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It could come as a dreaded envelope in your mailbox, or as a call from an unknown number you’re afraid to take. Whether you’re receiving calls or mail from a debt collector or are going out of your way to avoid either (or both!), you’ll probably want to know: What is a debt collection agency, and how does it work?

How Do Collection Agencies Work?

At their most basic, debt collection agencies exist in order to try to get borrowers to pay their overdue debts. Debt collection companies make money by buying debt from lenders, often for pennies on the dollar, and then attempting to get the original amount owed from the borrower.

A bill that’s 30 days past due is otherwise known as a delinquent account. Lenders and creditors have some leeway when they report overdue debts to credit bureaus. For borrowers who continually miss payments, a lender may report a missed payment right at the 30-day mark. But for a borrower who has a positive repayment record, a lender might allow a few missed payments before reporting it to the credit bureaus.

A debt is typically not sent to a collection agency until several months have gone by and your lender no longer wants to put effort into collecting the debt from you. Instead, the lender might either enlist an agency that is hired to collect third-party debts or sell the debt to a collection agency. Once the debt has been sold to a debt collection agency, you may start to get calls and/or letters from that agency.

You may be wondering what a collection agency can do to you. The debt collection industry is heavily regulated, and borrowers have many rights when it comes to dealing with bill collectors. Debt collectors are allowed to try to get you to pay, but they are restricted by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), which prohibits them from harassing you or lying to you in order to collect your debt. Despite this, debt collectors will try everything in their power to get you to pay your old debt.


💡 Quick Tip: With average interest rates lower than credit cards, a personal loan for credit card debt can substantially decrease your monthly bills.

What Is a Debt Collector?

A debt collector can be either an individual person or an agency. In either case, their task is to collect overdue debts from those who owe them. Sometimes referred to as collection specialists, an individual debt collector may be responsible for many accounts. They may be paid a base salary plus commission, so they have a high incentive to convince the debtor to pay.

What Do Collection Agencies Do?

Debt collection agencies are hired by creditors and are generally paid a percentage of the amount of the debt they recover for the creditor. The percentage a collection agency charges is typically based on the age of the debt and the amount of the debt. Older debts or higher debts may take more time to collect, so a collection agency might charge a higher percentage for collecting those.

Some agencies may also charge a flat fee for collecting a debt. Others work on a contingency basis and only charge the creditor if they are successful in collecting on the debt.

The debt collection agency enters into an agreement with the creditor to collect a percentage of the debt — the percentage is stipulated by the creditor. One creditor might not be willing to settle for less than the full amount owed, while another might accept a settlement for 50% of the debt.

When the debt is collected, the agency takes its payment from the amount paid and sends the remainder to the creditor.

Recommended: What Are the Common Uses for Personal Loans?

How is this different from a debt buyer?

The main difference between a debt collector and a debt buyer is the stage the debt is with the creditor. If a creditor is still trying to collect a debt, either on its own or through a debt collection agency, the debt is considered to be a current debt. But if a creditor has given up trying to collect a debt, they may write off — or charge off — the debt, no longer expecting it to be paid.

A debt collector is hired by the creditor to attempt to collect what is owed on the current debt by the debtor.

A debt buyer, in comparison, doesn’t work for the creditor like a debt collector does. They buy debts that have been charged off by creditors, sometimes buying a collection of old debts from a single creditor. They may pay very little for the debt, sometimes just a few cents of what was originally owed. Debt buyers then attempt to collect the debt, sometimes using aggressive tactics.

The debt buyer buys only an electronic file of information, often without supporting evidence of the debt. The debt is also generally very old debt, sometimes referred to as “zombie debt” because the debt buyer tries to revive a debt that was beyond the statute of limitations for collections.

How to Deal With a Debt in Collections

Debt collection agencies may contact you either in writing or by phone.

If your first instinct is to hang up when you get a phone call from a debt collector, you’re not alone. But not talking to them won’t make the debt go away, and they may just try alternative methods to contact you, including suing you. When a debt collector calls you, it’s important to get some initial information from them, such as:

•  The debt collector’s name, address, and phone number.

•  The total amount of the debt they claim you owe, including any fees and interest charges that may have accrued.

•  The date the debt was incurred and who it was originally owed to.

•  Proof they have that the debt is actually yours.

The debt collector must let you know that you have the right to dispute the debt and how to do so. If they don’t say this in their first contact with you, they must notify you of your right to dispute within five days of their initial contact with you. Under the FDCPA, a debt collector must send a debt validation notice, which must include certain information.

