Student Loans and Your VA Loan: How Debt Affects Qualifying With Travis Egan

Student Debt Does Not Automatically Disqualify You

Many veterans assume that carrying student loans means a VA loan is out of reach. Travis Egan has seen countless borrowers count themselves out when their student debt barely moves the needle. Understanding how those loans are actually treated can change what you believe is possible.

How Student Loan Payments Affect Your Debt to Income Ratio

Student loan payments count toward your debt to income ratio, just like other monthly obligations. Lenders look at what you owe each month compared to your income to decide how much you can comfortably borrow. For many veterans, the student loan payment is only one piece of that picture, and it often has less impact than expected.

What Happens When Loans Are in Deferment

If your student loans are under deferment for more than 12 months, they may not count at all in the qualifying calculation. That can be a significant advantage for borrowers whose payments are paused for an extended period. The details depend on your specific loan and documentation, so it is worth having a lender review your situation rather than assuming the worst.

Review Your Actual Numbers Before You Count Yourself Out

The best way to know where you stand is to look at your real numbers. Travis encourages veterans to review their income, debts, and loan status with a lender who understands VA loans before deciding that student debt is a barrier. What feels like a dealbreaker may turn out to be a minor factor.

Have Questions About Your VA Loan?

If you are still paying off student loans and wondering how they affect your VA loan, reach out to Travis Egan with your questions. He is here to help. Semper Fi.

Sources

VA.gov
BenefitS.va.gov
ConsumerFinancialProtectionBureau.gov
StudentAid.gov
Investopedia.com