Wisconsin Vets Relocation

Home » Wi Vets Relocation Blog » VA Loans and Student Loans for Military Personnel: What You Need to Know

VA Loans and Student Loans for Military Personnel: What You Need to Know

| Education, Housing & Loan

VA Loans and Student Loans: An Overview

If you are a military service member or veteran planning to purchase a home, you may be considering a VA loan to help finance the purchase. However, if you also have student loans, you may be wondering how this will affect your ability to qualify for a VA loan. Here is an overview of how VA loans are affected by student loans for military personnel.

How Student Loans Affect VA Loan Eligibility

Regarding VA loan eligibility, student loans are treated like any other debt. While having student loans does not automatically disqualify you from obtaining a VA loan, it can impact your debt-to-income ratio, which is a key factor in determining loan eligibility. If your debt-to-income ratio is too high, you may not be able to qualify for a VA loan, or you may only be able to borrow a smaller amount than you originally planned.

How to Improve Your Chances of Qualifying for a VA Loan

If you have student loans and are concerned about your ability to qualify for a VA loan, there are several steps you can take to improve your chances:

  1. Increase Your Income: One way to improve your debt-to-income ratio is to increase your income. Consider taking on a part-time job, asking for a raise at work, or pursuing a higher-paying job.
  2. Pay Down Your Debt: Another way to improve your debt-to-income ratio is to pay down your debt. Focus on paying off high-interest debt first, such as credit cards or personal loans.
  3. Consider Refinancing Your Student Loans: If you have federal student loans, you may be able to lower your monthly payments and improve your debt-to-income ratio by refinancing through a federal income-driven repayment plan or a private lender.
  4. Work with a Lender Experienced in VA Loans: Finally, working with a lender experienced in VA loans can be helpful. They can help you understand the VA loan requirements and navigate the application process, including calculating your debt-to-income ratio.

The Bottom Line

If you are a military service member or veteran with student loans, it is possible to qualify for a VA loan to purchase a home. However, it is important to understand how student loans can impact your debt-to-income ratio and take steps to improve your eligibility. Working with a lender experienced in VA loans can be especially helpful in navigating the process and securing the financing you need to buy your dream home.

While student loans can impact your VA loan eligibility, they do not necessarily disqualify you from obtaining a VA loan. By improving your debt-to-income ratio and working with an experienced lender, you can increase your chances of qualifying for a VA loan and achieving your homeownership goal.

Department of Veterans Affairs. (2021, February 12). VA home loan funding fee and Loan Limits for 2021: What you need to know. Retrieved from https://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/purchaseco_loan_limits.asp.

Federal Student Aid. (n.d.). Loan consolidation. Retrieved from https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/consolidation.

Federal Student Aid. (n.d.). Repayment plans. Retrieved from https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/repayment/plans.

U.S. Department of Education. (2021, February 26). COVID-19 federal student loan flexibilities. Retrieved from https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/coronavirus.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (n.d.). Debt to income ratio. Retrieved from https://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/documents/docs/vap_26-7_online_version.pdf.