•  The letter must state that it’s from a debt collector.

•  Name and address of both the debt collector and the debtor.

•  The creditor or creditors to whom the debt is owed.

•  An itemization of the debt, including fees and interest.

They must also inform you of your rights in the debt collection process, and how you can dispute the debt.

•  If you don’t dispute the debt within 30 days of their first contact with you, they’ll assume the debt is valid.

•  If you do dispute the debt within 30 days, they must cease collection efforts until they provide you with proof that the debt is yours.

•  They must provide you with the name and address of the original creditor if you request that information within 30 days.

The debt validation notice must include a form that can be used to contact them if you wish to dispute the debt.

The FDCPA ensures that consumers aren’t harassed during the collections process. Some things debt collectors cannot do are:

•  Make repeated calls to a debtor, intending to annoy the debtor.

•  Threaten physical violence.

•  Use obscenity.

•  Lie about how much you owe or pretend to call from an official government office.

How Does a Debt in Collections Affect Your Credit?

Generally, unpaid debt is reported to the credit bureaus when it’s 30 days past due. If payments continue to be missed, additional late payments will be reported, and with each missed payment, your credit is likely to be negatively affected.

If your debt is transferred to a debt collector or sold to a debt buyer, an entry will be made on your credit report. Each time your debt is sold, if it continues to go unpaid, another entry will be added to your credit report.

Each negative entry on your credit report can remain there for up to seven years, even after the debt has been paid. This, of course, will likely affect your credit score. Higher credit scores may take a greater hit than lower credit scores.

A late payment or collections entry on your credit report could lower your credit score by as much as 110 points, a debt settlement entry could lower it by as much as 125 points, and a bankruptcy could lower it up to 240 points.

Recommended: How to Check Your Credit Score for Free

Alternatives to Debt Collection Agencies

You have options when it comes to dealing with your debt. Here are a few you may want to consider.

Credit Consumer Counseling Services

With credit consumer counseling services, you may be paired with a trained credit counselor who works with you to develop a debt management plan. Generally, counselors don’t negotiate a reduction in debts owed, but they could help lower monthly payments by working to increase the loan terms or lower interest rates. A plan may require you to make a single monthly payment to the agency, which then makes monthly payments to all of your creditors.

The credit counselor can also provide guidance on your money and debts, work with you to create a budget, and even offer free workshops or financial literacy materials.

Many agencies are nonprofit and offer counseling services for free or at a low cost. To find a nonprofit agency that’s certified by the Justice Department, you may want to start with this list.

Debt Settlement

Debt settlement is where a third-party company negotiates with your creditors or debt collectors on your behalf to try to reduce your debt.

Paying off less debt might sound like an easy win, but debt settlement can come with some big financial risks, possibly affecting the debtor’s credit score and ability to access credit in the future, and costing more along the way. Plus, creditors are under no obligation to accept a settlement proposal, and not all creditors will negotiate with a debt relief company.

Instead of paying a company to negotiate on your behalf, you can try talking directly to your creditors for free. While creditors may not reduce your debt, they may be open to negotiating for a lower rate or offering a modified payment plan so your payments are more manageable.

Debt Consolidation

If you have multiple, high-interest debts, you may choose to consolidate them into a new, single personal loan. Ideally, this new loan has a lower interest rate or more favorable terms to help streamline the repayment process.
Personal loans are often unsecured, which means no collateral is required to secure the loan. They can have fixed or variable interest rates, but it’s usually easy to find a lender that offers fixed-rate personal loans.

Note that some loans come with origination fees, which can add to the total balance you’ll have to repay. You may also be charged with late fees, prepayment penalties, or other fees. Make sure you understand any fees or penalties before you sign the loan agreement.


💡 Quick Tip: Before choosing a personal loan, ask about the lender’s fees: origination, prepayment, late fees, etc. SoFi personal loans come with no-fee options, and no surprises.

The Takeaway

If you’ve received a phone call or letter from a debt collector, it helps to understand how debt collection agencies work and how to deal with a debt in collections. Avoiding a collector won’t make your debt disappear — it’s better to get all the information you can from the debt collector to help you make informed choices as you go through the collections process or dispute the debt. And if you’re having trouble managing multiple high-interest debts, remember there are options available to help get control of your finances.

Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. Checking your rate takes just a minute.

SoFi’s Personal Loan was named NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Personal Loan overall.

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SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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A personal loan is a flexible type of loan issued by a bank, credit union, or online lender that you pay back in regular, fixed payments over a set term.

