on a $50,000 HELOC will range between $514.90 and $640.44 for qualified borrowers, depending on the repayment period.
$70,000 is a reasonable loan amount to pursue with fair credit. According to TransUnion data, the average loan amount for someone with a credit score of 601-660 is $4300, so with a credit score in the fair range (640-699), you stand a good chance of qualifying for $70,000, depending on other factors like your income.
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.
The monthly payment on a $75,000 loan ranges from $1,025 to $7,535, depending on the APR and how long the loan lasts. For example, if you take out a $75,000 loan for one year with an APR of 36%, your monthly payment will be $7,535.
With a $70,000 annual salary and using a 50% DTI, your home buying budget could potentially afford a house priced between $180,000 to $280,000, depending on your financial situation, credit score, and current market conditions.
There's a general rule that you shouldn't borrow more in student loans than you expect to make in your first year out of college. A bachelor's degree recipient's average student loan debt in 2021 was $29,100. In theory, a graduate with a salary above this could handle a 10-year standard repayment plan.
While older models of credit scores used to go as high as 900, you can no longer achieve a 900 credit score. The highest score you can receive today is 850. Anything above 800 is considered an excellent credit score.
The average FICO credit score in the US is 717, according to the latest FICO data. The average VantageScore is 701 as of January 2024.
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.
Home loans
Technically, a 710 credit score is high enough to qualify for a home loan. In the tight real estate market, some lenders choose more restrictive qualifications to further reduce the risk that the loan won't be repaid.
The highest personal loan amount you can usually find is $100,000. While you may qualify for a $100,000 personal loan with a 700 credit score, it's not guaranteed. If you have a lot of debt or an unfavorable debt-to-income ratio, some lenders may limit how much they are willing to loan.
What Credit Score Do You Need for a No Down Payment Home Loan? If you're hoping to purchase a home without a down payment, you'll have to prove a specific income and have a credit score that's at least in the mid-600 range.
While home loan interest rates overall have risen dramatically since 2022, HELOC rates still tend to be lower than those on credit cards and personal loans. If you qualify for the best rates, a HELOC can be a less expensive way to consolidate debt or finance a home renovation.
Most HELOC lenders allow you to borrow up to 85% of the appraised value of your home minus your remaining mortgage balance. However, lenders might also consider your credit score, income, and other financial factors when determining the available credit limit.
Calculating the monthly cost for a $50,000 loan at an interest rate of 8.75%, which is the average rate for a 10-year fixed home equity loan as of September 25, 2023, the monthly payment would be $626.63.