How to Qualify for Student Loan Refinancing
Student loan refinancing gives you the opportunity to pay off your original student loans by getting a new loan with different repayment terms and a potentially lower interest rate.
Refinancing could also mean saving money over the life of your loans. Each lender has its own criteria for determining eligibility and rates, such as credit history, total monthly debt payments, and income. Those who are in good financial standing, demonstrate a strong career trajectory, have good credit scores, and have shown they are responsible with debts and monthly budgeting are more likely to be approved for low rates. As a borrower, you want to balance lower rates with terms and payments you are comfortable with.
Are you eligible to refinance your student loan?
Here are some of the criteria that will impact whether you can qualify for student loan refinancing.
- Credit score
Generally, a strong credit score is needed to obtain a low rate when refinancing. Most lenders look for a credit score in the range of “good” or above (see Experian’s helpful diagram for reference). If your score is below that, refinancing with a co-signer who has a strong credit score could be an option to obtain a low rate. - Interest rate and terms on existing student loan(s)
Some private lenders may be able to provide lower rates to borrowers with excellent credit than they may have on their existing loan. If you are eligible to refinance with KeyBank, we offer several options for a new loan term, depending upon your individual financial situation. For eligible borrowers, KeyBank will refinance any loan amount up to the total student loan debt you currently hold (subject to credit approval). - Eligible degrees
To be eligible with KeyBank, potential borrowers must have graduated or be enrolled in good standing in the final term preceding graduation from an accredited Title IV U.S. school. - Occupation, income, and debt-to-income ratio
While credit score is important, debt-to-income ratio (DTI) is also very important. To be eligible for refinancing with KeyBank, you must be employed, or have an eligible offer of employment. Showing that you have a stable income and have been able to pay down your debt effectively in the past will likely increase your eligibility.
Is your loan type eligible for refinancing with KeyBank?
Undergraduate and graduate student loans
Borrowers may refinance any subsidized or unsubsidized federal or private student loans that were used exclusively for qualified higher education expenses (as defined in 26 USC Section 221) at an accredited Title IV U.S. undergraduate or graduate school.
Associate’s degrees
KeyBank offers refinancing for associate degrees in designated professions. These include associate’s degrees earned in one of the following disciplines: Cardiovascular Technologist (CVT); Dental Hygiene; Diagnostic Medical Sonography; EMT/Paramedics; Nuclear Technician; Nursing; Occupational Therapy Assistant; Pharmacy Technician; Physical Therapy Assistant; Radiation Therapy; Radiologic/MRI Technologist; Respiratory Therapy; or Surgical Technologist. To refinance an associate’s degree, a borrower must also (1) be either currently enrolled and in the final term of an associate’s degree program at a Title IV eligible school with an offer of employment in the same field in which they will receive an eligible associate’s degree OR have graduated from a school that is Title IV eligible with an eligible associate’s degree and (2) have been employed, for a minimum of 12 months, in the same field of study of the associate’s degree earned. Learn more about eligibility.
Parent loans
Parents may refinance any subsidized or unsubsidized federal or private student loans taken out on behalf of a child that were used exclusively for qualified higher education expenses (as defined in 26 USC Section 221) at an accredited Title IV U.S. undergraduate or graduate school.
What credit score is needed to qualify for student loan refinancing?
Lenders will vary on their exact requirements for what credit scores they may accept for refinancing. Keep in mind that the higher your score is, the better rate you may be offered. If you’re struggling with credit, think about some ways to gradually improve your credit score.
If you’re ready to explore the benefits of refinancing, we’re ready to help. Get started today by checking your rate options in five minutes to see if you could save.
If you are refinancing any federal student loans with us, you will no longer be able to take advantage of federal student loan repayment options, including but not limited to Income-Driven Repayment and Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)1 programs. Additionally, federal student loans offer deferment, forbearance, and loan forgiveness options that may not be available with KeyBank. For more information about these benefit programs and other federal student loan programs, please visit studentaid.gov.