Personal loans work a little differently than other types of loans. Consumer loans typically specify what the money should be spent on: Mortgages are used to purchase or refinance homes, and student loans are used to pay for an education. But there aren’t as many restrictions on how you can or can’t spend personal loan funds, which allows for more flexibility than other types of loans.

Read on to learn more about how personal loans work, including how much you can borrow, how to apply, and the different types of personal loans.

What Is a Personal Loan?

As mentioned before, a personal loan is a one-time lump sum you borrow from a bank or other financial institution and repay over time, usually with interest. The funds can be used for almost anything.

Loan amounts generally range from $1,000 to $50,000, though some lenders offer personal loans up to $100,000. Repayment terms are usually anywhere from two to seven years.


💡 Quick Tip: Before choosing a personal loan, ask about the lender’s fees: origination, prepayment, late fees, etc. SoFi personal loans come with no-fee options, and no surprises.

How Do Personal Loans Work?

Personal loans are typically unsecured loans (meaning you don’t have to pledge an asset to secure the loan) that provide you with money you then pay back in regular installments over the term of the loan.

How Do You Get the Money?

The first step is applying for a personal loan (more on that below). After loan approval, the lender typically deposits the loan proceeds directly into the borrower’s bank account.

Repaying a Personal Loan

You repay a personal loan in monthly installments that go toward both principal and interest.

Typically, personal loans are amortized. This means the total amount you owe is divided into equal monthly payments over the term of the loan. Even though the total monthly payment remains the same, the amounts being directed to principal and interest will change each month. An amortization schedule can show you exactly how much of your payment is going towards paying down the principal and how much is being paid in interest.

Personal loans with longer terms may offer lower monthly payments, but cost more in interest over the life of the loan. A shorter-term personal loan can have higher monthly payments, but cost less overall in interest.

How Personal Loan Interest Rates Work

The interest rate on a personal loan is determined by the lender and is based on a number of factors, including the applicant’s financial history, income, debt, and credit score. Generally speaking, the better an applicant’s credit score, the better the chance they have to receive a lower interest rate on the loan. The higher the interest rate, the more money the loan will cost over its term.

Personal Loan Uses

Personal loans can be used for just about anything. That said, there are some common reasons people take out different types of personal loans, including:

•   Debt management and consolidation

•   Home improvement expenses

•   Wedding costs

•   Unexpected medical expenses

•   Moving expenses

•   Funeral expenses

•   Family planning

•   Car repairs

•   Vacation

The Personal Loan Application Process

While it’s not as simple as walking into a bank, asking for a loan, and walking out with a check, the application process for personal loans is relatively easy.

Before you apply for a personal loan, you’ll want to consider how much money you want to borrow, how much you can afford to pay each month, how long you want to make payments, and whether or not you want to put up collateral (though less common, some lenders offer secured personal loans). There may be other considerations for specific financial circumstances, which can vary from person to person.

Checking Your Own Credit

Because lenders will be looking closely at your creditworthiness, it’s a good idea to give your financial health a check-up before you begin the application process. You can get a free copy of your credit reports from the three main consumer credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — for free at AnnualCreditReport.com.

Once you get your reports, it’s a good idea to review them carefully and report for any errors. Correcting anything that isn’t accurate means your credit report will look as good as possible to lenders.

Comparing Loans

Just like shopping around for the best prices before making a large purchase, comparing lenders’ rates and terms is a smart move before the application process actually begins.

Here are some things to look for when researching lenders:

•   How much do they lend on personal loans? If the amount you need to borrow doesn’t fall within the range offered by the lender, you may need to look elsewhere.

•   Do they charge any fees or penalties? Some lenders charge an origination fee equal to a percentage of the loan amount to process your application. Some personal loans also have a prepayment penalty if you pay off your loan ahead of schedule.

•   How are fees and penalties charged? Some lenders may roll any fees into the loan amount, which increases the total amount you’ll owe. Other lenders may deduct the fee amounts from the loan proceeds, so the amount you receive will be lower than the actual amount of the loan.

•   Can I get prequalified so I’ll know what interest rate they might offer me? Prequalification involves the lender doing a soft pull on your credit report, which will not affect your credit score. This step will give the lender a sneak peek at your financial history so they can give you an estimated interest rate. Going through this process with multiple lenders is one way to compare rates and terms you may qualify for.

•   What if I can’t make my loan payments due to financial hardship? Missed or late payments could result in late fees, affect your credit score, or lead to your account being sent to collections. Some lenders may offer protections for borrowers who have lost their job or are having difficulty making their payments for other reasons.

