 TITLE: How Do I Qualify for a Private Student Loan? CONTENT: Who Is Eligible for a Private Student Loan?\n-------------------------------------------\nAs with any type of loan, private student loan lenders are careful when it comes to who they'll lend money to. Here the main factors they'll look at when deciding whether to approve your loan application:\n*   **Credit score and credit history**: There's no set credit score you need to qualify, but the better your credit scores are, the more likely you are to get approved. Good credit also helps you qualify for lower interest rates. If your credit is poor, consider applying with a cosigner. You can also review your credit report and look for ways to improve your credit before applying.\n*   **Income and debt**: Even if you're not earning much, having a source of income can help you qualify. Lenders may also look at your debt-to-income ratio (DTI). This ratio compares your income with the amount you owe toward your debts each month. A lower DTI will help you qualify for better loans.\n*   **Enrollment in a qualified educational program**: Before approving your loan, the lender may contact your school to verify your enrollment. They may even check to make sure you're not borrowing more than you need for tuition and other education expenses. You may have to be enrolled full time to qualify for a private loan, and the lender may not approve all types of colleges and degree programs. END