Applying for a Loan

When you’ve selected a lender, it’s time to submit the actual application. For an unsecured personal loan, lenders typically require:

•   A photo ID

•   Proof of address

•   Proof of income or employment

Each lender has different requirements, though, so it’s important to carefully read and follow the lender’s application instructions. At this stage, the lender will usually do a hard credit check, which can have a small and temporary negative affect on your credit score.

Waiting for Approval

Once you’ve submitted the application and all required documents, it’s time to play the waiting game. Rest easy, though, because some personal loan approvals happen quickly — sometimes in just a day. More complicated applications could take a week or more.

Personal loans can range anywhere from $1,000 to $100,000, depending on the lender. Once you apply and are approved for the loan, you’ll receive the amount of money you were approved for in a lump sum, minus any origination fees that some lenders may charge. You then start paying back that money in installments which are set by the specific terms of your loan.

Types of Personal Loans

There are a variety of different types of personal loans. Factors like how much money you plan to borrow, your credit and financial history, and how much debt you already have will influence which type of personal loan is right for you. Here’s a look at some common personal loan options.

Unsecured vs Secured Personal Loans

An unsecured personal loan is the most common type of personal loan. Unsecured means the loan is not backed by collateral, like a house or car. The approval and interest rate you receive on an unsecured personal loan is mostly based on your creditworthiness.

Secured personal loans require an asset to be pledged to “secure” the loan. Think of a house when it comes to a mortgage loan, or a car when it comes to a car loan. If you fail to repay your loan, the lender can then seize the collateral.

Some banks offer secured personal loans that allow you to borrow against the equity of your car, personal savings, or other assets. Since secured loans are backed by an asset that the lender can seize if you default on the loan, they generally have a lower interest rate than an unsecured personal loan.

Here’s a look at some pros and cons of unsecured and secured personal loans:

	Unsecured Personal Loans	Secured Personal Loans
Advantages	Funds may be disbursed the same day or within a week Interest rates are typically lower compared to credit cards No collateral required	Interest rates are typically lower compared to unsecured personal loans Can be a good way to improve credit if payments are regular and on time Tend to have a longer repayment period
Disadvantages	May need to meet minimum credit score requirements for approval Interest rates may be higher compared to secured personal loans Credit score may be negatively affected if borrower defaults	Collateral is required Lender can seize the collateral if borrower defaults Application and approval process may involves more steps

Fixed-Rate vs Variable-Rate Personal Loans

Most personal loans are typically fixed-rate loans, meaning your rate and monthly payment stay the same (or are fixed) for the life of the loan. Fixed-rate loans can make sense if you’re looking for something with consistent payments each month. A fixed-rate loan is also worth considering if you are concerned about rising interest rates on longer-term personal loans.

As the name suggests, the interest rate on a variable-rate loan can fluctuate over the life of the loan. Interest rates on this type of loan are tied to benchmark rates or indexes. Based on how the benchmark rate or index changes, the interest rate on a variable-rate loan will also change, directly affecting your monthly payment.

Generally, variable-rate loans carry lower annual percentage rates (APRs) and some have limits on how much the interest rate can rise or lower over a specific period, or even over the life of the loan. A variable-rate loan could be a good choice if you are taking out a small amount of money with a short repayment term.

Here are some pros and cons of variable-rate personal loans and fixed-rate personal loans. Choosing between variable vs. fixed rates will come down to personal preference and what you are approved for.

	Variable-Rate Personal Loans	Fixed-Rate Personal Loans
Advantages	Loans often start out with a lower interest rate compared to fixed-rate loans If benchmark rate goes down, interest rate on the loan also goes down Flexible	Monthly payments are consistent Can avoid rising interest rates Easy to understand
Disadvantages	If benchmark rises, the cost of the loan also rises Borrowers have a greater risk of defaulting on loan if the interest rate increases significantly As interest rates change, so will the monthly payment	Won’t be able to take advantage of changes in interest rates Interest rates tend to be higher compared to variable-rate loans May pay more over time if you took out your loan when interest rates were high

Small vs Large Personal Loans

Just as personal loans are taken out for a variety of reasons, the dollar amount borrowed can vary, too.

A small personal loan, which is generally for $3,000 or less, typically has a lower APR than other types of short-term debt, such as payday loans. Many banks and other financial institutions have limits on the minimum amount they’ll lend. Some credit unions may offer alternatives to payday loans in an effort to help their members save money and avoid being stuck in a cycle of debt.

A large personal loan might be used to pay for major expenses such as home repair or remodeling, medical expenses, or an expensive life event, such as a wedding. Some lenders offer personal loans up to $100,000.

It’s important to keep in mind your ability to repay the loan when deciding how much to borrow. Here’s how small and large loans compare:

	Small Personal Loan	Large Personal Loans
Advantages	Can use the money for a wide variety of purposes Interest rates are typically lower compared to credit cards Usually has better terms than payday loans	Can use the money for a wide variety of purposes Greater ability to combine multiple credit card balances into one balance Can be a good way to improve credit if payments are regular and on time
Disadvantages	Can often get a better interest rate with a larger loan No grace period Lenders may limit how much you can borrow	The larger the loan, the more debt you’re taking on Increases your debt-to-income ratio Lenders may limit how much you can borrow

What Personal Loan Lenders Look at in Your Application

When you apply for a loan, the lender typically considers your credit score, debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, and other factors.

Credit Score

A person’s credit score shows lenders what the theoretical likelihood of that person paying back a loan would be. Generally, the lower a person’s credit score, the more of a risk they are assumed to be. Conversely, the higher a person’s credit score, the lower a risk they are assumed to be — and the more likely they are to be approved for lower interest rates and higher loan amounts.

Debt-to-Income Ratio

Your DTI is a percentage that tells lenders how much money you spend on monthly debt payments versus how much money you have coming into your household. You can calculate your DTI by adding up your monthly minimum debt payments and dividing it by your monthly pretax income.

Lenders generally want to see a DTI of 35% to 40% or less but may make exceptions if you have good credit.

Credit History

Lenders will review your credit report for anything that might stand out as a risk for them. If there are a high number of inquiries on your credit report or if there were multiple debt accounts opened in a short time period, that might indicate high risk to a lender. Borrowers who are considered high risk may find it more difficult to get a loan and could pay higher interest rates.

Deciding If a Personal Loan Is Right for You

Not sure whether a personal loan makes sense for your situation? Here are some questions to ask yourself:

•   Do I need the money quickly? If you do, then a personal loan might be a smart move.

•   Can I afford the monthly payments? Before you take on any debt, it’s important to set a realistic plan on how you’ll repay what you owe.

•   Do I already have a high amount of debt? Taking out a personal loan when you have significant debt can put a serious dent in your budget and savings goals. It can also increase your DTI, which lenders look at when reviewing your loan application.

•   Do I have a “bad” credit score? If your credit score isn’t so great — FICO defines “bad” as 579 or below — then you may want to wait on taking out a loan and instead work on your credit.

•   Does a personal loan offer the lowest interest rate of all the options available? It’s a good idea to shop around for the rate and terms that best fit your needs before you apply with a lender.

Recommended: Personal Loan Calculator

Alternatives to Personal Loans

There may be times when you need help covering a big expense, but taking out a personal loan isn’t the best choice. Fortunately, there are alternative funding options. Here are a few you may want to explore:

Credit Cards

Like personal loans, credit cards offer a line of credit that can be used for a wide range of purposes. You may want to consider using a credit card if you have a smaller expense that you can pay off quickly.

Home Equity Line of Credit

If you own your home and have at least 20% equity, you may be able to get a home equity line of credit (HELOC). This option could be a smart move if you need to borrow a large amount of money or plan on having ongoing expenses, like those with a remodeling project.

401(k) Loan

If you have a financial emergency or want to pay off high-interest debt — and no other option is available — then you may want to consider borrowing from your 401(k). Keep in mind that you may face taxes and penalties when you withdraw the money, so be sure you understand how your plan works and what it allows.


💡 Quick Tip: While HELOCs may require an appraisal before you get approved, a SoFi home improvement loan does not. That means you can get approved and funded the same day.^*

The Takeaway

Personal loans can offer flexibility when you’re looking for funds for a variety of uses, and typically have lower interest rates than credit cards. Depending on your financial needs and financial circumstances, there may be a personal loan that fits. Comparing multiple lenders is a good way to make sure you’re getting a personal loan that works for you.

Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. Checking your rate takes just a minute.

SoFi’s Personal Loan was named NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Personal Loan overall.

FAQ

How do personal loan payments work?

Personal loans are typically repaid in monthly installments. When you take out a personal loan, you agree to repay the borrowed amount plus interest over a set period, usually through equal monthly payments. Each payment consists of a portion that goes towards reducing the principal balance and another portion that covers the interest charges. The loan agreement will specify the amount of each payment, the duration of the loan, and the interest rate.

What are the risks of a personal loan?

Personal loans come with certain risks that borrowers should be aware of. One risk is defaulting on the loan, which can lead to late fees, damage to your credit score, and even legal action from the lender. Another risk is needing to take on additional debt if you borrow more than you can afford to repay. In addition, personal loans may have higher interest rates compared to secured loans like mortgages or auto loans. It’s important to carefully consider your financial situation and ability to repay before taking on a personal loan.

What are the disadvantages of a personal loan?

Personal loans have a few potential disadvantages to consider. One is that they tend to have higher interest rates compared to loans secured by collateral. Personal loans may also have origination fees or other associated costs. Another potential disadvantage is that, should you miss payments or default on the loan, it could have a negative impact on your credit score.

Is a personal loan bad for your credit score?

A personal loan itself is not inherently bad for your credit score. In fact, when managed responsibly, a personal loan can have a positive impact on your credit. Making timely payments and paying off the loan as agreed can demonstrate your ability to handle debt responsibly, which can improve your credit profile. However, if you miss payments or default on the loan, it can have a negative affect on your credit. It’s important to borrow within your means, make payments on time, and consider the impact on your credit score before taking on a personal loan.

Does personal loan money go to your bank account?

Yes, when you are approved for a personal loan, the funds are typically deposited directly into your bank account. This allows you to have immediate access to the loan amount. The specific timeline for receiving the money may vary depending on the lender and the loan application process.

Do you get money right away from a personal loan?

The timing of receiving money from a personal loan can vary depending on the lender and their processes. Typically, you receive the money within five to seven business days of approval, and some lenders even offer same-day funding.

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^* Same-Day Personal Loan Funding: 82% of typical SoFi Personal Loan applications, excluding Direct Pay Personal Loans and Personal Loan refinance, from January 1, 2022 to January 1, 2023 that were signed before 7pm ET on a business day were funded the same day.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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Editor’s Note: The new, simplified FAFSA form for the 2024-2025 academic year is available, although applicants are reporting a number of glitches. Try not to worry, take your time, and aim to submit your application as soon as possible.

Even if your parents are high earners (or you’re a grad student with a good salary), it’s worth filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA®. While your earnings are a factor on the FAFSA, there are no income limits to apply or to qualify for aid, and not all programs are based on need. The FAFSA also provides access to non-need-based programs, including institutional merit aid and unsubsidized federal loans.

Regardless of income, It’s generally recommended to fill out the FAFSA as close to its release date as possible. Typically, the form becomes available on October 1 for the following academic year. The 2024-2025 academic year, however, is an exception. Due to upcoming changes to the FAFSA (and some adjustments in how student aid will be calculated), the application will be available in December 2023.

Read on to learn more about income requirements to be eligible for financial aid and why it’s probably a good idea to fill out the FAFSA.

What Are FAFSA Income Limits?

There is no income maximum when you file the FAFSA as an undergraduate or graduate student to attend college or career school. In other words, any student attending or applying to an eligible school can fill out and submit the online form, even if their parents are high earners.

In addition, there are no simple FAFSA income limits — or income cutoffs — for financial aid eligibility, in part due to the complexity of financial aid formulas.

In general, to be eligible for financial aid, you’ll need to:

•   Have a high school diploma or a recognized equivalency, such as a GED, or have completed a state-approved home-school high school education

•   Demonstrate financial need (for most programs)

•   Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible noncitizen

•   Have a valid Social Security Number

•   Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a regular student in an eligible degree or certificate program

•   Maintain satisfactory academic progress in college if you’re already enrolled. Standards for satisfactory academic progress vary by school

💡 Quick Tip: Make no payments on SoFi private student loans for six months after graduation.

How Are FAFSA Needs Calculated?

Your eligibility for scholarships, grants, work-study, and federal student loans depends on two key factors: your Student Aid Index (SAI) and the school’s cost of attendance (COA).

If you’re a dependent student with divorced parents, the parent who provided more financial support to you should complete the FAFSA. This is a new rule effective with the 2024-2025 FAFSA. (In prior years the parent you lived with more, or the custodial parent, would file the FAFSA.) If the parent that provides more financial support has remarried, you need to report the stepparent’s income and asset information as well.

SAI

The Student Aid Index (SAI) is the new name for Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Like EFC, SAI is an eligibility index number that a college’s financial aid office uses to determine how much federal aid a student would receive if they attended the school.

SAI is calculated using the information you provide in the FAFSA, including family income, assets, and the size of the household. One change from EFC is that the number of family members currently enrolled in college is no longer taken into consideration. As a result, families with more than one child in college will no longer have an advantage in getting aid over those with just one going to college. Another difference: Unlike EFC, SAI can dip into negative territory (as low as -$1,500) to better differentiate levels of need.

The new formula also increases the Income Protection Allowance (IPA) that shelters a certain amount of parental income (enough to cover a family’s basic living expenses) from inclusion in the calculation of total income. This means that more of a student’s or family’s income will be excluded from the calculation than with EFC, which could mean that more families will qualify for aid.

IPA is based on family size. For example, a family of three (not including the student) can exclude $29,040 from their income for 2024-2025, while a family of three can exclude $35,870. Income above those figures — the family’s so-called discretionary income — is what counts when calculating SAI.

Recommended: 2024-2025 FAFSA Changes, Explained

Cost of Attendance

The cost of attendance (COA) of a college or university refers to the estimated cost of a year of attendance at that school, including tuition, lodging, food, transportation, and personal expenses.

When financial aid staffers at a college or university calculate the amount of financial aid you can qualify for, they take their COA and subtract your SAI (and any other financial assistance you are already receiving) to determine your financial need.

You can get an estimate of how much financial aid you might qualify for by using the government’s Federal Student Aid Estimator .

Grants and Loans That Require Financial Need

Here’s a look at a few federal grants and loans that require you to demonstrate financial need in order to qualify:

•   Federal Pell Grants

•   Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants

•   Federal Work-Study Program

•   Direct Subsidized Loans

Different Kinds of Financial Aid

You may be eligible to receive different kinds of need-based financial aid as well as non-need-based aid, including Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Direct PLUS Loans for parents or graduate and professional students.

For the 2021-2022 school year, the most recent year for which these stats are available, undergraduate and graduate students received $234.6 billion in financial aid through grants, federal student loans, tax credits, and federal work-study, according to the Trends in Student Aid report from the College Board. The average full-time undergraduate student received $15,330, while the average graduate student received $27,300.

Pell Grants

The Pell Grant is a need-based financial aid program from the federal government that is designed to help undergraduates from low-income families afford college. The Federal Pell Grant award amount changes yearly. The maximum Pell Grant award for the 2023-24 academic year is $7,395. (The amount for 2024-2025 has not been announced yet.)

The actual amount of Pell Grant you can receive depends on your SAI, the COA at your college or university, your status as a full-time or part-time student, and the amount of time that you will attend school during the academic year.

Pell Grant eligibility will be simplified for the 2024-2025 academic year. The maximum available amount will go to students or, if dependent, their parent(s) who fall below income thresholds for tax filing — adjusted gross incomes below 225% (single) or 175% (married) of the poverty line.

FSEOG

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), which typically doesn’t have to be repaid (unless you don’t fulfill your end of the bargain by completing school), goes to students who demonstrate high need, as determined through the FAFSA.

The awards range $100 to $4,000 a year. The amount of money you can get depends not only on your level of need but also on when you apply, the amount of other aid you get, and how much your college or university can offer students.

Work-Study Programs

Work-study is a federally (sometimes state-funded) program that helps college students with financial need get part-time jobs either on or off campus to earn money for college. Students are typically responsible for securing their own work-study jobs.

Not all schools offer work-study, so it’s a good idea to reach out to the financial aid offices at the schools you’re interested in to see if they offer the program. To apply for work-study, you simply need to select the box on the FAFSA that indicates you want to be considered for work-study.

Direct Subsidized Loans

A Direct Subsidized Loan is a loan provided by the federal government for students who demonstrate financial need. You do not have to pay interest on the loan while you’re in school, during any deferment, or during the grace period. The government picks up this tab.

Before receiving the funds from a Direct Subsidized Loan, you need to complete entrance counseling, which goes over your obligation to repay the loan, and sign a master promissory note, which indicates that you agree to the loan terms.

For undergraduate students who get (or got) loans after July 1, 2023 and before July 1, 2024, the interest rate for Direct Subsidized Loans is 5.50%.

Direct Unsubsidized Loans

Like a Direct Subsidized Loan, a Direct Unsubsidized Loan comes from the federal government, but graduate and professional students can also receive these loans.

Unlike Direct Subsidized Loans, Direct Unsubsidized Loans are non-need based and the government does not pay the interest while you’re in school, during any deferment, and during the grace period. You will be responsible for paying all interest, which begins accruing as soon as the loan is dispersed.

For undergraduate students who get (or got) loans after July 1, 2023 and before July 1, 2024, the interest rate for Direct Unsubsidized Loans is 5.50%.

For graduate or professional students, the interest rate for Direct Unsubsidized loans is 7.05%.

It’s worth noting that for both types of Direct loans, you do not need to undergo a credit check in order to qualify. These types of loans also have annual and aggregate loan limits .

Direct PLUS Loan

Parents of undergraduate students and graduate or professional students can receive a Direct PLUS Loan from a school that participates in the Direct Loan Program. Some schools call this loan type a parent PLUS loan or grad PLUS loan to differentiate the two.

For Direct PLUS Loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2023, and before July 1, 2024, the interest rate is 8.05%. There is also a 4.228% origination fee for all Direct PLUS loans first disbursed on or after Oct. 1, 2020.

You’ll undergo a credit check as a parent or a graduate/professional student to look for adverse events, but eligibility does not depend on your credit scores.

You can obtain up to the full cost of attendance of the school minus any other financial aid you receive.


💡 Quick Tip: Parents and sponsors with strong credit and income may find much lower rates on no-fee private parent student loans than federal parent PLUS loans. Federal PLUS loans also come with an origination fee.

Beyond Federal Student Loans

Do you have to file the FAFSA? No, it’s not required, but it is a good idea to do so. Schools, states, and other programs also use the FAFSA to determine merit-based grants and scholarships.

Aside from federal loans, here’s a look at other ways to pay for college.

Savings

Some parents, and grandparents, prepare for the task of paying for college well in advance using a tax-advantaged savings account, such as a 529 account. A 529 plan allows your savings to grow tax-free, and some states even offer a tax deduction on your contributions.The advantage of tapping into savings is obvious: You don’t have to borrow funds and pay interest.

Private Student Loans

Private student loans come from a bank, credit union, or other private lender. Loan limits vary by lender, but you can often get up to the total cost of attendance for school. Each lender sets its own interest rate and you can often choose to go with a fixed or variable rate. Unlike some federal loans, qualification is not need-based. However, you will need to undergo a credit check and students often need a cosigner.

You generally want to exhaust federal loan options before turning to private student loans, since private loans generally don’t offer the borrower protections — like income-based repayment plans and deferment or forbearance — that come with federal student loans.

Grants

Grants, which are typically need-based, are a type of financial aid that students generally don’t have to repay (unless they fail to finish the semester or year in college). The U.S. Department of Education offers the following grants besides Pell Grants and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants:

•   Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants

•   Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grants

A student can seek other grants from their state, their college or career school, or another organization.

Scholarships

Scholarships, like grants, are a type of financial aid that you don’t have to pay back. You can apply for scholarships anywhere — through professional organizations, your job or your parents’ jobs, local organizations, religious groups, your college or career school — the list goes on.

There are a number of scholarship finders available online.

Part-Time Work

Even if you don’t qualify for work-study, you can look for a part-time job. If you have the time and energy to pair a part-time job with your studies, you can consider doing so after classes or on the weekends. Part-time work can help you pay for school or additional expenses, such as rent or groceries.

Private Student Loans With SoFi

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

Cover up to 100% of school-certified costs including tuition, books, supplies, room and board, and transportation with a private student loan from SoFi.

FAQ

Can you get financial aid if your parents make over $100K?

The U.S. Department of Education doesn’t have an official income cutoff to qualify for federal financial aid. The reason is that the formula involved in determining need-based aid is complex and involves more than just your parents’ income. Assets, the size of your family, your school’s cost of attendance, and other factors all go into deciding how much aid you can receive.

Also keep in mind that not all financial aid is need-based, including Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans and institutional merit aid. That’s why it’s important to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year.

How are FAFSA income limits different for divorced parents?

For the 2024-2025 FAFSA, the parent who provided more financial support to you is responsible for completing the FAFSA, regardless of who you live with. If the parent who provides greater financial support has remarried, your stepparent’s income and asset information must also be reported on the FAFSA.

Are FAFSA income limits different for independent students?

No. The U.S. Department of Education uses the same formula for calculating aid regardless of whether you are a dependent or independent student.

That said, independent students may receive more aid than dependent students simply because they tend to have less income and fewer assets to report. You can qualify as an independent student if you are any of these:

•   At least 24 years old

•   Married

•   A graduate or professional student

•   A veteran

•   A member of the armed forces

•   An orphan or a ward of the court

•   Taking care of legal dependents

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